Dutch filmmaker Jamillah van der Hulst announced July 17 that Madrid-based sales agent Feelsales has acquired for world sales her Street Child World Cup doc I Am Somebody.
After its premiere at Festival do Rio, I Am Somebody was selected for 10 film festivals including Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, Dhaka International Film Festival, and ZagrebDox. It recently screened at Galway Fleadh and heads off next to San Sebastian and the MIPCOM market.
The film won Best Feature Documentary Film at the 13th CMS Lucknow International Children’s Film Festival, and the award for best Feature Football Film at the 40th Sport Movies & TV – Milano International FICTS, known as “the World Championship for sports films.”
I Am Somebody tells the inspiring story about six street-connected children who are chosen to represent their country at the Street Child World Cup in Qatar. “With a special guest appearance from David Beckham, the film demonstrates the power of football to ignite hope and positively impact the lives of these young people,” says Van der Hulst.
The film is produced by 5th Element Group (USA), Rebel with a Cause (USA), SOC Films (Pakistan) and JaJa Film Productions (Netherlands), with post-production support by Amsterdam-based Media.Monks.
Mike Downey, producer, and Chair of the European Film Academy, and Stephen Daldry, nominee of 3 Academy Awards for Best Director, are among the executive producers of the film.
Downey comments: “I am proud to be an executive producer on I Am Somebody. It doesn’t matter if you are from the refugee camps in Palestine, from the streets of Bangladesh or Brazil, or from poor families in Pakistan, at the Street Child World Cup everybody is equal and treated with respect. Here they get a chance, through the power of sport, to tell their story to the world. And what a story they have! Their stories are about resilience, hope, determination and never giving up. They are an example to everyone they meet.”
Van der Hulst has just finished her latest documentary Where the Kids Have No Name, also exec-produced by Downey and for which the director is looking for a festival premiere.
The synopsis reads how it is estimated that more than 3.4 million children live on the streets in Bangladesh. These children represent the absolute lowest level in the social hierarchy. Against all odds, everyday a small group of people goes out on the streets to give them a helping hand. This film provides a unique inside look in the world and the minds of children living on the streets of Dhaka and the rescue system that the social workers have in place to get those children off the streets.
On her company website, director Van der Hulst explains her filmmaking rationale: “We believe that people can be moved to pursue their goals or to help others to pursue their goals. We do so by telling gripping and inspiring human interest stories that will open people’s eyes.”
