Sweden’s SVT, Finland’s Yle, and Denmark’s DR networks have secured rights to broadcast Red Arrow International’s “Mata Mata”. All three public broadcasters are planning to air the factual 1 x 90’ special during their coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2014.
“Mata Mata” (literally “kill-kill”) is the Brazilian term for a “knockout match”, a win-or-go-home battle as well as a metaphor for life. With unique access to the hidden circles pulling the strings in the background but also to intimate private moments, “Mata Mata” follows Brazilian football talents – Danilo, Thiago, Dante – for almost 3 years in their fight to fulfill their dreams.
Daniel Zackrisson, Acquisitions Executive at SVT: “‘Mata Mata’ is the perfect complement to our World Cup coverage. It is exciting to see the Brazilian boys’ journey from the Favelas to the big arenas.”
Anders Bruus, Acquisition Executive (Documentaries & Factual) at DR says: “We look forward to bringing this unique and spectacular documentary to our audience leading up to the World Cup this summer. It’s a rare insight behind the closed doors in the world of football – and a universal story about how little things can make the big difference in the careers of the young football talents.”
Tim Gerhartz, Senior Sales Manager Scandinavia at Red Arrow International says: “By peaking behind the closed doors of the football business, ‘Mata Mata’ reveals the world of football as we’ve never seen it before. Director-producer Jens Hoffmann has made the perfect special to air during the World Cup.”
About “Mata Mata”
Produced by F24 Film for Germany’s SWR/ ARD, “Mata Mata” is an intimate portrait of rising football talents and the world of the football business.
Telling stories about fame and defeat, about the true lives of sons, families and their agents, “Mata Mata” features Brazilian football players starting at age 15 in different stages of their careers: 17-year-old Danilo, flooded by offers from the most important European clubs. Bayer Leverkusen’s 18-year-old central defender Carlinhos. FC Bayern Munich defender Dante, still dreaming of being called to the Brazilian National Team for the World Cup 2014 at the age of 30.
Crucial changes in fate shape gripping stories – of failure and success. Without using a narrator, “Mata Mata” links motion picture images maintaining the look and feel of a feature film with human stories and defining moments of fear and disappointment, but also of hope and joy.