Filmmaker Taika Waititi’s latest film, ‘Next Goal Wins’, is based on the true story of the American Samoa soccer team, notorious for their devastating 31-0 FIFA defeat in 2001. The story was previously documented in the 2014 film of the same name by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison. However, Waititi has admitted to taking some creative liberties in adapting the story for the screen, as reported by Variety. He openly confessed to twisting the truth during the world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, stating, “Otherwise, watch the documentary.”
‘Next Goal Wins’ follows the team as they approach the World Cup Qualifiers and hire coach Thomas Rongen (played by Michael Fassbender) in the hopes of turning their dismal track record around. Returning to the festival after his 2019 Oscar-winning film ‘Jojo Rabbit’, Waititi emphasized that the movie is about finding your family, even if it isn’t connected by blood. In a sing-songy voice, he added, “Find your tribe.”
The cast of the film includes Will Arnett, Elisabeth Moss, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Semu Filipo, and Lehi Falepapalangi. However, none of the stars were able to attend the festival due to ongoing labor strikes affecting actors and screenwriters. Instead, Waititi was accompanied by the real-life inspiration for Fassbender’s character and Jaiyah Saelua, portrayed by Kaimana, who serves as the heart of the film. Saelua is a faʻafafine, representing a third gender in Polynesian society, and is the first openly non-binary and trans woman to compete in the FIFA World Cup. Their appearance at the Princess of Wales Theater was met with a heartfelt standing ovation.
Expressing her satisfaction with Kaimana’s performance, Saelua also admitted that it was somewhat surreal to see her own story depicted in a movie. She remarked, “It was difficult for me to separate the documentary from Taika’s hybrid version. We understand that he will do as he pleases.” Waititi chimed in, “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story!”