El Clásico

In a small Kurdish village in Syria, a group of children are captivated by a Barcelona vs. Real Madrid football match, known as El Clásico. When a car bomb explodes, a young boy is injured and taken to a hospital. The story follows the children's efforts to deal with the aftermath and their enduring passion for the game amidst the harsh realities of war.

El Clásico received a mixed to positive reception, with critics praising its poignant portrayal of childhood innocence amidst conflict and its emotional resonance. While some found its narrative pacing uneven, the film was generally lauded for its powerful performances and its unique perspective on the impact of football in a war-torn region.

• Praised for its emotional depth and depiction of resilience.

• Recognized for its unique juxtaposition of football and war.

• Some noted pacing issues but found the overall message compelling.

Google audience: Information not available.

Screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and won the Audience Award at the Calgary International Film Festival.

The film was shot on a very low budget, with many of the child actors being non-professional and recruited from refugee camps.