Back of the Net

Executive produced by award-winning football journalist and historian, Jean Williams, this short sports drama was directed by Klara Kaliger, written by Ella Dorman-Gajic and starring herself, Maureen Casey, Lucy Jane Rae, Muki Zubis and Emmy-nominated Tom Goodman-Hill.

The story follows Maya (Dorman-Gajic), a youngster who is a dedicated footballer and lives with her grandmother, Maggie (Casey). One day, she and her teammates are informed by their coach, Sam (Zubis) that a scout will be attending their next game and some of them might get picked for trials. Excited by the news, Maya works hard in order to get ready for the big day, while simultaneously trying to take good care of granny.

In certain ways, this film has two storylines: as Maya struggles to balance her athletic aspirations with her home life, the narrative develops two plots, each with its own conflicts. On the football field, Maya's trainer is frustrated by her constant lateness at training sessions, while at home, Maya maintains a loving relationship with her grandmother, who appears to be suffering from dementia, and tries hard to look after her, yet, even there she is unable to be punctual, much to the dissatisfaction of her sister, Connie (Rae), who works as a carer. On top of all this, poor Maya also has an unreliable father (Goodman-Hill). Plenty of drama and conflict take place, along with a tense climax.

As expected, since this is a story that involves football, there are plenty of scenes of characters engaging in this sport and they are well-filmed, especially during the montage sequences. The music stands out, with composer Dominic Roocroft creating interesting melodies that include sounds resembling clapping.

Dorman-Gajic leads the film well and her role goes through significant character development. Maya is a well-meaning person dreams of becoming a professional footballer and she finds herself torn between achieving that and being loyal to supporting her family. Both Sam and Connie have roles that are quite similar, as each of them plays a character that tries to encourage Maya to be more responsible, whether as a strict instructor or as an overworked sibling. Casey is quite dramatic as an elderly woman and former footballer who is probably suffering from dementia and has a mental health that is gradually deteriorating.

Having a passion plays a key part in this story, having a passion for football and a passion for sports in general. The screenplay also acknowldges the significance of support and understanding priorities and responsibilities. Maya's dad represents negligence, a self-centered and irresposible man who refuses to acknowledge other people's needs. The film ends with an inspirational quote by English professional footballer, Leah Williamson and with this in mind and the fact that the main character is a young woman attempting to make it big in football, a sport populated primarily by men, it could be argued that this film promotes feminism. Furthermore, it could be said that this story is anti-male to a degree, as Maya's father is the sole male character and the only one who is presented as having only negative features, most notably irresponsibility.

A sports drama and a family drama. A moving film that encourages people to pursue aspirations and be reliable and supportive.