Footballer Hakeem Al-Araibi + Craig Foster’s battle to #SaveHakeem to be made into a documentary by Sweetshop & Green

‘FIGHTING FOR HAKEEM’ – the gripping true story about refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi and the global campaign driven by Craig Foster that fought to free him from prison – is to be made into a feature documentary by Sweetshop & Green. The project is financed and production is planned to start in April 2022.

Produced by Sweetshop & Green Productions’ Gal Greenspan (Moja Vesna) and executive produced by Closer Productions’ Rebecca Summerton (The Hunting), the project by writer/ rirector Matthew Bate (Sam Klemke’s Time Machine) has received production funding from Screen Australia, VicScreen and the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC).

Against the culture-war context of sports’ controversial relationship to politics, ‘FIGHTING FOR HAKEEM’ will bring audiences the story of how former Australian football captain Craig Foster, along with human rights organisations and a ragtag team of social media warriors, challenged two monarchies, a military junta and the world’s richest and most influential sporting body FIFA, to rescue the life of a fellow player and save the soul of football.

Screen Australia will provide funding support through its Documentary Producer Program stream, while VicScreen is investing in the project through its Victoria Production Fund and the South Australian Film Corporation Screen Production Fund. Screen Australia VicScreen also supported FIGHTING FOR HAKEEM through Project Development funding.

Says Gal Greenspan, producer and co-managing director of Sweetshop & Green: “We are honoured that Hakeem has entrusted us to tell this story. It is a powerful, honest, heart-wrenching and raw story that needs to be brought to life to help put a stop to the impact of corruption upon everyday people. We’re hugely thankful for the collaboration with Amnesty International, as well as the valued support from Screen Australia, Vic Screen, the South Australian Film Corporate and all the goodwill of people and organisations around the world who are helping us to bring this story to life.”

Says director Matthew Bate: “As a lifelong player and football fan, Hakeem’s story spoke to me on a deeply personal level. I am incredibly honoured to be able to help tell this important and timely story.”

Says Craig Foster, OAM: “Sport has a line that it won’t cross when money and politics become more important than principle or human life. Hakeem al-Araibi pushed football to be better and we made it respond.”

Says Hakeem al-Araibi: “I was saved by the generosity of so many people who helped me. But corrupt governments around the world are free to keep chasing and torturing those who disagree with them. I hope this documentary helps to shine a light on these corrupt leaders. To help save the next person in need.”

Says Tim O’Connor, campaigns director, Amnesty International: “Hakeem’s remarkable courage in standing up against tyranny in his home country Bahrain as a human rights defender is only matched by the incredible campaign to support him. It started with his local football team and spread to gather millions of supporters in Australia and across the world showing the profound effect people power can have when we stand together for human rights and justice.”

Says Alex West, head of documentary, Screen Australia: “Screen Australia is proud to support this compelling documentary with a point of difference; positioning Hakeem al-Araibi at its heart who tells his story in his own words and language. We’re excited to see Sweetshop & Green team up with Closer Productions and work alongside director Matt Bate as they delve into the profound repercussions that ensue when sports and politics collide.”

Says Caroline Pitcher, chief executive officer, VicScreen: “The story behind FIGHTING FOR HAKEEM is striking, both emotionally and intellectually. The power of documentary filmmaking will allow this piece of history to reach and resonate with audiences across the globe. VicScreen is always proud to back bold and meaningful storytelling and I look forward to seeing this phenomenal story ignite conversations far and wide.”

FIGHTING FOR HAKEEM is a Sweetshop & Green production. Principal production funding from Screen Australia. Financed with support from Vic Screen and South Australia Film Corporation.