Winner of the European CIVIS Prize, 2018 

“Refugee 11″ are 27 players from 15 countries. Among them are five Syrians, four Afghans, and three Ghanaians – other teammates range from Guinea to Albania. They don’t speak the same language; they couldn’t be more different.

During the week they wait for letters from the ministry of immigration – hoping to be allowed to start a new life in Germany. Every weekend, they play soccer – in the lowest league, but they give it their best. It’s their only opportunity to feel free, to show the world who they are, and what they can achieve on their own.

The film follows three young players and their team over the course of the 2016 season against the backdrop of everyday life in small-town Germany near Cologne. This is the story of young men who came to stay, the challenges they face and the obstacles they have to overcome in the fight for their own success.

A story of hope and acceptance, the magic of soccer and the realms of the possible…

Camera: Knut Schmitz bvk
Sound: David Kammerer
Editor: Thomas Wellmann
Executive Producer: Antje Boehmert
Commissioning Editor WDR: Jutta Krug

Produced by DOCDAYS Productions in co-production with WDR.

Length: 90 min
Release Date: 2017