The portrait of a life in the new South Africa. It is about one man's quest to follow his dream, a tale that does not shy away from dealing with the complexities of that search. Solly Luvhengo, a young man from deep rural Venda in the Northern Province, has defied the odds to survive poverty and marginalisation, and seems poised for even greater things.

The only child of a single mother in rural Venda, sickly Solly was brought up by his grandparents and nurses with a vision of becoming a soccer star. He turned his hand to coaching when a regular coach couldn't make a game, and found his niche coaching youngsters. When freedom came for South Africa in 1994, Solly reaped the benefits.

The new football dispensation now searches for talent beyond the boundaries of the big cities, and black footballers' skills are finally being recognised. Solly is appointed assistant national coach for two South African teams and begins construction in his home village on a new house for his girlfriend and extended family.

The dream appears complete – but reality intrudes. Interspersed between glory, triumph and tender moments with his family, we see a man who loves women yet slights his own lover (he neglects to bring her even a token from a World Cup tournament in France). Although he brings home the bacon, so to speak, he has no permanent contract as assistant national coach, and none seems to be forthcoming. His girlfriend firmly believes he needs to go out and get a 'proper' job.

Though a family-oriented person, his own relationship with his soccer-loving six-year-old son is rather distant. Solly's mother believes he should marry before she can live with him, while his grandmother feels abandoned by her rather unfathomable daughter as a result, and says so.

Solly's Story is the life of a hero, albeit a human one.


Berlin Forum, African, Asian & Latin American
Festival - Milan