A documentary about soccer, combined with a meet-and-greet with members of the Chattanooga Football Club, will kick off the Arts & Education Council's Back Row Film Series on Thursday. The event will start at 6 p.m. at the US Elite Training complex, 6246 Dayton Blvd.
"Pelada" is a documentary about four young Americans who make a 25-country trek playing pickup soccer games in unusual and little visited locations. They play in a prison in Bolivia and with bootleggers in Kenya, for example.
The evening also will include a silent auction of sports equipment, services and memorabilia. Refreshments will be served.
The Back Row Film Series is designed to give audiences the opportunity to interact with filmmakers and to foster discussion on subjects the films address.
The monthly series will run through September at various downtown locations. All events start at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 for all ages and include popcorn. Seating is limited, so advance purchase is encouraged. To buy tickets, visit www.BackRowFilms.com or call 267-1218.
SAVE THE DATE
June 23: "A Small Act" - Explores the ripple effect a single act of kindness can have, based on the story of a young Kenyan student whose education was funded by a sponsor he'd never met. After earning a degree from Harvard, he became a human-rights lawyer with the United Nations. Author Sam Davidson will discuss how attendees can find ways to make a difference in their communities.
July 14: "On Coal River" - Examines what more than 150 years of coal mining has done to the terrain and people of the Coal River Valley of southern West Virginia. Filmmakers Francine Cavanaugh and Adams Wood will share behind-the-scenes stories about making the documentary and the story of a possible clean energy future..
Aug. 18: "Art & Copy" - Documentary looks at the people behind some of the most influential advertising campaigns. Local advertising professionals will lead a discussion with one of the film's executive producers.
Sept. 15: "Truck Farm" - Using green-roof technology and heirloom seeds, filmmaker Ian Cheney planted a vegetable garden in his granddad's old pickup truck, the only piece of land he had. Also in this whimsical, 50-minute film, viewers will tour some of New York City's funkiest urban farms. A Slow Food potluck dinner and discussion with the filmmaker will follow.