Tigers

Based on the real-life story of 16 year-old Swedish football wunderkind Martin Bengtsson, Tigers is a rare and refreshing entry into the sports movie genre. With his fanatical unblinking stare and steel-cable muscle tone, Martin (Erik Enge) has a drive for perfection which sets him apart from other boys his age. He is one of the most promising soccer talents Sweden has ever seen. Then, at 16 his lifelong dream comes true when he is bought by one of Italy's most prestigious clubs.

Taking us inside the gilded cage inhabited by top tier, rising star footballers, Martin quickly realises that having a hefty price tag doesn’t necessarily improve his own self-worth. It’s the kind of athletic gift which is all-consuming, leading him into a life of sacrifice, dedication, pressure and - most of all - loneliness.

Enge’s raw performance sharply conveys the desperation of a boy whose wishes may have come true, but also carry an unbearable cost. Tackling head on the taboo subject of mental health issues in professional football, this is a raw and powerful coming-of-age drama about a young man's burning obsession in a world where everything, and everyone, has a price tag.

Screening in partnership with Talk Club.

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