London, UK – February 20, 2024 – Award-winning journalist and filmmaker Matt Danzico brought his latest works, “War Games” and “Captains of Ukraine,” to the Frontline Club in London as part of the Sports Explains the World Series by Meadowlark Media. These films told poignant stories interweaving the resilience of football with the harsh realities of conflict, spotlighting the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.

As part of the Sports Explains the World series by Meadowlark Media, “Captains of Ukraine” and “War Games” dived into the intricate relationships between athletes and soldiers, blurring the lines between the playing field and the battlefield. 

Premiered at the esteemed Tribeca Film Festival, these documentaries had since embarked on a successful festival tour, resonating globally with audiences by revealing the harsh realities faced by families torn apart due to the impacts of war. The unparalleled access the filmmakers had with the players, their families, and on the frontline added a layer of authenticity to the narratives, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the lives of those directly affected by conflict.

In the war-torn landscapes of Ukraine, “War Games” followed the gripping journey of two young soccer captains, Ivan and Andriy, navigating shrapnel-strewn football fields for a long-awaited match game amidst sirens and imminent threats.

“Captains of Ukraine” explored the difficult netherworld inhabited by athletes who had to become soldiers. A professional soccer team grappled with a controversial decision – whether to exchange shin guards for machine guns as they prepared for a season overshadowed by the looming specter of nuclear conflict.

At its core, “Captains of Ukraine & War Games” underscored the unifying role of sports in mental health and resilience. The characters within the films strived to find a semblance of normalcy amid the unrelenting backdrop of war.

Following the film screenings, a conversation took place with the director and former BBC journalist Matt Danzico and the production team from Ukraine.

Credits: Simon Slater

About Matt Danzico

Matt Danzico is a renowned journalist, filmmaker, and designer renowned for his innovative contributions to news and documentary storytelling. With a decade long history at BBC News and NBC Left Field Studios, Danzico is the founder of Danzico & Co. Studios, an innovation and visual storytelling unit producing work for BBC Studios, Google, and various NGOs.

About “Sports Explains the World”

“Sports Explains the World” is a groundbreaking anthology series by Meadowlark Media, consisting of captivating short documentaries that transcend the boundaries of sports, revealing profound truths about our global society. Through the universal language of sports, each film highlights the refuge, sense of belonging, and profound human connections that sports provide. This anthology brand allows filmmakers to continue sharing these significant narratives and exploring global social and cultural issues.

About Meadowlark Media

Meadowlark Media, co-founded by former ESPN President John Skipper and renowned sports show host Dan Le Batard, was established in 2021 with a fundamental mission to share compelling narratives while championing and amplifying diverse voices.