Argentina Fútbol Club | 2010

After having lived and worked in Buenos Aires for four years, MADRONA BUREAU Principal, Gavin P. Sullivan, realized that he was witnessing in fútbol fans and their beloved Fútbol Club on any given Sunday (on any given pitch) was without parallel in its intensity, and fervor.

But it was really seeing how one's identity is ultimately shaped by these clubs. Upon entering any social event, BBQ, work meeting, or yerba mate chat, the question of "De que club sos?" (From what club are you?) is inevitable, and the answer was fascinating: "Soy de Boca" (I am from Boca), in much the same way that one would say "I am Catholic, Jewish, Black, White, American, Argentine, from Brooklyn, from Seattle, et cetera." This was the jumping off point for looking at why Argentines have this uniquely intense passion for their beloved sport.

In 2008 he teamed up with Argentine filmmaker, Juan Pablo Roubio, to write and co-produce Argentina Fútbol Club, along with US-based producer Ben Meyerson to produce and distribute the film. With a crew of eight, we spent six months shooting. Locations ranged from dank pubs to academic offices, raging stadiums, to swanky ownership lounges, the Church of Maradona to the almighty pitch.  

Since its release in 2010, the film has toured the world, and not surprisingly, has experienced a degree of success in countries prone to the fever of Fútbol.   

ESPN review, here. 

A 52min TV cut can be viewed, here.  

Official synopsis:

Singing. Shouting. Hysteria. Argentina lives for futbol. The battle between Boca Juniors and River Plate is not just about sports; it is an ever-enduring struggle for identity. In Buenos Aires, historic tensions swell not only between legendary clubs Boca and River but among their intense followers. For these futbol fanatics, the game symbolizes strength, unity, and power in a society beset by stark social and economic divisions. Through a journalistic lens, this film provides an intimate look into Argentina and its beloved sport to reveal an unparalleled passion that reverberates far beyond the pitch.