Articles
Aurora Produces New Series for FIFA Women's World Cup: 'Her Way'
date
20/07/23
author
Rona Webster
As the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™ kicks off today, we're excited to share the launch of a new content series in partnership with FIFA and Xero, produced by Aurora.
Personal World Cup stories
'Her Way' focuses on four inspirational players, published on FIFA+ in the run up to the tournament.
The films profile four female footballers from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Japan, showcasing their personal journeys to the World Cup. Made by local filmmakers in each country with Aurora overseeing development, post-production and delivery, working closely with the Creators and the FIFA team.
We’re delighted to have partnered with FIFA and Xero to bring these inspiring stories to the world in the run up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Central to the approach for the 'Her Way' series is authentic fan storytelling, working with our global Creator Network to provide a fan perspective on the journeys of these remarkable players.
Global filmmaker network
The integration of the unique FIFA+ Creator Network is a key element to the series. This is a platform created by Aurora for FIFA to fund & showcase up-and-coming young filmmakers and content creators around the world, telling stories of global football fan culture on FIFA+. Over the last 18 months Aurora has developed the community to more than 100 filmmakers worldwide, creating more than 20 films to date for the FIFA+ platform.
Previous Creator Network projects produced by Aurora include the ground-breaking FIFA World Cup Daily Show by Hisense in Qatar last year, involving 32 “Superfan” creators from all qualified countries giving a unique fan culture perspective on the tournament around the world. The Creator Network was also central to the ‘The Believers’, a 4-part mini documentary series produced by Aurora for FIFA+ in partnership with Coca-Cola depicting fan-centric stories of belief connected to the FIFA World Cup.
Paige Satchell - Inspiring a Generation (New Zealand)
Paige Satchell, a New Zealand international soccer player, embodies multiculturalism and big dreams from a small town. Growing up in Rotorua with a Maori father and white mother, Paige's passion for football reflects her country's story. The film showcases the people and places that shaped her, including a visit to her tribe's sacred marae, highlighting the significance of Maori culture in her life.
Creators: Denise Duffy; Director: Joel Colbert
Melissa Barbieri – Forging Her Own Path (Australia)
Featuring the inspiring story of Melissa Barbieri who overcame adversity to become one of Australia's top soccer players. When injury threatened her career, she switched positions to become a goalkeeper and played in three World Cups. After having a child she found herself shut out of the game, until Adelaide United welcomed her and she helped lead the team to victory. The film covers Melissa's story of perseverance and comeback, exploring her drive to overcome setbacks.
Creator & Director: Filip Milovac
Shiho Shimoyamada – Being Yourself (Japan)
Shiho Shimoyamada made history in February 2019 as Japan's first openly gay pro athlete, sparking national and global headlines. Amidst the sensitivity of LGBTQ+ issues in Japan, she founded OPT United, a community of female athletes committed to creating a society where everyone can live authentically. The films tracks Shiho's journey as she reflects on her career and path to effect societal change through sports.
Creator: Takashi Ogami; Director: Yu Nishida
Macarena Sánchez - Building a Legacy (Argentina)
Showcasing Macarena Sánchez’s remarkable journey as a player and an activist, featuring interviews with her and other Argentine soccer players and authoritative voices, telling the story of how Macarena became a driving force behind the professionalization of women's soccer in Argentina.
Creator and Director - Nacho Meroni
