The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the world and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. To submit a film for consideration, please email sfs@natgeo.com. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.
When soccer star Mehdi Ballouchy arrived to Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan he didn’t show up empty handed. Ballouchy, who is Moroccan, spent 11 years playing major league soccer. He knew that in Syria, as in most of the world, soccer is a wildly popular sport to watch and play. And so, when he came to visit the camp in 2017, he brought bags and bags of uniforms, cleats, and balls for the refugee teams.
Za’atari already had a huge soccer field, built by another organization. The bright green field gave a splash of color to the desert camp and a white “sports house” allowed the kids to hang out before and after the games. Life is
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