Discover how the film Next Goal Wins, directed by the talented Taika Waititi, captures the inspiring journey of redemption for American Samoa’s floundering national men’s soccer team. The film made its debut at the renowned Toronto International Film Festival, joined by one of the real-life players, Jaiyah Saelua, depicted in the movie. Saelua, a center fielder and fa’afafine, meaning a third gender widely accepted in Samoan culture, accompanied the filmmaker and former coach, Thomas Rongen,, for an engaging Q&A session, sharing insights about the film’s accuracy.
While the film primarily spotlights the portrayal of Rongen by Michael Fassbender, the compelling narrative unfolds with Saelua’s groundbreaking journey as the first openly trans and nonbinary athlete to compete in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. Saelua’s triumph and resilience are central to the narrative, played by the talented nonbinary actor Kaimana. The dynamic between player and coach sets the stage for an enthralling storyline, portraying Rongen’s initial resistance to fully accepting Saelua’s identity.
Saelua’s real-life relationship with Rongen, as she tells Vanity Fair, was less confrontational than depicted in the film. She clarifies that Rongen referred to her by her legal name during roll calls due to the roster. Setting the record straight, she reveals that her name change didn’t happen until 2017, dispelling the twisted portrayal of Rongen as a villain in the movie.
Thomas Rongen, Jaiyah Saelua and Taika Waititi attend the Next Goal Wins premiere during the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
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