In 2021, the Shanghai School for the Blind cooperated with the Yache County Special Education School to establish the first football team for the blind, which was named "Hey, Hey, Hey, Soccer Team". At the same time, the production of a public service documentary called "Hey, Hey, Hey, Soccer Team" also began. As the first documentary about the blind children's football team in my country, this ** is still in full swing. In the future, the documentary-inspired soccer team could also take to a bigger stage. On the pitch, the sound of "Hey, Hey, Hey" resounds, which is the march of the blind boys, and the creative inspiration for the "Hey, Hey, Hey" football team and the documentary of the same name**.
Producer Su Yiyan admitted that she didn't know about the blind children's football project at first, but she was deeply moved after just one game. Su Yiyan recalled: "The first time I saw the players supporting each other and stepping onto the court, my eyes were hot. After watching them play, I couldn't wait to ask one of the players: 'Why do you want to play when you can't see it?'What a hard thing to do. He replied lightly that it was only on this pitch that he dared to let himself run. Another member of the team also came up and said, 'Run, the wind blows on your face, like flying.' A team that was supposed to shoot a documentary inadvertently formed the first blind children's football team in Xinjiang. ”
Li Yang, deputy general manager of Shanghai Shangshi Films, said that when he was just looking for a starring role, he inadvertently formed this football team, which was really an unexpected joy. "We're finding out more and more that there's really no way for them to play themselves," he said. Instead of having them act as actors, it is better to record the process of these children chasing their dreams realistically. We can really feel their love for football and their desire to play, which they don't have in the local area. In this case, the filming of the film is actually the second step in the launch plan, the first step is to meet the needs of the children and form this football team. ”
Unlike regular football, the threshold for blind football is to "run". In our ordinary running movements, the body will lean forward, the forefoot will touch the ground, the arms will be tightened, and the movement will be coherent and smooth. However, for the visually impaired, they are accustomed to the life of crossing the river by feeling the stones, with their hands slightly open, and the center of gravity of their bodies is more inclined to fall back. For them, even if they know that there is an open flat ground in front of them, it is difficult to overcome the instinctive fear that comes from their hearts. As a result, they need to invest more time and effort in their daily training.
Zhang Jian, chairman of the Shanghai School for the Blind and head coach of the Shanghai Blind Football Team, explained: "For ordinary people, the movements that can be learned by looking at them may need to be repeated repeatedly, so that they can feel your movements in person, and then combined with oral explanations. Taking shooting as an example, how to swing the legs, how to shape the feet, how to exert force, the coordination ability of each player and other aspects are different, so it is necessary to explain and train according to their characteristics. ”
During the filming in August 2021, the film crew took the blind teenagers to visit places such as Shanghai Wild Animal Park and Bear Paw Cafe, and despite the lack of funding for the project, the team overcame many difficulties. Director Li Zhiwei joked that everyone made this documentary a "summer camp". He recalled: "At the most difficult moment, I asked the team members of the crew, can I not get paid for the time being?Spending the little money we have left on the necessary transportation, food and lodging is the most basic expense. When everyone believes that we are doing something meaningful and that that it will definitely be helped by more people, the difficulties are finally overcome. At present, the filming of the documentary is more than halfway through and is in full swing. ”
While working hard to shoot the documentary, the team also hopes to help the 13 members of the "Hey, Hey, Hey, Football" team fulfill their wish, that is, to represent Xinjiang in the 2025 National Paralympic Games. This wish is not only the pursuit of their personal struggles and dreams, but also the recognition of the strength and achievements of the whole team.
The formation of the "Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey Football Team" and the production of this documentary have undoubtedly given these blind teenagers the opportunity and platform to chase their dreams. Through football, they are able to unleash their passion and energy and find a way to interact with the world. The filming process of the documentary also became an unforgettable journey of growth, allowing their story to be known and recognized by more people.
This project not only has a positive impact and significance for these teenagers, but also has important implications for the whole society. Through the presentation of the documentary, we can better understand the special project of blind children's football, and also understand more deeply the indomitable spirit and desire for equality of blind children. At the same time, it also reminds us that as a member of society, we should provide equal opportunities and conditions for everyone to showcase their unique talents and pursue their dreams.
In short, blind children's football is not just a sport, but also an opportunity to change your life. Through the power of football, these blind children are able to showcase their abilities and talents, and their goals become clearer and more powerful. Both their football team and the documentary production team are working together to fulfill the wishes of the young players and let them represent Xinjiang in the National Paralympic Games and fight for their dreams.