Frankfurt is set to host its inaugural International Sport Film Festival from 25 to 29 September, held at MASSIF E and the Rooftop Bar Gaia in the heart of the city.
Organized by the City of Frankfurt’s Department for Economics together with entrepreneurs Florian Joeckel and Max Coga, the festival aims to merge the emotional power of sport with the creative breadth of film, reinforcing Frankfurt’s role as an innovative center for culture and creativity.
One of the major highlights is the screening of the documentary Hard Work – The Story of BK West United FC, which tells the journey of a club using football not just as a sport, but as a tool for positive social change.
About Hard Work – The Story of BK West United FC
This documentary follows BK West United FC as they take part in some of their most significant international tournaments:
The Alliance Cup, 2018
The Laola Cup, 2023
The MTU Cup, 2024
The annual Africa Cup in Frankfurt
In each of these tournaments, BK West United faced off against some of the biggest clubs in the world. Through these experiences, the film explores themes of perseverance, community, and the role of sport in social transformation.
The film also features interviews and reflections from prominent football figures, including:
Gérh Rohl, current coach of Benin and former coach of the Nigerian national team
Pa Modou Jagne, the first Gambian captain at an AFCON
And various other personalities who speak to football’s power beyond the pitch
The Festival: What to Expect
Beyond film screenings, the Frankfurt International Sport Film Festival offers:
Live podcasts featuring professional athletes
Meet and greets with people from the sports world
An awards ceremony, with films competing in categories such as Best Sport Documentary, Best Fan Film, Best Trend or Action Sport, Best Direction, and a Lifetime Award.
Three outstanding athletes will also be honored with a sculptural prize from designer Ralf Kellenberger and a cash award of €5,000
Why This Matters
Hard Work – The Story of BK West United FC reflects how football can serve communities, provide hope, foster leadership, and become a platform for underrepresented voices. Its themes align well with the ethos of this new festival — the intersection of sport, film, and social impact.
For audiences in Frankfurt, this screening offers a chance to witness a powerful narrative that transcends sports and underlines the ways in which local or grassroots football can resonate globally.
