Celebrating Women's Soccer: Hyundai's Tribute to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup with the help of Nafta

In a world where women's soccer was once considered unsuitable, Hyundai, the official sponsor of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, has teamed up with Nafta and Berlin based production company BONAPARTE to craft a powerful cinematic tribute to the sport. This film not only celebrates the athleticism of female players but also pays homage to the women who defied convention to shape the game we know today. Directed by Nicole Ackermann, renowned for her work on period pieces and football commercials, this project brings an emotive and feminist perspective to the screen.

The creative minds at Jung von Matt penned the script, while Nicole Ackermann carefully dissected historical moments to capture the nuanced emotions and feelings of each time period. The result is a visually striking and emotionally charged film that takes us on a journey through the evolution of women's soccer.

Our cinematic journey starts in 1895, a time when women's participation in soccer was met with astonishment and skepticism. Jeannette, our lead protagonist, fights tenaciously to keep possession of the ball, leaving onlookers in awe. Her determination and skill set the stage for the remarkable story that unfolds before us.

As the film unfolds, we witness women like Jeannette continuing to defy societal expectations, surprising audiences around the world with their unwavering passion for the game. From the early days when women's soccer was dismissed to the present day, where it thrives, the film beautifully captures the rise in popularity and acceptance of women's football.

The climax of our journey brings us to a tense moment in the present day. As we watch Jeannette prepare to score a winning goal, we can't help but feel the weight of history on her shoulders. She is not alone; she is proudly observed by women from different eras, all of whom played a vital role in shaping women's soccer into the global phenomenon it is today.

A commentary by Nicole Ackermann:

“This is one of the most powerful pieces I feel I've done in my career. As a female filmmaker, I tried to bring on as many women onto the team as possible, from the ground up. And this is what the crew ended up looking like; it was mainly all female, all the way up to our executive producer.”

“Our lead, Jeannette, was amazing. She gave such an incredible performance because I believe the subject matter was so close to her heart. She's really living and breathing women's football. It was so interesting hearing even just the daily challenges that Jeannette faces as a professional athlete. I learned from her that there's not necessarily full support for women's football, and that also just financially, that's also like a big challenge for women. Advertisements like this really help. A level of awareness is really helping the women's World Cup, now getting bigger and bigger every year.”

Filming with Nafta in the Baltic states

The Baltic states, comprising Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, nestled in the northeastern part of Europe, offer a filmmaker's dream come true. This region has become a favored destination for film productions from around the world, and for good reason. Let's take a closer look at why the Baltic states have become a hotbed for cinematic creativity.

Accessibility and Variety

The Baltic states are known for their compact size, making it a breeze for filmmakers to traverse short distances between diverse shooting locations. With low population density, you can effortlessly capture up to four different settings in a single day. The ease of accessing various landscapes is a game-changer for any production.

Seamless Permits and Cooperation

Filming here is a smooth operation. The process of obtaining permits and arranging road blockages is hassle-free, thanks to the accommodating authorities. The Baltic states welcome film crews with open arms, ensuring that your project faces minimal bureaucratic hurdles.

Warm Hospitality

Local business and homeowners in the Baltic states are known for their warmth and hospitality. Many are eager to open their doors and properties to film crews, facilitating the discovery of unique and authentic locations. This collaborative spirit enhances the authenticity of your production.

Budget-Friendly Production Services

For filmmakers on a budget, the Baltic states offer a cost-effective solution. Production services here cost at least 30% less than in Western Europe, allowing you to stretch your budget without compromising quality. You get more bang for your buck while maintaining top-notch production values.

Latvia

Lithuania

Estonia

Among the Baltic states, Estonia shines with its unique cinematic advantages. The country boasts a backlot-like population density, making it suitable for a wide range of scenes. In Tallinn, the capital, ultra-modern Scandinavian districts seamlessly coexist with a well-preserved medieval Old Town, offering a stunning backdrop for your project.

Weather

The Baltics also offer filmmakers the phenomenon of the "magic hour". From May to July, you can enjoy up to six consecutive hours of enchanting natural light, creating a dreamy atmosphere for your shots. The countries' diverse and well-preserved flora and fauna provide the perfect canvas for your storytelling.

In addition, the Baltics experience up to 24 hours of daylight in the summer, providing ample shooting time. In addition to the usual four seasons, the Baltic States offer a unique "fifth season" when meadows and forests are flooded, allowing you to literally boat between the trees - an extraordinary and rarely seen cinematic opportunity.

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