FIFA film ‘United Passions’ makes muted debut in Los Angeles

At the first screening of FIFA-funded film “United Passions” in Los Angeles the week after U.S. prosecutors charged several officials of world soccer’s governing body, only two people attended - one out of curiosity, the other as a soccer fan. The film, which explores the 111-year history of FIFA, attempts to show the organization as a force for good while also hinting at corruption and embezzlement without delving into it.

I like the World Cup, and the rules of soccer.

Francisco Carrillo, 62, who said he came to the screening just for “entertainment”

The opening Friday on demand in the United States and in limited theaters coincides with a scandal rocking world soccer after prosecutors unsealed indictments on May 27 in a case involving $150 million in bribes over 24 years. U.S. distributor Screen Media Films did not respond to requests for comment on Friday on why it chose to release the film at this time. Directed by French filmmaker Frederic Auburtin and also starring Gerard Depardieu and Sam Neill, “United Passions” has failed to win the praise of critics.

[It is] one of the most unwatchable films in recent memory, a dishonest bit of corporate-suite sanitizing that’s no good even for laughs.

New York Times reviewer Daniel M. Gold

FIFA Entertainment