The film based on the biography of the former Swedish player shows to what extent the elite tests the mental health of athletes
Martin Bengtsson retired from football at just 19 years old. International in the lower categories of Sweden, signed by Inter Milan when he was just a youth, he aspired to be the new Zlatan Ibrahimović. But it all came crashing down like a house of cards. Disorders related to mental health (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, stress, addictions, eating disorders…) wreak havoc on young athletes and are, without a doubt, one of the hidden faces of professional football.
Martin Bengtsson was at Thinking Football yesterday to tell us about his tremendous experience. First, through the film based on his biography, “Tigrar” (“In the shadow of San Siro”). And, later, in the colloquium moderated by Galder Reguera after the screening of the film. A testimony of great value and that the world of football should not ignore. Above all, knowing the vulnerability of younger players and considering the pressure they must endure.
Today, closing event with the special Juanjo Giménez
Thinking Football Film Festival comes to an end today with a special dedicated to director Juanjo Giménez. His short film “Timecode” won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016. A militant defender of the short film as a cinematographic expression, throughout his career he has made four shorts in which football plays a leading role: “Libre Indirecto”, “Máxima pena”, “Rodilla” and “Ascenso”. Shot in the years 1997, 2005, 2009 and 2020, they form a stylistic and plot quartet where cinema, football, and life come together in a masterful way.
After the screening of the four short films, Galder Reguera will chat with Juanjo Giménez about directors and cinema, about players and football, and, ultimately, as they say, about the human and the divine, and all this with as much seriousness as a sense of humor.
All information and ticket reservation HERE
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