From neo-Nazi to integration hero: FC Pio in the new documentary!

From neo-Nazi to integration hero: FC Pio in the new documentary!

An exciting documentary about an unusual football team from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania will premiere on October 29th. The film entitled “Something New in the East” is about FC Pio, a team that predominantly consists of refugee players of different skin colors. Director Loraine Blumenthal, who grew up in the region, impressively shows how the mood has changed through sport and the integration of the players. She will be present on Wednesday evening at the “Alte Molkerei” youth club in Güstrow, where the film will also be shown in advance, before its nationwide release on November 13th nordkurier.de reports.

The heart of the story is Thomas “Eichi” Eichstätt, the coach of FC Pio. What is particularly noteworthy is that he was once a neo-Nazi himself and had a negative attitude towards refugees. But his life took a decisive turn with the birth of his first child. Today he is an important reference person for the team and even received awards in 2021 for his outstanding integration work. His story shows how sport can build bridges where there was previously prejudice and resentment.

Integration through sport

At a time when integration is often challenging, FC Pio is making a remarkable contribution to giving refugees a voice and a home. Football is not just seen as a sport, but as a means of social integration. Similar initiatives also exist abroad, as shown by the example of “Sportegration” in Switzerland, where refugees come together in various sports to break language barriers and experience community, as can be read on srf.ch.

But the premiere in Güstrow is just the beginning. The team behind the film is also planning numerous other screenings in rural areas of Germany, starting in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, with the aim of raising awareness of racism and integration. Workshops for youth club staff and football coaches are also on the agenda to emphasize the importance of volunteer coaches and create financial structures to support them.

A film for the future

The documentary not only shows the challenges associated with integration, but also conveys hope and shows how community can be created on different levels. In addition, the film will be presented in Berlin on October 15, 2024 at the D’24 festival center at the pitch “Offside—Eichi and the FC Pio,” where it will also be discussed how sport can contribute to job searches and the fight against xenophobia [documentale.de](https://www.documentale.de/de/programm/ Veranstaltung/pitch-offside-eichi-and-the-fc-pio-1100-15-10-2024) reports.

In the words of Loraine Blumenthal: “It is a film that is a humorous and profound reminder that life is not just about differences, but about growing together and supporting one another.” The demonstrations and associated projects have the potential to impact not only the people within the football club, but also society as a whole.