May 2016 – Pele’s Life Story Comes to the Big Screen in IFC Films Biopic In Theatres and on VOD May 13.

In midtown Manhattan, soccer icon Pelé met with the media to discuss his highly anticipated biography film Pelé: Birth of a Legend.

 

The IFC Films movie made its world-premiere at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival. Pelé, who also served as executive producer, was accompanied by the film’s directors, Michael and Jeff Zimbalist. The film will be in theaters and on Video On Demand on Friday, May 13, 2016.

About Pelé: Birth of a Legend: The early life and rise of Brazilian fútbol hero Pelé — the youngest-ever World Cup winner at 17 — is portrayed in the biopic Pelé: Birth of a Legend. Widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, the man born Edson Arantes do Nascimento is still lionized around the world for his contribution to “the beautiful game” of soccer.

 

PELÉ chronicles the early career of the legendary soccer player – from his impoverished childhood in a Brazilian favela to his rise to glory in leading Brazil to win its first ever World Cup in Sweden in 1958 at the record-setting age of 17. Pelé’s unorthodox yet authentic style of play and indomitable spirit inspire a country and change the sport.

 

The cast includes Emmy-nominated Vincent D’Onofrio (MEN IN BLACK, LAW AND ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT) and famed Brazilian musician Seu Jorge (CITY OF GOD, THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVEN ZISSOU) as well as Mexican rising star Diego Boneta (ROCK OF AGES, SCREAM QUEENS), Golden Globe-nominated Colm Meaney (THE SNAPPER, THE DAMNED UNITED) and Rodrigo Santoro (300, LOVE ACTUALLY).

 

Additional cast includes local talents such as Mariana Nunes, Milton Gonçalves, Rafael Henrique, Marcus Vinicius, Julio Levy, Thelmo Fernandes, Felipe Simas, Charles Myara, Jerome Franz, and Roger Haag.