PELÉ MEETS THE MEDIA TO DISCUSS “BIRTH OF A LEGEND” BIOGRAPHY FILM

April 2016 – New York City: In midtown Manhattan, soccer icon Pelé met with the media to discuss his highly anticipated biography film Pelé: Birth of a Legend.

The IFC movie makes 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.

Pelé shared recollections with reporters that are depicted in the film, including the time when he found his father in tears following Brazil’s 1950 loss in the world cup. He reassured his dad, saying “don’t worry, I’m going to win one World Cup for you…and God was good for me, he gave me three World Cups!

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.

Birth of a Legend was mostly shot on location in Rio de Janeiro and will officially hit theaters and be available by VOD on May 13.

Related Projects