The world of fútbol

In Spain, football is more than a sport—it is entrenched in history, politics and culture. In early April, 10 Chico State students will travel to Europe to experience that culture, led by alumni Kelly Candaele (pictured) and Cathy Growdon. Their task: to capture on film the rivalry between the Real Madrid and Barcelona soccer teams. As a filmmaker and writer, Candaele will use his knowledge to coordinate the Spanish Futbol Documentary Project. Students who are interested in participating should e-mail Growdon at <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">{ document.write(String.fromCharCode(60,97,32,104,114,101,102,61,34,109,97,105,108,116,111,58,99,103,114,111,119,100,111,110,64,99,115,117,99,104,105,99,111,46,101,100,117,34,62,99,103,114,111,119,100,111,110,64,99,115,117,99,104,105,99,111,46,101,100,117,60,47,97,62)) } </script> by Friday (Feb. 5). The CN&R caught up with the Los Angeles-based Candaele last week to discuss the project.

Why did you choose this topic?

It’s about history, politics, culture and reconciliation. This will let us look at sports from a different lens. I come from a sports background myself. My mother was a professional ball player. My interest in sports goes beyond the game

What do you enjoy about making documentaries?

In a way, it is a reflection of my academic experience. I am interested in the insights into people and their psychology. All of those things are just classes in college. But they go into making you the person you are once you start utilizing them. I enjoyed it and continued making documentaries over the years periodically.

How did you become interested in the humanities?

I spent a lot of time at Chico State as an academic jaywalker. I would wander from department to department to take classes in philosophy, religion and political science. I also loved history.

Whom will the film feature?

We have set up a number of interviews with everyone from top Spanish historians who teach at universities to ex-soccer players. We will talk to journalists, team officials, and fans on the street.

Why did you recruit Chico State students for this project?

I love Chico and the university. It was a great opportunity to give back to the students and do something interesting.

What type of students take part?

It is a unique hybrid. We have people from disciplines ranging from the humanities to communication design. The students have an intellectual desire to read about, study and understand their environment in a new way. They are applying their knowledge to an artistic project.

How will the students contribute?

It is a really student-centered program. Students are giving lectures in the class, structuring the film and doing the editing. Political science and history students will do the interviews and the research.