Scientology Network’s DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE, the weekly series providing a platform for independent filmmakers whose goal is to improve society by raising awareness of social, cultural and environmental issues, presents "Men in the Arena," a surprising tale of war, friendship and soccer, premiering October 19, 2018.

DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

Filmmaker J.R. Biersmith’s award-winning film, "Men in the Arena," is the story of two Somalian teenagers, Saadiq and Sa’ad, bound by friendship and a dream to inspire youth in Somalia through soccer. Biersmith’s goal was to give another perspective on this poor, war-shredded but beautiful country. What he found in these two young men was far more than a sports story. His camera captures a tale of human rights and perseverance in their quest to overcome almost insurmountable obstacles.

ABOUT J.R. BIERSMITH
First-time filmmaker Biersmith went to Somalia in search of a story and found it by following the Somalian national soccer team. He tells an uplifting story that has been recognized by film critics at festivals around the world and which won the bronze award at the Mexico International Film Festival.

In an interview with the Scientology Network for DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE, Biersmith reflected on his story:

“I thought, what is it like to be a young person in Somalia and emerge when the whole world looks at you as a pariah, and how do you come out of that?” he said. “I really wanted to illuminate what it’s like for any young person to dream. Imagine an entire generation that can look at these two and say, ‘Oh, I now have a role model, and I didn’t have that before. I see somebody on TV that looks like me, and just maybe when I’m feeling really beat down, that’s something I can look to.’ That’s a big deal.”

ABOUT DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE

Fundamental to Scientology is a humanitarian mission that extends to some 200 nations with programs for human rights, human decency, literacy, morality, drug prevention and disaster relief. For this reason, the Scientology Network provides a platform for independent filmmakers who embrace a vision of building a better world.

DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE debuts films weekly from award-winning independent filmmakers whose goal is to improve society by raising awareness of social, cultural and environmental issues.

For more information, visit scientology.tv/docs.

The Scientology Network launched on March 12, 2018, and has been viewed in 237 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists; showing the Church as a global organization, and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide.

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