Short description
Photographer Jessica Hilltout takes us through her lens as she documents the meaning of soccer to the people of Africa. Amen: Grassroots football captures the soul of African football and the human spirit in a 208-page photographic essay.
Long description
Photographer Jessica Hilltout takes us through her lens as she documents the meaning of soccer to the people of Africa. Amen: Grassroots football captures the soul of African football and the human spirit in a 208-page photographic essay. Most people's view of Africa, if indeed they have one, tends to be simplistic. They see it as violent, corrupt and poverty stricken. But these aspects are juxtaposed with great beauty and immense richness of spirit. Nowhere are these qualities better expressed than in Africa's enduring love affair with the game of football. Through the photographic journey one can see how Football is available to anyone who can make a ball from the materials available to them. It is the ultimate democratic sport. It also shows through photographic genius that the making of a soccer ball is no simple task and pays tribute to the creativity and diligence of poor communities everywhere. While the 2010 World Cup will highlight that Africa can build world-class infrastructures and run global events, the world will not always be exposed to the games that are played every day by teams, friends and communities all over Africa. While the Corporate Carnivals can potentially make all of this invisible this title highlights the spirit of Football in Africa. The title pays homage to Africa. It is a tribute to the forgotten, to the majority. The stories are captured through photographs and the images show peoples pride and passion for the game.