"In Football We Trust" is an insightful and moving documentary that transports viewers deep inside the tightly-knit and complex Polynesian community in Salt Lake City, Utah, one of the chief sources for the NFL’s influx of Pacific Islander players. Shot over a four-year period with unprecedented access, the film follows four young Polynesian men striving to overcome gang violence and near poverty through the promise of American football. Directed by first time feature filmmakers Tony Vainuku and Erika Cohn, "In Football We Trust" premieres on INDEPENDENT LENS Monday, January 25, 2016 on PBS.
Despite overwhelming obstacles, Polynesians are 28 times more likely than any other ethnic group to make it in the NFL. Some refer to this phenomenon as a “calling” or a gift from God; others credit genetics, socio-cultural influences, or the push and pull of global sports capitalism. Many Polynesian families view football as their ticket out of economic hardship and gang life, but "In Football We Trust" reveals those expectations to be unrealistic.
The four players featured in the documentary are:
Harvey Langi is the second eldest of nine children and starting running back for Utah’s best high school team. He has scholarship offers to play football from multiple top Division I schools, but family expectations combined with early media attention ultimately lead to a crossroads.
Leva and Vita Bloomfield are brothers struggling to live up to the legacy of their father, a former Brigham Young University running back who also founded the first Polynesian gang in Utah. Despite efforts to disaffiliate from the gang, the original family ties make it nearly impossible for the brothers to stay away.
Fihi Kaufusi is a two-way lineman who lives in his ultra-religious aunt’s crowded two-bedroom apartment with eight other children. Despite his apparent talent, a terrible knee injury makes it difficult for Division I coaches to seriously consider Fihi’s potential. As a result, he is faced with the decision of whether to give up the sport he loves in order to serve a religious mission.
“The young men in this film face enormous pressure—not only to succeed in the highly competitive sports culture in which they are immersed—but also from their families, many of whom have dreams of NFL stardom and financial success,” said INDEPENDENT LENS Executive Producer Lois Vossen. “But the hard truth is that these dreams often don’t come true.”
In addition to the stories of the four young athletes, the film includes footage and interviews with current and former Polynesian NFL players:
Troy Polamalu, a Samoan American, was a long-time Strong Safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a consensus All-American at USC, an eight-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl Winner and 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Polamalu is an advocate for Polynesian athletes and considered one of the best ever at his position.
Haloti Ngata, a Tongan American and alumnus of Highland High School, is a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions (previously with the Baltimore Ravens). He was a consensus All-American at the University of Oregon, five-time All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl Winner.
Star Lotulelei, a Tongan American and alumnus of Bingham High School, is a defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers. At the University of Utah he was an All-American, winner of the Morris Trophy, and Sun Bowl MVP.
Vai Sikahema was a running back and kickoff return specialist for the St Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and Philadelphia Eagles. The first Tongan to play in the NFL, Sikahema attended Brigham Young University. A two-time Pro Bowler, Sikahema is now a successful sportscaster in Philadelphia.
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