“El Clásico: More Than A Game” is a CSU, Chico documentary directed and shot by students. This beautiful film was shot on location in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain, and explores Spanish history, culture and regional identity through the intense and world-renowned soccer rivalry between Real Madrid and F.C. Barcelona. The students and professors are thrilled to premiere this exciting project to the community of Chico, in conjunction with “The Chico Experience” at the El Rey Theatre on October 14, 2011. The show will begin at 8pm and tickets will be sold an hour in advance at the box office. Ticket prices are $5 for the general public and $2 for students with an ID card.

In April 2010 nine CSU, Chico students spent two weeks in Barcelona and Madrid on a soccer adventure. They had the opportunity to interview world-famous soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo Thierry Henry, Iker Casillas as well renowned journalists, politicians and historians. They attended two major games, one of which was the El Clásico, the titanic battle between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. This game is one of the most famous and widely watched sporting events in the world. Throughout the process the students learned that this monumental rivalry is not just a game of soccer but a way of understanding the very complex culture, history, and regional identity of Spain.

The film project was initiated and overseen by Chico State Alumni and film-maker Kelly Candaele and produced by another Chico State Alum, Cathy Growdon and co-produced by Celia Brugman.

The El Rey premiere is the launch for this exciting project, which will then be shown throughout the world at film festivals, on television and at special screenings throughout the United States and Spain.  The student team believes that this project will stimulate an important discussion about how sports and athletic events have an impact far beyond the stadiums where they are held.  

The Administration of Chico State University has been a strong supporter of this academic and film project.

For more information please contact:
Hillary Fay: (530) 228-7091, fayhillary@yahoo.com
Cathy Growdon: (530) 570-9806, cgrowdon@sbcglobal.net
Kelly Candaele: (323) 547-1183, kcandaele@sbcglobal.net

© 2011 El Clásico: More Than A Game. All Rights Reserved.