CAN WE KICK IT? Selected as Opening Night Film for The People’s Film Festival 2026

Harlem, NY — Can We Kick It? (CWKI), the upcoming cultural documentary exploring access, opportunity, and the future of soccer in America, has officially been selected as an Opening Night film for the 15th edition of The People’s Film Festival”, in Harlem, New York

The screening will take place in Harlem at the iconic AMC Magic Johnson Theater during one of the most important cultural moments leading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For the CWKI team, this is more than a festival screening.

It’s a launch.

A Film Rooted in Culture, Community, and Possibility

Created by filmmaker and producer “Akbar Majeed”, “Filmmaker and creator of Can We Kick It?”  Can We Kick It? explores the untapped potential of soccer within urban America while examining the barriers that have historically limited access, visibility, and opportunity.

Through voices from players, coaches, creators, educators, and cultural leaders, the film asks a simple but powerful question:

What happens if America finally embraces the communities it has long overlooked in the global game?

The documentary moves beyond traditional sports storytelling and instead positions soccer within a broader cultural conversation around identity, infrastructure, economics, representation, and the future of American sports culture.

Narrated by Doug E. Doug, American actor and comedian, the film blends documentary storytelling with music, culture, archival references, and grassroots perspectives from communities often left out of the mainstream soccer narrative.

Why Harlem Matters

There could not be a more meaningful place for this moment than Harlem.

Harlem has long been a center of Black creativity, culture, resistance, and innovation. It is a place where movements are born, stories are amplified, and conversations around culture continue to shape the world.

For the CWKI team, premiering in Harlem represents alignment between the message of the film and the spirit of the community.

The selection by “The People’s Film Festival”,”in Harlem, New York also reinforces the growing importance of independent voices telling stories that challenge conventional narratives around sports, media, and culture.

More Than a Soccer Film

While soccer is the backdrop, Can We Kick It? is ultimately a film about possibility.

It explores:

• The lack of professional pathways in underserved communities
• The relationship between soccer, fashion, music, and global culture
• The economic realities of the pay-to-play system
• The untapped athletic and creative talent across urban America
• The cultural opportunity surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• The future of ownership, storytelling, and community-driven sports ecosystems

The film also asks a deeper question:

If the world’s game is coming to America, who gets to participate in the future being built around it?

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, conversations around access, representation, and long-term opportunity are becoming increasingly important.

Can We Kick It? enters that conversation at a critical time.

The film is both a reflection and a challenge:

A reflection of communities that have always had talent, creativity, and cultural influence.

And a challenge to imagine what becomes possible when those communities are fully included in shaping the future of the game.

Stay Connected

Additional screening announcements, activations, partnerships, and release information will be announced in the coming months.

Follow C2G and Rise Sport for updates as we continue building toward 2026.

Can We Kick It?

A cultural documentary exploring access, opportunity, the untapped potential within urban communities, and the future of soccer in America.

A Rise Sport | Concrete2Green Production