CAN WE KICK IT? TO PREMIERE IN HARLEM AS OPENING NIGHT FILM OF THE PEOPLE’S FILM FESTIVAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Independent Documentary Explores Soccer, Culture, Access, and Opportunity Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

HARLEM, NY — As the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a new independent documentary is bringing a different conversation about the future of soccer in America to one of the most culturally influential communities in the world.

Can We Kick It? an independent feature documentary directed by Akbar Majeed, will premiere in Harlem as the Opening Night Film of The People’s Film Festival on May 28, 2026.

Narrated by Doug E. Doug, with an original spoken word introduction written and performed by Emmy Award winner Boris “Bluz” Rogers, the film explores the untapped potential of soccer within urban America while examining the barriers that have historically limited access, visibility, and professional pathways throughout many communities across the country.

Blending sport, culture, history, music, fashion, and community storytelling, Can We Kick It? asks a central question:

What could soccer in America become if the game truly reflected all of America?

“Harlem felt like the right place to begin this journey,” said director Akbar Majeed. “This film isn’t just about soccer. It’s about culture, identity, visibility, and possibility. Harlem has always been a place where conversations around art, politics, music, and Black expression shape larger cultural movements. Bringing this film here ahead of the World Cup feels intentional.”

The documentary features voices from across the soccer ecosystem including players, coaches, writers, educators, and cultural figures, while also highlighting the realities facing many urban communities where the world’s game still remains underrepresented despite soccer’s global reach and rapid growth in the United States.

Positioned at the intersection of sport and culture, Can We Kick It? explores how soccer has evolved within American culture while examining the gaps that continue to exist around access, infrastructure, representation, and opportunity.

More than a documentary, Can We Kick It? serves as part of a broader cultural platform exploring storytelling, creativity, community engagement, and the future of soccer culture in America leading into and beyond the 2026 World Cup.

SCREENING INFORMATION

Opening Night Film
The People’s Film Festival
Harlem, New York
May 28, 2026

ABOUT THE FILM

Can We Kick It? is a cultural documentary exploring access, opportunity, the untapped potential within urban communities, and the future of soccer in America. Through storytelling that blends sport and culture, the film examines how soccer intersects with identity, representation, and the changing landscape of American culture ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A Rise Sport | Concrete2Green Production

MEDIA CONTACT

canwekickit.co
info@concrete2green.com
@concrete2green

By c2g_uss May 28, 2026

Press