Scene from “Mean Goals”
While gay rom-coms have become more common and queer sports movies have emerged, a truly hilarious, gay-centered sports comedy remains a coveted cinematic goal, especially one set right here in West Hollywood, reports Queerty.
We fondly remember the heartwarming gay softball story “The Broken Hearts Club” (2000) and the sapphic soccer hit “Bend It Like Beckham” (2002), but the comedy genre within queer sports films has felt surprisingly quiet lately.
Fortunately, a fresh contender is stepping onto the field: “Mean Goals,” a short film poised to deliver a comedic spin on the soccer movie. Written and directed by Ahuatl Amaro, this project playfully acknowledges its influences (that title winks at “Mean Girls”) while breaking ground with its all-queer, Latine cast.
The story centers on Tenoch (Abraham Rodriguez of “Saved By The Bell”), an endearingly awkward Angeleno with aspirations of winning the Gay Soccer World Cup. This victory would be a precious gift for his supportive father, Rey (Dave Silva from “Shameless”), who is facing Alzheimer’s. Tenoch sets his sights on trying out for the West Hollywood Tricks, the reigning champions, only to find the team populated by less-than-welcoming, cutthroat players.
Refusing to be sidelined, our determined hero decides to form his own rival team, enlisting the help of his athletic lesbian cousin, Melina (Paloma Esparza Rabinov of “Physical”).
Of course, a team needs more than two, leading Tenoch on a nostalgic and potentially revealing journey to recruit his former high school teammates, most of whom happen to be straight… or perhaps not entirely. Notably, there seems to be a spark between Tenoch and the utterly crush-worthy jock Robbie (Jack Murillo from “Unfrosted”).
“Soccer, romance, locker room banter, and mean gays—this film has it all,” declares Abraham Rodriguez. “‘Mean Goals’ is unlike any sports comedy film out there as it combines comedy, action, and queer Latino leads all in one. It’s been a privilege to work with so many talented LGBTQ+ and POC actors and filmmakers.”
THE FILM PREMIERES AT THE LOS ANGELES LATINO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (LALIFF) ON MAY 30.
TIX AND MORE INFO HERE.
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