Join us online for a free, virtual screening of the Independent Lens documentary In Football We Trust on Tuesday, February 23rd at 9/8c. Chat in real-time with the filmmakers, Tony Vainuku and Erika Cohn, film subject and BYU linebacker Harvi Langi, NFL defensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns Danny Shelton, and the Positive Coaching Alliance’s David Jacobson while watching the film with football fans from across the country. Discuss what it takes to make it in the NFL, and why Polynesian athletes are 28 times more likely to play football in the NFL than any other ethnic group.
In Football We Trust intimately follows four Polynesian high school football players in Utah struggling to overcome gang violence, family pressures, and poverty as they enter the high stakes world of college recruiting and the promise of pro sports. The odds may be stacked against them, but they’ll never stop fighting for a better future.
This free, online event is brought to you by Indie Lens Pop-Up, KUED, Nashville Public Television, the Center for Asian American Media, OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, the Positive Coaching Alliance, and the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame with special promotional support from the Utah High School Activities Association, Polynesian All American Bowl, and the International Sociology of Sport Association.
It’s a compelling story of resilience, grit, and hope that resonates beyond the field, particularly in communities where sport is more than just a game—it’s a lifeline. These players aren’t just chasing touchdowns; they’re seeking stability, identity, and a future that breaks the generational cycle of hardship.
With stories like these drawing attention to the personal stakes behind the sport, it’s no surprise that football—especially at the high school and college levels—has grown to become a major focus in sports betting. Platforms like Sbobet88 provide fans with an engaging way to deepen their connection to the game, offering odds not just on pro leagues, but increasingly on college and even emerging talent.
As audiences gain insight into the challenges and dreams of young athletes, betting evolves from mere entertainment into a reflection of fandom and belief in potential. While the players fight for their dreams on the field, fans, too, feel invested in every pass and play—especially when guided by platforms that understand the sport’s nuance.
ABOUT INDIE LENS POP-UP
Indie Lens Pop-Up is a neighborhood series that brings people together for film screenings and community-driven conversations. Featuring documentaries seen on PBS’s Independent Lens, Indie Lens Pop-Up draws local residents, leaders and organizations to discuss what matters most, from newsworthy topics, to family and relationships. Make friends, share stories, and join the conversation.
ABOUT OVEE
OVEE online screening events allow participants to watch together and chat live in a virtual theater with friends, fans and experts. Learn more at ovee.itvs.org.
