“Star Wars” alum Daisy Ridley will narrate “We Were There,” a newly announced documentary series that explores what is being described as the “remarkable human stories” from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The series – which was announced by both FIFA and Qatar’s Supreme Committee, the government body set up to help deliver the World Cup – is co-produced by Noah Media Group and HBS, and will be available worldwide as an eight-part series. series of 30-minute episodes focusing on key players from the tournament, both on and off the field.
Each episode not only tells the story of the tournament, but is also structured as a mini-documentary with a narrative that captures the backstory of the main characters and explores their journey to Qatar, witnessing important matches through their eyes. Contributors include several members of the winning Argentina team, including coach Lionel Scaloni, goalkeeper and Golden Glove winner Emi Martinez, striker Julian Alvarez and the player who took the winning penalty in the final, Gonzalo Montiel. Other stars include French coach Didier Deschamps, Bruno Fernandes of Portugal and Manchester United, Giorgian De Arrascaeta of Uruguay, Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bonou, goalscorer Rodrygo of Real Madrid and Brazil, Moroccan Sofyan Amrabat, Croatian penalty shootout hero Dominik Livakovic and coach Zlatko Dalić.
Meanwhile, “We Were There” also follows several fan stories, including the Saudi Arabia supporter who walked through the desert to watch his team beat eventual winners Argentina, to the young player mascot who shared a personal moment with French star Kylian Mbappe.
The series is directed by Luke Mellows (“Ben Stokes: Phoenix from the Ashes,” “Dan Carter: A Perfect 10”) and produced by Tarun Thind of Noah Media Group and executive producer Richard Makinson. Catherine Quantschnigg, head of international sales for Noah Media Group, will handle global sales of the series.
“Following our presentation of the event itself, we were pleased to have the opportunity to retell the story from a different perspective,” said Dan Miodownik, CEO of HBS. “After the intense drama and passion of the tournament, the story of the Qatari people and that of the visiting international fans presents the personal touch. We thank FIFA and the Supreme Committee for the opportunity to share this final part of the story, in partnership with Noah Media Group.”
Noah Media Group’s Quantschnigg added: “’We Were There’ brings together an incredible lineup of football superstars and passionate fans from around the world with the astonishing archive of the world’s biggest sporting event. We look forward to making this series available to global buyers.”
