Naomi Osaka’s Hana Kuma Releases Short Film with GOALS Haiti
August 11, 2023
Tennis champion Naomi Osaka's story-driven production company Hana Kuma has released a short film which takes an intimate look at the power of the Haitian women’s national soccer team as they embarked on their historic debut at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup (FIFAWWC). ‘Footsteps’ was created in collaboration with GOALS Haiti, a grassroots organization supported by Osaka’s Play Academy, which provides funding to help girls from underrepresented communities become involved in sports.
Founded last year by Osaka, who has a Haitian father and Japanese mother, Hana Kuma ("Flower Bear") focuses on telling stories that are culturally specific but also universal. It was created after Osaka recognized that there are millions of incredible stories that aren’t getting told from a variety of cultures and points of view on important social issues. Therefore, the company entertains while also educating and empowering its audience, touching on topics such as sport, culture and social issues.
'Footsteps' captures the hope and excitement of the country's first ever entry into the Women’s World Cup and what it means for the next generation. It follows a young Haitian young woman, Jornadie, who is a soccer player in training. She anxiously waits for her hero and cousin, Haitian defender Esthericove Joseph, to take the world stage at the FIFAWWC. Joseph, as well as national teammates Betina Petit-Frere and Nahomie Ambroise, started playing soccer in rural villages with GOALS Haiti.
“When I created Hana Kuma, it was to be able to create and elevate stories like these,” said Osaka. “It is incredible to watch this debutant team in the World Cup, but it’s even more amazing to know the power of what they’re inspiring back home. We wanted to change the narrative that surrounds Haiti and inject a story of hope, excitement and belief. I have always celebrated my Haitian heritage and I cannot wait to watch this team continue to defy the odds...”
Jornadie is a current participant of GOALS Haiti, which was founded in 2010 to use soccer as a tool for social change in rural Haitian villages. It focuses on soccer, education, health, leadership and the environment creating a holistic approach to youth development. With 90 percent of its program participants never having played sports before, GOALS Haiti uses the power of sport to reach underrepresented youth and give more girls the chance to access and benefit from sport, while providing them with community leadership opportunities.
Also developed partnership with the Artists Institute, the film was created by an all-Haitian female crew and captures the hope the experience generated for Haitian girls. The story offers a fresh perspective of how the national team is creating a blueprint for younger girls to follow their dreams and aspirations and how GOALS Haiti is helping the next generation of young leaders on and off the field.
“During my time with GOALS, I learned more than soccer because I went to their sessions on social and life skills. There are a lot of players who have a lot of talent that do not get this chance, and I am getting that chance to play in the World Cup. It is a huge opportunity. For other young girls watching me play, the message I would tell them is to focus on what you want and believe in your dreams. Do not listen to people who want to discourage you. Always believe in yourself and work hard for what you want,” said Petit-Frere.
Although the Haitian team has since been eliminated, Joseph and Jornadie are dedicated to continuing their training and making a change for Haiti’s next World Cup appearance. Jornadie has been recruited to the National Youth Team and continues to excel in the soccer and education programs with the organization.
GOALS Haiti has won several Beyond Sport awards including Best New Project 2012, Sport for Education in 2016 and Sport for Health and Wellbeing in 2019. They are a proud member of our network.