Sons of Ben

Sons of Ben is a full-length documentary film directed by Jeffrey C. Bell that premiered in 2015. The main actors in this film are Wendell N. Butler, Corey Furlan, and Don Garber. While these may not be the most well-known names in Hollywood, they bring their remarkable story to life in an incredibly authentic and compelling manner. Instead of a scripted drama and fanciful acting, the film catalogues the genuine story of an unusual group of sports fans in an exceptionally heartfelt and powerful manner.

This film tells a distinctive story that is, at its core, about passion, community, and unflinching dedication. The 'Sons of Ben' are not ordinary fans of sporting events; they are a passionate group of individuals who rallied for a major league soccer team in Philadelphia. However, it's not just about sports fanaticism; there is much more depth beneath the surface.

The documentary focuses on the extraordinary journey of these devoted fans who name themselves after Benjamin Franklin, calling themselves the 'Sons of Ben.' The fascinating part is how the story unfolds - how a city without a Major League Soccer (MLS) team ended up having one of the biggest fan clubs in the entire United States. This happened because these determined supporters rallied for their city, Philadelphia, to have an MLS team.

Wendell N. Butler, Corey Furlan, and Don Garber play significant roles in the film, providing a detailed, personal outlook on the whole endeavor. These individuals were among the people leading and advocating for this cause. Their shared love for soccer and their city becomes the backbone of the plot.

The film takes you on a tour of their challenging journey, their community-building efforts, and their struggles to bring their dream to life. They were determined to appeal to the authorities to create an MLS team for Philadelphia. The narrative explores the lengths to which fans will go to enjoy and support the sports they love.

The ‘Sons of Ben’ didn’t stop at lobbying for the creation of an MLS team. They also strived to help their city and community in the process. Alongside their fight for a football team, the group was also passionate about addressing some of the socioeconomic issues that plagued the city of Philadelphia, including hunger and poverty.

This passionate campaigning led to the establishment of the Philadelphia Union soccer team, and the building of a stadium in Chester, Philadelphia, a city grappling with economic downturn. This is a testament to the power of community effort and, in this case, the love of sport creating a positive impact not just in terms of entertainment, but also socially and economically.

Throughout the narrative, you see the city’s landscape change from an area probing with challenges to a region with a prosperous soccer team that impacts the community positively. The local city dwellers are portrayed in the process of this metamorphosis, from city rallies to political offices and finally, the grand soccer stadiums.

The film asks some difficult questions about sports fandom, community development, and larger societal issues. Rather than simply being a film about soccer, Sons of Ben is a thought-provoking tale about community spirit and faith against all odds. Whether you are a sports enthusiast or not, the story is bound to resonate with you because it carries universal themes of pursuit, passion, challenge, and transformation.

Sons of Ben pays homage to an extraordinary group of individuals who created a significant impact on their community as well as the soccer scene in the United States. It beautifully captures the essence of human resilience, persistence, and the passion that can turn an impossibility into reality. The film is not just about the creation of the Philadelphia Union; it delineates the journey, the struggle, the passion, and the unyielding spirit of sports enthusiasts who changed the fate of their beloved city.