Netflix buys Televisa soccer doc

Ahead of the start of the World Cup next week, Netflix has acquired This is Not a Ball, a one-off documentary from from Televisa affiliate Videocine.

The programme follows Brazilian artist and photographer Vik Muniz as he explores the global passion for football and creates a work of art made of 20,000 footballs. Muniz also directs alongside Juan Rendon.

Muniz’s journey spans nine countries and takes in cities including Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, New York, Paris and Kyoto. The 90-minute doc is made by Videocine with The Mates Contents.

“This is Not a Ball is a groundbreaking story about the universal value of soccer and the true meaning of ‘the ball’ through the lens of a very talented production team and amazing partners such as Televisa,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos.

Muniz said: “On behalf of the production team, we are very honored that our work will be available to millions of people around the world through Netflix and other networks.”

Ahead of the World Cup Netflix has football titles including The Beautiful Game, The Big Green, The Great Match, and 1:1 Thierry Henry.