Clyde Best Film Selected For River Valley Festival
‘Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story’ has been selected for the 2026 River Valley Film Festival in Pennsylvania, where it will be screened on Saturday, July 18.
A spokesperson said, “Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story has been selected as an official selection of the 2026 River Valley Film Festival, with a special screening scheduled for Saturday, July 18 at 11:00am ET, the film production announced today. Tickets are available for $10 and can be purchased directly from the festival.
“Following acclaimed screenings in London, Bermuda, Portland and Boston, the powerful documentary continues its journey across the United States, bringing the extraordinary story of Bermudian football legend Clyde Best to audiences throughout Central Pennsylvania.
“The documentary celebrates the life and legacy of Best — the first Black soccer superstar of the modern television era in England — and a pioneering figure whose career helped break racial barriers in global sport while shaping the early growth of professional soccer in the U.S.
“Among the film’s key moments is the historic Easter Sunday 1972 match when Best, Clive Charles and Ade Coker became the first Black trio to start a match in England’s First Division — a milestone that transcended sport and represented a major moment in the fight for equality in the sport.
“The documentary also chronicles Best’s influential role in American soccer during the game’s formative professional years. In the North American Soccer League, he helped the Tampa Bay Rowdies capture the 1975 Soccer Bowl and later became a fan favorite with the Portland Timbers, leaving a lasting impact on the growth of the sport in the United States both on and off the pitch.
“Narrated by award-nominated actor Tony Head, who features in Tyler Perry’s BET series ‘Zatima’, the film brings Best’s journey to life with emotional depth and historical perspective. It features an original score and songs by acclaimed musician Roy Hay of Culture Club, along with newly uncovered archival footage and exclusive interviews.
“The documentary includes appearances by Harry Redknapp, Les Ferdinand, Viv Anderson, Ian Wright and U.S. Men’s National Team star Kasey Keller, who reflects on the development and evolution of professional soccer in the United States during Best’s era.
“More than a traditional film screening, Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story offers audiences an opportunity to experience a powerful story of sport, perseverance and social change while celebrating one of football’s most important trailblazers.”
Screening Details
- Film: Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story
- Festival: River Valley Film Festival
- Date: Saturday, July 18
- Time: 11:00 a.m. ET
- Tickets: $10
- Purchase: https://filmfreeway.com/RiverValleyFilmFestival/tickets
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