Shot in the Dark documentary tracks U.S. blind soccer team to 2028

The Shot in the Dark documentary has added a heavyweight production squad, with Artists Equity joining Hidden Content, UltraBoom Media and Robert Pattinson’s Icki Eneo Arlo on a feature about the first U.S. Paralympic Blind Soccer team, Deadline reported.

The film follows the team from its beginnings in 2022 through its bid to compete for gold at the 2028 Paralympic Games. Jay Shapiro and Adam Donald are co-directing.

Hidden Content has been filming the athletes since the team’s first tryouts in late 2022, Deadline reported, working with the cooperation of the United States Association of Blind Athletes, the team’s governing organization.

What is Shot in the Dark about?

Shot in the Dark is a sports documentary about the first U.S. Paralympic Blind Soccer team as its players train, compete internationally and try to rise in the world rankings before the 2028 Paralympics.

The film also follows the athletes away from competition, including players becoming fathers and dealing with personal challenges, according to Deadline.

Matt Damon, chief creative officer of Artists Equity, said in a statement reported by Deadline that the company was drawn to both the sport and the athletes, pointing to the skill, trust and courage required to play at that level.

Hidden Content’s Ant Gentile described the project as a rare chance to film a team from its first tryouts through nearly six years of growth toward a major global stage, Deadline reported.

How does blind soccer work?

Blind soccer is played five against five, with four blind outfield players and a sighted goalkeeper. The ball makes sound as it rolls, while guides and keepers call instructions so players can track movement and positioning.

Because sound is central to play, matches rely on quiet from spectators until a goal changes the room. Deadline described the sport as built around instinct, trust and sound.

Robert Pattinson said in a statement that the practices and matches are exciting to watch, and that the athletes’ play shows both competitive drama and determination, Deadline reported.

UltraBoom Media’s Erik Osterholm said the team’s story goes beyond results and could reach viewers whether or not they follow sports, according to Deadline.

Who is producing Shot in the Dark?

The producing team spans all four companies involved in the partnership.

• Hidden Content: Adam Donald, Ant Gentile and Jake Wasserman
• Artists Equity: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Kyle Wheeler
• UltraBoom Media: Erik Osterholm, Michael Simkin, Carrie Kaylor and Zach Kazin
• Icki Eneo Arlo: Robert Pattinson and Brighton McCloskey

Deadline also reported that a teaser trailer for Shot in the Dark has been released on YouTube.

The project puts a still-young U.S. national team on camera from the start, giving the film a built-in clock: the long run-up to the 2028 Paralympic Games, and the athletes’ attempt to turn a first chapter into a medal chase.

This story draws on original reporting from Deadline.