Football's forgotten faithful: a search for belonging in the stadiums of the world
For decades, hardcore football fans – the ultras – were a shadowy subculture, confined largely to Italian terraces. Now, Ragnhild Ekner’s new documentary, ‘Ultras,’ unearths a global phenomenon, revealing a surprising hunger for community, danger, and a defiant rejection of the atomized modern world.
The rise of the ‘uprising against loneliness’
Ekner’s film travels continents, documenting the fervent rituals of these fan groups – the synchronized chants, the elaborate displays, the unwavering loyalty. It’s a compelling argument that the ultras aren't simply supporting a team; they’re seeking something far more profound: a sense of belonging in an era defined by isolation. As one ultra eloquently states, ‘It’s where I feel at home.’
Beyond the violence: a complex narrative
While the documentary acknowledges the darker aspects of ultra culture – the occasional criminality, the historical links to political extremism – it resists easy judgment. Ekner deftly navigates the contradictions, showcasing women actively excluded from some terraces, while highlighting the central role of female barra bravas in others, particularly in South America. The film subtly suggests that the appeal of ultras transcends simple loyalty; it’s about rejecting societal norms and carving out a space of defiant camaraderie.
Roots in rootlessness
The rise of the ultras is inextricably linked to the decline of traditional football. Teams have become increasingly detached from their local communities, players are often global commodities, and the game has been sanitized for television audiences. In this context, the ultras represent a vital connection to the past – a tangible link to the club’s history and its fan base. As one interviewee notes, ‘They give sanitised modern football a sense of passion.’
From spiritual ritual to political protest
But the appeal of the ultras goes deeper than mere nostalgia. For many, ultra culture provides a form of spiritual devotion, complete with its own lexicon of faith and ritual. It’s a religion for the disillusioned, a way to find meaning in a secular age. The documentary explores this phenomenon with sensitivity, revealing how these groups have played a significant role in social and political movements, from the Arab Spring to contemporary protests.
The price of loyalty
However, the film doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truth: the ultra world is fraught with contradictions. Beneath the spectacle of pyrotechnics and painted banners lies a history of violence and organized crime. Some ultra bosses are involved in sophisticated drug trafficking operations, mirroring the illicit activities of organized crime syndicates. Ekner’s film powerfully illustrates that the pursuit of belonging and identity can come at a significant cost – a willingness to embrace the shadows and challenge the boundaries of legality. Ultimately, ‘Ultras’ isn’t just a documentary about football; it’s a stark reflection of the human desire for connection, even when that connection is forged in the crucible of conflict.