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Sons of Ben

Name: Sons of Ben
Director: Jeffrey C. Bell
Released: 2015

Representation Score

5.1/10

Fair

2015

Director

Jeffrey C. Bell

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Sons of Ben is a documentary centered on civic ability to act and the organic growth of a soccer supporters' group in Philadelphia. It functions as a study of community mobilization rather than a vehicle for intentional ideological subversion. The film succeeds in portraying the power of decentralized, grassroots movements. It captures how local citizens can disrupt institutional patterns to revitalize a struggling urban landscape. However, the film lacks specific, visible representation across several key identity markers. Without explicit focus on gender, race, or LGBTQ+ identities, the narrative remains grounded in a general community experience.

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Category Breakdown

Does Sons of Ben have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not depict any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It maintains a neutral stance without exploring non-straight relationships within the soccer subculture.

How does Sons of Ben portray gender?

Fair

There is no evidence of gendered power dynamics or the subversion of traditional hierarchies. The narrative focuses on a general group of fans without highlighting specific gendered roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Sons of Ben?

Fair

The documentary touches on community revitalization in Philadelphia, which often involves diverse demographics. However, the specific racial composition of the supporters' group is not explicitly detailed.

How does Sons of Ben represent religion and culture?

Good

The film highlights grassroots activism and community empowerment. It portrays a movement that disrupts institutional stagnation by empowering local citizens to take control of their own sporting future.

Does Sons of Ben include disability representation?

Minimal

The film provides no mention of subjects navigating physical or neurodivergent disabilities. There is no visible representation of disability within the described community movement.

Present on Screen

Captures the authentic power of grassroots community organizing and civic ability to act.
Highlights how localized movements can successfully challenge and disrupt stagnant institutional structures.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
Provides no visible focus on gendered power dynamics or the subversion of gender roles.
Does not explicitly detail the racial or ethnic diversity within the supporters' group.

Official Synopsis

After many rumors of an MLS team arriving in Philadelphia never materializing, a small group of soccer fans took matters into their own hands and started a supporters group called the Sons of Ben to help bring a team to their hometown. They were a group without a team to root for and had a modest goal of reaching 100 members by the end of the year. Little did they know they would reach over 1,500 members in less time than that and start a movement that would not only change the soccer landscape in Philadelphia forever, but also help revive a community that had been struggling for decades.

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