In a remarkable initiative, Winterthur-based documentary filmmaker Thomas Gerber has made an inspiring short film for Union Berlin in South Africa. This project, supported by the Dr. Rau Foundation, sheds light not only on passion for football, but also on its role as a social and cultural unifier in the Karoo semi-desert.

The story follows Dario Urbanski, an expatriate fan of Union Berlin, who built the Alte Försterei 2 soccer stadium in Oudtshoorn between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. This stadium serves as the only artificial turf pitch in the valley and was created as a meeting place for training, cultural, and social activities for children and young people from the surrounding area. Urbanski’s commitment shows impressively how football brings people together and offers them hope and a sense of direction.

During his work in South Africa and Zimbabwe, Gerber made a total of three films about projects supported by the Dr. Rau Foundation, focusing on the transformative power of football and its impact on the community. Two of these films were presented at the premiere in Zurich, highlighting the extraordinary history of this unique stadium and the positive impact of sport on the local community.

Gerber’s commitment and the recognition by Union Berlin with the award of a symbolic “iron girder” testify to the profound effect that such cultural bridges can have. Despite his own football preferences – Gerber is an avowed fan of Schalke 04 – this initiative underlines the fact that sport is less about rivalry and more about community and support.

The Dr. Rau Foundation is proud to support important projects that promote social cohesion and development far beyond sport. Gerber’s films not only offer an insight into the Foundation’s work in Africa, but also inspire further commitment and show how passion and dedication can bring about positive change in the world.