AMEN
BY WALL DONE, 06/10/2011
In Africa, football is not a religion. But it is everything a religion should be.
Every village in Africa has one open-air temple with goal posts at opposite ends and devoted followers in the middle. Football breathes happiness into sun-baked days and rain-soaked evenings.
On a continent where not even the basics are taken for-granted, football is precious. And like everything that’s truly precious, it’s a necessity, like bread and water. Amen. So be it. —Ian Brower
Jessica about the series:
This project changed my life. It took on proportions that I could never have imagined. It was a self-funded labour of love that I embarked on with my father. I love Africa and he loves football. I took the photos and did the travelling. He brought the book to life.
The aim of AMEN was to shine the light on all those in the shadow of the World Cup, far from the big stadiums and the corporate carnival-nature of the event. To embrace Africa and everything that makes it unique. To speak of the authenticity and sheer ingeniousness of a continent that manages to do so much with so little. To capture people with simple needs and huge hearts. To express football in its purest form.
I was never much of a football fan, but I've always loved Africa. Eight months were spent on the road in 10 African countries with my Hasselblad, 80mm lens, digital camera, printer, log book and a stock of deflated footballs.
I just followed my gut and felt my way through villages in search of all those little details that speak of Africa's great football passion. For me all the big stories are in the small details. People were incredibly helpful and once I had gained their trust they gave me more than I could ever have imagined. When I got home my head and heart were full of life lessons and beautiful memories. This project was living inside me.
On the last page of the AMEN book I wrote a PROMISE. It was essentially a promise I made to myself after being deeply touched by the people whose faces adorn the pages of my book. I believed if my message was heard that I could received sponsorship in terms of equipment to give back to all those who trusted me. The dream came true thanks to Adidas and other spontaneous donors such as Chris Bean and Sarah Caplan.
The World Cup may be over but the project is still very alive.
All images Jessica Hilltout
Note: The book is available here
