POV Season 31 Episode 5 The Workers Cup

In the season 31 episode 5 of POV, titled "The Workers Cup," the documentary takes an inside look at the lives of the migrant workers who are building the infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Premiering on PBS on July 9th, 2018, the film depicts the experiences of these men who have traveled from their home countries to work on construction sites in Qatar, face the harsh realities of living and working conditions that are difficult, lonely and often unfair.

Directed by Adam Sobel, the documentary follows the workers who live in cramped hostels, with little to no privacy, traveling daily to the job site where they work long hours in the sweltering heat. Through interviews and on-site footage, viewers will witness the turmoil and the camaraderie that the workers experience as they prepare the stadium and related facilities for the soccer tournament, one of the world's biggest events.

The film starts by introducing viewers to a group of Nepalese workers, who have come to Qatar to earn a living wage, supporting their families back home. The workers are thrilled to have this opportunity, but quickly realize that their working and living conditions are not what they expected, nor what was promised to them. They spend their days pouring concrete in the scorching heat, and their nights living in cramped quarters with little privacy. They have to work for months on end without a break, and they are not allowed to leave the construction site at any time. In addition, since many of the workers raise concerns, they face intimidation and threats to their lives.

As the film progresses, we learn that the Nepalese workers, along with workers from other countries, are involved in a soccer tournament called "The Workers Cup," which is held annually in Qatar. This tournament brings together teams from all the different construction sites, giving the workers a chance to have some fun and escape their monotonous life on the construction site. Although the tournament is light-hearted, it is not without controversy, as the documentary shows how even the workers' recreational activities are still controlled and monitored by their employers.

Through the workers' stories, the film attempts to capture a slice of life in modern-day Qatar, where migrant workers have been brought in to build infrastructure projects for major international events. Interviews with the workers' families back home, and conversations with the organizers of the Workers Cup project, give viewers an in-depth look at the toll this form of labor takes on people. "The Workers Cup" showcases the human side of the World Cup, demonstrating how the most amazing sporting events in the world are built on a foundation of exploitation and suffering.

Overall, "The Workers Cup" is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that highlights a situation in which the personal stories of migrant workers are largely left untold. The film is a vivid portrayal of the struggles and the resiliency of these workers and their families with powerful stories that truly touch the heart. It is a tribute to those who often do not receive much acknowledgment in the world of soccer or cinema but whose contributions are vital to the efforts that build one of the world's most important sports tournaments.