Warriors

Warriors is a documentary following a group of young Maasai who, in a remote region of Kenya, have remarkably formed a cricket team. They relate the sport to their traditional hunting techniques – the ball is the spear, the bat is the shield – and their flowing red robes in full flight are an awesome sight. The film follows the team as they pursue their dream of reaching England, the home of cricket, and test themselves in the amateur Last Man Stands World Championship. 

But there is a darker heart to the story. The Maasai are male dominated, women have few rights – even to their own bodies – and girls as young as six have suffered Female Genital Mutilation and early marriages. Traditional practices such as these have also contributed to the spread of HIV/Aids, and now many believe the future of the Maasai is under serious threat. The Warriors cricket team are using their new-found unity on the field as an inspiration to those off it, attempting to educate and give young people a sense of belonging, support, and hope.

However, they face resistance from the elders of their community – well-respected and wise men who hold all Maasai traditional practices dear and carry great influence. They fear losing any of their traditions will herald the end of the Maasai. Can cricket really bring change to the region?

BBC News – Warriors Gala Premiere

Joe Wilson of the BBC reports from the Gala Premiere of Warriors at the Soho Curzon cinema in London. The screening coincided with the Ashes cricket series in England, and was an opportunity for partners and supporters of the film to see their contributions on the big screen. Watch the video via the BBC here.

Warriors – behind the scenes

Have a watch of part one of our behind the scenes videos, featuring some fun moments during the filming of Warriors.

James Anderson talks ‘Warriors’

James Anderson is England cricket’s most successful bowler of all time, and Executive Producer Warriors. Here he chats about what made him get involved with the film.

Arise News

Warriors star Sonyanga Ole Ngais and director Barney Douglas chat live in the studio about the UK cinema release.

Talksport Radio – Warriors director Barney Douglas chats to the Paul Hawksbee & Andy Jacobs (14.30-15.00 slot) – July 2015

BBC World Radio – Maasai Cricket captain Sonyanga Ole Ngais talks about the social messages in Warriors (16.45 slot) – July 2015

AFP – ‘Warriors of cricket and cultural conscience’ – July 2015

New York Times/Tribune – ‘Maasai Warriors bowl over audience’ – July 2015

Lancashire Telegraph – ‘Anderson tries second career as film producer’ – July 2015

CNN – ‘Maasai Warriors drop spears for bats’ – March 2015

Hint Magazine New York – ‘It’s not just sport, it’s style’ – February 2015

Sky Sports News – Video report on the Maasai Cricket Warriors in the UK – August 2103

BBC Test Match Special – Jonathan Agnew interviews James Anderson & Barney Douglas about Warriors – December 2012

The Times UK – ‘James Anderson film link helping Aids awareness’  – December 12th 2012

The Independent UK – ‘Maasai Warriors on the front foot’ – December 2012

ESPNCricinfo – ‘Anderson-cum-Spielberg aims to help Warriors’ – November 2012