Manuel lives a simple life in the remote Colombian countryside, dreaming of one day becoming a great goalkeeper. So when he receives a brand new soccer ball for his 9th Birthday, life seems perfect. But behind these bucolic scenes, all is not well. The people of his village are caught between the guerillas and the military, and the dangers become more personal when Manuel's new ball is stranded on a minefield. Manuel and his friends, Poca Luz and Julian, are determined to retrieve the precious ball. In an almost unbearably tense sequence they risk life and limb to get it back. This heart wrenching film tackles universal themes of violence and the effects of conflict on ordinary people. The serious subject matter is balanced with humour, beautiful performances and exquisite detail that will make it a Festival highlight.