EXCLUSIVE: Artists Equity has partnered with Hidden Content, UltraBoom Media and Robert Pattinson’s Icki Eneo Arlo to produce the documentary Shot in the Dark. The feature follows the first U.S. Paralympic Blind Soccer team from their historic roots in 2022 to their attempt to shock the world and win gold at the 2028 Paralympic Games. The film is being co-directed by Jay Shapiro and Adam Donald.
“What drew us to Shot in the Dark was not only our absolute awe of the sport, but the extraordinary athletes themselves. The skill, trust, and courage it takes to compete at this level is something most of us can barely imagine,” said Damon, Chief Creative Officer of Artists Equity. “Telling stories like this is exactly why Artists Equity exists, and we’re thrilled to partner with UltraBoom, Hidden Content, and Icki Eneo Arlo to bring it to the screen.”
Hidden Content has been filming with the team since its formation, first ever tryouts in late 2022 with cooperation from the team’s governing organization, the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA).
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to follow a team from day one tryouts for almost six years to the biggest stage imaginable,” said Hidden Content’s Gentile. “You see them all grow as players, a team, and as individuals on and off the field.”
Hidden Content’s Donald, Ant Gentile, and Jake Wasserman are producing alongside Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Kyle Wheeler of Artists Equity, UltraBoom Media’s Erik Osterholm, Michael Simkin, Carrie Kaylor, and Zach Kazin, and Pattinson and Brighton McCloskey from Icki Eneo Arlo.
“The practices and games are so exciting to watch. Seeing these players in action captures the undeniable thrill of athletic competition alongside a truly triumphant determination of will, reiterating the more beautiful traits of human striving,” said Pattinson.
Blind soccer is an electrifying five vs. five game in which four blind players and a sighted goalkeeper rely on instinct, trust, and sound. The ball itself rattles as it moves, while sideline guides and keepers call out real-time strategy. Matches unfold in near-total silence, the crowd holding its breath so players can track every chime until a goal shatters the stillness. Against this charged backdrop, the film follows a team pushing through grueling training camps and high-stakes international tournaments, fighting to climb the world rankings. Off the field, their lives are just as dynamic: some are becoming fathers, others are navigating personal hardships, and all are redefining what it means to represent the United States as Paralympic athletes.
“From the moment we heard about this team and the players, we knew this was one of those rare sports stories that transcends wins and losses and exemplifies the human spirit,” said UltraBoom Media’s Osterholm. “This team’s journey has the power to connect with audiences, whether you’re an avid sports fan or not.”
Watch the trailer below:
