-Written by Michelle Vorob.
2024 SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
Coach Pancake is a short documentary about Andres Baena, a former soccer star who became a coach and works with children through his AB Futbol School, LAFC So Cal Roots, as well as through other institutions. With over 20 years experience coaching children, Andres is beloved by his students and took on the nickname “Coach Pancake”, after a three year old student struggled to pronounce his name.
Directed by Gabriel Olsen, Coach Pancake is filmed and edited in top notch quality, wonderfully showcasing the experience and care Andres brings to his students, as well as the joy and inclusion his students feel during their sessions.
While viewing, I couldn't help but think how many of us would have had a different childhood school or sports experience, had we been lucky enough to have a coach like Andres. Even the youngest students are engaged and encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and be the best version of themselves, all while learning to play soccer.
Andres explains to us, during his interview segments, that soccer was a gateway for him to realize his potential and stay out of gangs during his youth. This is what he's paying forward. No stranger to life's struggles, Andres is wise, centered and exactly the type of person you want coaching your children. It's easy to see from both the interview segments and the scenes of Andres coaching and engaging with his students that he is a genuine man that has truly found his calling.
Coach Pancake is an official selection of the 67th San Francisco International Film Festival (2024), as well as other 2024 film festivals.
Directed by Gabriel Olsen.
Starring Andres Baena.
7.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING
