For the first time, Esporte Clube Macapá will compete in the Copinha, the largest under-20 soccer tournament in the world. For Dayveson and Jeremias, young prospects from Amapá, the competition represents a rare chance at visibility. In Brazil’s northern Amazon region, they are overlooked. But in the Copinha, their matches will be broadcast nationwide, followed by scouts and agents linked to major teams. Leading the mission is Miguel Seruca, a Portuguese coach who arrived in Amapá in search of talents forgotten by Brazilian soccer. He is betting on the Copinha to launch the careers of these young players and, perhaps, also reap rewards from his discoveries. The task is challenging. Beyond the vast investment gap between E.C. Macapá and its opponents, teams from Amapá, carry a history of humiliating defeats in the tournament. With an observational documentary style, “Copinha” portrays those who live soccer on the margins of the major centers, touching on themes such as masculinity, religion, and the pursuit of fame on social media.

First Worldwide Screening at the 49th Mostra.