Houston Herricanes reunite for documentary screening

HOUSTON — It’s a mini-reunion for one of Houston’s most important football teams.

Members of the late 1970s Houston Herricanes, who played in the premier women’s soccer league, were among those who attended a special screening of “The Herricanes” during the Houston Asian American Pacific kickoff This year’s Islander Film Festival at Axelrad Beer Garden.

“The Herricanes,” a six-time award-winning documentary about the Houston team and, in general, women’s soccer, was recently acquired by Blue Harbor Entertainment, according to Variety Magazine.

“I just didn’t think anyone would be interested in anything more than the crowd when we were playing,” said Basia Haszlakiewicz, a Herricanes player. “We really struggled to find an audience (in the 1970s).”

Haszlakiewicz’s daughter, Olivia Kuan, is the director.

“For (the film’s positive reaction) to last this long, this strong and for us to be sold, it’s incredible,” said former Herricanes player Billie Cooper. “It gives you chills.”

The film premiered in 2023 at the SXSW Film Festival.

“We are pioneering an innovative, filmmaker-friendly business model, and we are excited to work with Olivia and the rest of the team behind “The Herricanes” to tell this little-known story of courage, determination and perseverance. “a remarkable group of female athletes to American audiences this summer,” Blue Harbor Entertainment said in a statement to Variety.

A few players from the Houston Energy women’s team were also in attendance. The Energy was also involved in the making of the film, according to team owner Brian Wiggins.

The Houston Asian American Pacific Islander Film Festival (HAAPIFEST), now in its 20th year, runs through Friday, June 14. It includes more than 100 films, “ranging from three-minute shorts to feature-length films, that celebrate everyone’s stories.” integral parts of the AAPI community,” according to OCA-Greater Houston.

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