Lionel Pizzinat (team manager) and René Weiler (ex-coach) deep in thought. Behind the scenes of Servette are partly revealed in the series.
Renaissance/AKKA films
Swiss Football has its “All or nothing”, the documentary series popularized by Prime Video for its immersion behind the scenes of Arsenal or Manchester City. The Swiss version is dedicated to Servette FC, which opened its doors during the 2023-24 season to young Geneva directors Dylan Taher and Léo Bachiri Wadimoff.
The title? “Renaissance”. The format? Four 26-minute episodes. The audience that the series will appeal to? Football fans in particular, but first and foremost the Servettians, already nostalgic for last season, with this victory in the Swiss Cup at the end.
Lematin.ch was able to attend the preview last Wednesday in Carouge. Spoiler: the documentary ends with this crazy penalty shootout against Lugano. No surprise. We knew the story. She remains beautiful. She will know how to revive emotions.
Kutesa, disarming headliner
As is often the case, such a project gains interest because it allows behind-the-scenes access. This is what makes it strong. We have the locker room images, even if there could have been more. We have staff discussions, even if they seem to be mainly there to illustrate this very privileged access.
We especially have a lot of sequences alongside Derek Kutesa. The Swiss international is the headliner. Because it is very present, but mainly because it is disarmingly sincere. We become attached to his outings, because they are those of a kid who has matured and who lives the moment passionately. They are worth the detour alone.
The other main speakers convince, too. In this case, captain Jérémy Frick, former coach and now sports director René Weiler, press manager Loïc Lüscher in particular.
This is less the case for ex-president Thierry Regenass, who has been given a lot of space and who is not far from taking credit for all of last season’s successes. Far from what we know about the dynamics of Servetti’s leadership. Remember that during the season, he announced his resignation, which we know was partly the consequence of the forgotten email affair, at the end of the winter transfer window.
Tolerable inconsistencies
“Renaissance” does not forget these episodes, like the more delicate sporting moments. This isn’t just positive writing from last season. This remains documentary and journalistic work. That’s what makes it credible. Despite the scenes played of supporters watching the matches in live conditions, but in front of a TV summary. Some inconsistencies, which could only be spotted by those obsessed with detail.
This does not take away the interest of the project. Especially not. Because the two directors have chosen to tell the story of Servette today, but also before, to the youngest. By using their codes. This is well seen.
It’s important, too. Swiss football needs this breath of fresh air. The series will benefit Servette, first of all, who has understood everything on the subject. It’s up to others to be inspired.
“Renaissance”, a series by Dylan Taher and Léo Bachiri Wadimoff. 4 episodes of 26 minutes, to be found every Monday in December on Blue Sport channels.
