Documentary about famed Wichita Wings soccer team to premiere

A new film about famed Wichita soccer team the Wichita Wings is about to be unleashed.

“God Save the Wings,” a feature-length documentary about the indoor soccer team that meshed Wichita’s sports, social and pop culture scenes in the 1980s, will have its world premiere at 7 p.m. Sat., Feb. 22, at the Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway.

Three years in the making, the film chronicles the Wings, a team of European party boys who went toe-to-toe with teams from New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and arch rival St. Louis in the 1980s. It features Monty Python-inspired animation and several songs from the era (the film was scored by the Wrong Kata Trio).

Narrated by Andy Chapman and featuring interviews from most every key player from the Wings era, the movie is based on the historical book “Make This Town Big.” It’s directed by Adam Knapp and Kenneth Linn, creators of the award-winning documentary short “Out Here In Kansas,” and produced by Tim O’Bryhim, Tori Deatherage and Michael Romalis.

The filmmakers traveled all over the United States — and Europe — to conduct 40 interviews with players, media members and fans, says Knapp.

“We also watched maybe a hundred 1980s games of the Wichita Wings,” Knapp said.

Longtime Wichita Eagle columnist Bonnie Bing will emcee the premiere event.

Chapman is expected to attend, as well as other former Wings stars, including Mike Dowler, Kim Roentved, Terry Nicholl, Kevin Kewley, Chico Borja, Terry Rowe and coach Roy Turner. The filmmaking team will also be in attendance.

Tickets for the premiere are $10 in advance. They are available through Select-A-Seat, at the Orpheum box office or online at www.wichitaorpheum.com. Any remaining tickets will be $13 at the door.

A VIP party backstage at the Orpheum on Feb. 22 has already sold out. It includes drinks, the premiere screening and a chance to mingle with the players.

This story was originally published February 2, 2020 at 8:00 AM.