International Sport Film Festival 2025: official winners
Castellammare di Stabia, 24–29 November 2025 – The latest edition of theInternational Sport Film Festival, which brought together directors, producers, athletes and enthusiasts from around the world in Castellammare di Stabia, has concluded.
During the festival days, films, documentaries and digital productions devoted to sport in all its forms were presented, with particular attention to the values of inclusion, resilience and innovation that have always distinguished the event.
At the end of the festival, the international jury announced the official winners of the 2025 edition: all the winners are listed below, followed at the bottom of the page by the video of theOfficial Winners Showcase.
Golden Runner Award – “The Madmen Coach”
Director: Carlo Liberatore
Running time: 00:57:00
Nationality: Italy – Senegal
The festival's top prize was awarded to The Madmen Coach, a documentary recounting the formation of Senegal's first national football team made up of people with mental health conditions. The film follows Malick Bitèye from Dakar to the first international match against Italy in Rome, offering an authentic account of inclusion and hope.
Best Narrative Film – “QUARSHIE”
Director: Omar Shama
Running time: 00:12:40
Nationality: Egypt
A story of determination and redemption: Emanuel Quarshie faces a hostile reception as he seeks to prove his worth within Zamalek's team.
Best Documentary – “Danger, do not look out”
Director: Daniel Cascales Granados
Running time: 00:48:00
Nationality: Spain
A visual journey through the highline community of northern Spain, told through striking images and an essential, evocative cinematic language.
Best Director – Nicholas Marchetti (“The Fencer”)
Running time: 00:13:30
Nationality: United States
For the attentive, sensitive direction with which the story of a young fencer, called on to face an injury and the challenges of her sporting career, is told.
Best Cinematography – “Run Again”
Director: Alexis Berg
Running time: 01:05:00
Nationality: France
For the quality of its cinematography and its ability to unite landscape, emotion and movement in the story of singer Dave Pen taking on the Spine Race.
Best Performance – Els Dottermans (“ALLEZ HOP!”)
Director: Teddy Cherim
Running time: 00:12:57
Nationality: Netherlands
Recognition for the best performance by Els Dottermans, the protagonist of an intimate, human story born from an unexpected event during the Tour de France.
Best Web Production – “Out of Bounds (#WeRideTogether Series)”
Director: Caleb Hansen
Total running time: 00:01:42 · 00:01:00 · 00:01:00 · 00:00:41
Nationality: United States
Four short episodes giving voice to survivors of abuse and trauma in sport, promoting a culture of respect and prevention.
Best Series – “STREETBALL: The Untold Stories of Basketball Stars”
Director: Janine Sides
Running time: 00:40:24
Nationality: United States
A series that explores the world of American street basketball through authentic testimony and an ensemble account of talent and passion.
Best Student Work – “JAI”
Director: Francesco Baldini, Silvia Zennaro
Running time: 00:05:16
Nationality: Italy
A work made by young Italian filmmakers which tells, with simplicity and intensity, a story of friendship and competition in the world of muay thai.
Innovation Award – “Invasion of Qatar”
Director: Greg Crompton
Running time: 01:15:40
Nationality: Canada
A mockumentary that uses satire to reflect on the excesses and contradictions of major international sporting events.
Breaking Barriers Award – “KICKOFF”
Director: Roser Corella, Stefano Obino
Running time: 01:17:00
Nationality: Germany – Spain
Awarded for its message of equality and inclusion, the film recounts a women's football tournament in Kyrgyzstan that challenges stereotypes and cultural barriers.
Alongside the official awards, the Campania Award was presented to Gianluca Vitiello, author and director of the docufilm Noi non siamo napoletani, celebrated during a special evening at the MaxiMall di Torre Annunziata.
The awards ceremony brought to a close an edition rich in participation and artistic quality, confirming theInternational Sport Film Festival as an international point of reference for sports cinema and for promoting the positive values of sport.