“L’avversario” directed by Federico Russotto wins the first edition of the International Sport Film Festival
The short film won the sports-themed film festival because it best represented the values that the International Sport Film Festival promotes: commitment to sports, respect for opponents, and healthy competition.
The first edition of the International Sport Film Festival, created and directed by film producer Nicola D’Auria and director Ciro Sorrentino, concluded on December 10th. The festival showcased 73 films from 26 different countries, with 46 hours of screening time. Over 1,000 students attended the festival during the mornings reserved for schools, and 200 spectators attended the screening of the docufilm “Due Con”. There were 40 finalist films in 10 competitive sections for feature-length, documentary, and short films.
The Golden Runner award went to “L’avversario” by Federico Russotto, which tells the story of Aureliano and Simone, two boys who seem to come from different worlds. They speak little to each other, and their common language is fencing. It is with every thrust that the two boys test their talent and loyalty. The short film won because, according to the jury, it best represented the values that the festival promotes: commitment to sports, respect for opponents, and healthy competition.
The Best Feature award went to “0.5 meters”, which tells the dramatic story of Gonzalo Suárez Garayo, a wheelchair basketball player who is also the director of the film. Gonzalo Suárez Garayo also won the award for Best Emerging Director. The Best Short Film award went to “Janwaar”, which tells the real and captivating story of a small Indian village located in one of the poorest regions of the country, where a skate park is installed. The installation becomes the main attraction for children and teenagers, providing them with a valid alternative to street life and reconciling two rival gangs.
Other awards include Best Director to Michael Bolland for “Zasada”, Best Photography to Karol Lakomiec and Marcin Morawicki for “Zasada”, Best Actor to Dario Naglieri for “L’avversario”, Best Young Productions to Point-in-Line, and Best Web Content to Myriam Etman for “My name is Mifodzi”.
“The selection of the films was based not only on their artistic and production qualities, but also on the message they intend to convey,” emphasized artistic director Ciro Sorrentino. “We are already working on the second edition, which will be even richer than the just-concluded one. The involvement of so many students during the first two days of the festival gave us great emotions. We believe that cinema in all its forms is the fastest and most eloquent means to instill in young people a passion for sports. I thank everyone who contributed to the success of the festival, especially the official partners Banca Stabiese and Express Service srl, and the sponsors Regione Campania Film Commission, Regione Campania CONI, UISP Napoli, and Circolo Nautico Stabia,” said film producer Nicola D’Auria at the conclusion of the first edition of the International Sport Film Festival.
The International Sport Film Festival is part of the Cinema Plan of the Campania Region and is sponsored by the Campania Region, the Campania Region Film Commission, CONI Campania Region, and UISP Napoli. The event is organized in collaboration with Banca Stabiese and the transport and logistics company Express Service based in Castellammare di Stabia, with media partner Magazine Pragma.
Contacts: www.internationalsportff.it – info@internationalsportff.it – +39.328.137.08.10
