CITY OF PHILADELPHIA SECURES GROUNDBREAKING FILM FESTIVAL DEDICATED TO SPORTS

Posted on | August 6, 2008 | No Comments

The U.S. Sports Film Festival, the Most Comprehensive Film Festival Dedicated To The Competition of Sport, To Debut In Philadelphia, Oct. 23-26

NEW YORK (August 6, 2008) – Philadelphia, home to sports film icon Rocky Balboa and the invincible Vince Papale, has agreed to host the inaugural U.S. Sports Film Festival, the most comprehensive sports film festival in United States history. The USSFF will be held in various locations throughout the city from October 23-26, and will feature a combination of classic sports films, in-depth documentaries and never before seen releases.

Nearly 100 films have been submitted for review to date, ranging from the traditional sports to Mixed Martial Arts, Extreme Endurance Racing and even Pin Trading. The titles selected will be announced in the coming weeks.

“I knew from the first conversation with Stephan Hartman about the US Sports Film Festival that it belonged in Philadelphia, the greatest sports city in America where film is also a passion and a business,” said Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office. “It didn’t take much to convince Governor Rendell, Mayor Nutter and my colleagues in tourism and economic development to jump on board and lend their support. This festival will be embraced by Philadelphia!”

“Philadelphia is a city that embraces all aspects of athletic competition like no other, whether it is enjoying the recent professional successes of the Phillies last year and the Soul last month, or regaling in the tradition of its collegiate and amateur athletic history,” said festival founder and president Stephan Hartman. “We are very excited about this relationship with Governor Rendell, Mayor Nutter and Sharon Pinkerson from the Greater Philadelphia Film Office. They all have combined to help make this festival a reality at a time of year when all four major sports, plus all collegiate and high school athletic competition, will be top of mind for both the casual competitor and the die-hard fan. It will be three day dream come true for anyone interested in sport.”

In addition to new films, the USSFF will also showcase classic films, including Miracle, Invincible and The Natural, as well as a track of Olympic films by award winning documentarian Bud Greenspan. Lectures, receptions, celebrity appearances and other special events will be included and announced in the coming weeks.

For sponsorship information and to obtain tickets to the U.S. Sports Film Festival go to www.ussportsfilmfestival.com or call 646.233.2033.