Central Connecticut State University has announced that it will host the Central Sports Film Fest.
CCSU says that, “the Central Sports Film Fest is a cinematic celebration of Hartford sports legends and the stories that defined Connecticut’s athletic heritage. The two-day event features dynamic film screenings and conversations with creators and performers behind each production.”
The Film Fest will be on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 and Thursday, May 1st, both at 5:00pm in the Torp Theatre on the CCSU campus. “The event is free and open to the public,” CCSU says.
“The Whalers,” is to be shown on Wednesday, April 30th, which CCSU says is a, “documentary that explores the history, influence, and emotional connection the former NHL team still holds in Hartford. A discussion with writer and producer Pat Pickens will follow.”
“The Featherweight,” will be screened on Thursday, May 1st. CCSU says that it is, “an award-winning faux documentary chronicling the true-life comeback story of Sicilian-American boxing legend Willie Pep. Set in Hartford, circa 1964, the film explores the boxer’s attempt to reclaim glory in his mid-40s, despite a failing marriage, financial struggles, and the return of his troubled son.”
“Following the screening,” CCSU adds, “audience members are invited to a Q&A session with the film’s screenwriter-producer Steve Loff and two of the film’s actors, Ruby Wolf and Imma Aiello, both New Britain natives.”
Dr Simone Puleo, an assistant professor of Italian at Central and organizer of the film fest, said,
As director of the Italian Resource Center, I am excited about being involved in launching a Sports Film Fest at Central, while also bringing a very local Italian American sports story to campus.”
“The Central Sports Film Fest is presented by the Robert C Vance Endowed Chair of Journalism and Media Communications, the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, the Italian Resource Center, and the Elihu Burritt Library,” CCSU adds.
Vance Chair Aimee Crawford said,
We hope this becomes an annual event, one where we can showcase student work alongside the professional films and connect our students and members of the community with talented filmmakers.
Torp Theatre is located on the campus of CCSU in Davidson Hall. “Parking will be available in nearby campus lots,” event organizers say.
