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Central Connecticut State University will host the Central Sports Film Fest on Wednesday, April 30, and Thursday, May 1, at 5 p.m. in Torp Theatre. The event is free and open to the public.
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.
On Wednesday, April 30, the festival will screen “The Whalers,” 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.
On Thursday, May 1, Central will host a special screening of “The Featherweight,” 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, 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.
“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,” says Dr. Simone Puleo, an assistant professor of Italian at Central and organizer of the film fest.
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.
“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,” says Vance Chair Aimee Crawford.
Torp Theatre is located in Davidson Hall on the Central campus in New Britain. Parking will be available in nearby campus lots.
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