About CSFF
Canadian Sport Film Festival
A Passion for both
Sport and Film
The Canadian Sport Film Festival (CSFF) aims to provoke dialogue on the power of sport to inspire social change, by sharing powerful personal and political stories about sport from around the world to educate, engage and entertain audiences and communities throughout Canada.
We envision a global community that embraces sport for all.
CSFF
Our Purpose
- To redefine the role of sport in society
- To affirm ethical values in sport
- To normalize equity, diversity and inclusion
- To demonstrate the social value of sport
- To update and expand the existing sport narrative
- To inspire social change through the universal language of sport
- To promote physical activity as a means to achieve physical, emotional and social well-being
Why a sport film festival?
Sport is an integral part of the cultural narrative. It is a common language that has the power to bring people together.
Sharing powerful personal and political stories from around the world through the lens of sport creates an opportunity to learn about one another and gain a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.
This is the place where inspiration can be found to effect social change.
The 17th annual Canadian Sport Film Festival CSFF will take place
November 20-22, 2025 at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto, Canada.
Save the dates and join us in November! #SeeyouatCSFF
CSFF Mandate
The Canadian Sport Film Festival has a mandate to:
- Educate, engage and entertain communities throughout Canada using film to share powerful personal and political stories from around the world about the impact of sport.
- Showcase Canadian and international films and filmmakers not typically screened or widely available.
- Provide a safe environment for critical analysis and discussion about stories and themes represented in CSFF films.
- Promote physical activity as a means to achieve long-lasting physical and mental health benefits.
- Engage youth using film and sport in innovative and collaborative workshops.
- Share the stories beyond the scoreboard, behind the camera and told with a critical lens.
CSFF Background
In 2008, the Canadian Sport Film Festival was conceptualized and founded by Russell Field out of his passion for both sport and film – a passion reflected in his work as assistant professor at the University of Manitoba, where he teaches the course “Sport, Film, and Society.”
Russell is a past film review editor for the Journal of Sport History. His knowledge of the international landscape of sport film ensures that the Canadian Sport Film Festival includes a selection of compelling and provocative films from around the world.
Born out of a desire to showcase the power of sport and film, Canadian Sport Film Festival events are organized by committed volunteers and engage Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
Visit Rewind for a look back at past CSFF festivals and events.