Canadian Premiere
CSFF 2021 - Festival Feature
A Most Beautiful Thing
The 13th annual Canadian Sport Film Festival in May 2021 was virtual and featured the Canadian Premiere of the rowing film A Most Beautiful Thing.
‘A Most Beautiful Thing’ chronicles the first African American public high school rowing team in the US, made up of young men, many of whom were in rival gangs from the West Side of Chicago.
Based on the memoir of team captain, Arshay Cooper, and narrated by award-winning artist Common, this movie explores the trauma of violence and cyclical poverty, examining how these young men were able to support each other in reimagining a different future for themselves.
After 20 years in the boat, the men reunite to celebrate the team’s founding and race together one more time.
“Stay strong. Be true. Go the distance.”
2020, Documentary, USA
95 minutes, Director: Mary Mazzio
CSFF Q&A
Arshay Cooper – in conversation with Perdita Felicien – introduction by Victoria Nolan.
Watch the recording of the CSFF Q&A with the film’s star Arshay Cooper, on whose memoir the film is based, interviewed by world champion hurdler, TV host and author, Perdita Felicien. Introduction by 2021 Canadian National Team Athlete (rowing), Victoria Nolan.
CSFF Live Q&A
Arshay Cooper & Kubet Weston – in conversation with Shireen Ahmed.
Watch the recording of the CSFF Live Q&A with author and star of the film, Arshay Cooper, and four-time World Championship medalist and physiotherapist Kubet Weston, the first black rower on the Canadian Olympic Team, interviewed by multi-platform journalist and sports activist, Shireen Ahmed.
CSFF 2021 - Festival Bonus Content
Rowing the River
In a loving dedication to her late father, Wendy shares the beauty and elegance of the sport of rowing as this crew of ordinary women enjoy some fun and exercise on a midsummer row.
2017, Documentary, Canada
2:17 minutes, Director: Empty Cup Media
CSFF in the News
Article on CSFF 2021 Sponsor Hudson Boat Works:
Beautiful Thing: London boat maker puts oar in the water for diversity
The London Free Press – May 25, 2021
Thanks for your Support!
CSFF Thanks Our 2021 Sponsors
The Canadian Sport Film Festival is grateful to the sponsors and partners who made CSFF 2021 possible.
