The Beausoleil Côte d’Azur Sport Film Festival 2025 gathered 466 films from over 70 countries to celebrate sport through cinema. An edition marked by emotion, solidarity, and the passion for sport.
From April 1st to 3rd, 2025, Beausoleil resonated with the rhythm of sport and cinema during the ninth edition of the Beausoleil Côte d’Azur International FICTS Sport Film Festival. This major event, organized by the Departmental Olympic and Sports Committee of the Alpes-Maritimes (CDOS 06) in collaboration with the International Federation of Sports Cinema and Television (FICTS), is part of a resolutely innovative initiative aimed at promoting sports culture through the seventh art.
An Internationally-Sized Festival
This exceptional gathering brings together 466 films from more than 70 countries, with 444 works in competition, 37 finalists, 7 winners, and 13 honorable mentions. Among these creations, 22 films and clips made by clubs will be showcased during special activities dedicated to children and schools. The goal is clear: to make cinema a vehicle for imparting sports values and to encourage sports practice across all environments, including within schools and popular areas.
A Cultural and Athletic Journey
From the entrance, festival-goers are welcomed by a photographic exhibition dedicated to the legendary Monte Carlo Rally, a vibrant nod to the world of motor sports. The opening ceremony kicks off with the screening of a film tracing the historical journey of the French team at the Olympic Games, immersing the audience in an atmosphere both emotional and exhilarating.
The Commitment to Sponsorship and Solidarity Action
Among the festival’s key figures, Bruno Saby, former rally driver and event sponsor, embodies the commitment and passion for sport. He is also behind a solidarity action through his association “Hope Isère Against Cancer”, a project that combines the fight against illness with the promotion of sports culture. This dual vocation highlights the humanistic nature of the festival, which goes far beyond just film screenings.
Awards Reflecting the Taste of Sport and Culture
The festival offers a series of awards recognizing the excellence and diversity of the presented works. Among them:
- Azur Clip Prize:
- 3rd equal: Longo Trial by the Saint Jeannet trail club
- 90 years of FSGT by FSGT 06
- 2nd: Sporting Club Aviron Menton
- 1st prize: The Heart of the Tatami by the Judo Club Plan de Grasse
- Jury Prize: School’ympics by Patrick Jorge
- City of Beausoleil Prize:
- AGO by Nicolò Tubini (film about Agostini)
- Even received a little video message from Agostini himself
- Best Clip and Short Film Prize:
- The Story of OGC Nice on the City Walls
- Best Sports and Documentary Film Prize:
- Suzanne Lenglen by Franck Lorrain and Olivia Laurin
- Best Sports and Disability Film Prize:
- Rising from Weakness by Fernando Pazin
- Best Sports and Society Film Prize:
- The Chance of a Second Wind by Laurent Etchemendy
- Best Sports and Olympism Film Prize:
- The Sirens of Ukraine by Alexandra Guiral
- Grand Prize and Garland of Honor:
- The Treasures of Belem by Leone Sutter and Estelle Brassart
A Tribute to the Legendary Sailboat “Le Belem”
One of the highlights of this edition will be the installation of the garland of honor which will proudly be displayed at the top of the mast of the “Belem”. This historic sailboat, symbolizing a time when maritime adventure and exploration occupied a central place in popular culture, is now reinterpreted as an emblem of the alliance between tradition and modernity. The Belem, through its history and aesthetics, perfectly embodies the spirit of the festival aimed at marrying sport, culture, and commitment.
A Lasting Impact Beyond the Festival
Beyond screenings and ceremonies, the Sport Film Festival 2025 aims to be the starting point for a sustainable cultural and sports movement. After the event, actions will be implemented in schools and popular venues to disseminate the award-winning films and to raise awareness among young people about sports values. This cultural transfer represents a tremendous opportunity to create bridges between the worlds of cinema, sport, and education, encouraging sports practice and showcasing the diversity of talents on an international scale.
In summary, the Sport Film Festival 2025 in Beausoleil is presented as an international showcase of sports culture, skillfully combining cinema, sport, and social commitment. An unmissable event for all enthusiasts, which combines tradition, innovation, and solidarity in an exceptional setting at the heart of the Côte d’Azur.