The Italian city of Milan will become the world capital of cinematic and television sport from 28 October-2 November when it plays host to the 29th Milan International FICTS Festival. The event, organised by the International Federation of Cinema and Television Sports (FICTS), will this year feature the Grand Final of the World FICTS Challenge, an international circuit of 14 festivals on all five continents, and will be screened live on RAI Sport TV, the Italian state television station.
Recognised by the International Olympic Committee, the FICTS Festival is the global showcase for sports film producers, sports broadcasters, television networks, production companies, film-makers, directors, advertising and integrated communications agencies, National Olympic Committees and International Sports Federations. The Festival presents participants with a complete view of the social and cultural sides of sport as portrayed by the many documentaries, spot reportages, features and cartoons that will be exhibited.
The 29th Milan International FICTS Festival is dedicated to the celebration of sport in the worlds of cinema, television and communication. The Festival is presided over by Professor Franco Ascani, who is a Member of the IOC Commission for Cultural and Olympic Education.
The festival features 150 separate screenings, and a host of side-events, workshops, meeting sessions and 30 awards. There are seven competition categories: (1) Olympic Values/Olympic Spirit; (2) Documentary; (3) TV Shows and New Technologies; (4) Sport & Society; (5) Movies; (6) Sports Adverts; and, new for 2011, (7) Movies and TV Football, which will feature cinema and made-for-tv productions that are dedicated to football.