Home - International Sports Film Festival

Please invest in the next generation of storytellers by making a tax-deductible donation to our CAPITAL CAMPAIGN for 2023, which will be used for our educational programming and animated kids book series.

Join us April 1st & 2nd in Houston during the Final Four. We will present our Phi Slama Jama animated kids book at the Children’s Museum of Houston on April 1st at noon. We will also hold art activities and a screening of Phi Slama Jama on April 2nd. You can support this powerful programming by making a donation to ISFF HTOWN!

Please join our mailing list to stay up to date for more programming announcements!

ISFF HTOWN APRIL 1 & 2, 2023

KIDS BOOKS

ISFF ASPEN 2024

EQUALITY & TOLERANCE

THROUGH THE LENS

PAST EVENTS

DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS

PARTNERSHIPS

TEAM

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

KHOU Interview

Play

Check out KHOU's interview with Festival Founder Josh Merwin!

Mayor's Invitation

Play

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner invites you to ISFFH!

8th Wonder

Holocaust Museum Houston

More Venues Soon

POST Houston, Feb 4-5th

Supported By:

KRBE

Discovery Green

Discovery Green

Houston Press

Sky High

HYP

Event Horizon

KRBE

GI

Sphere

NOM

Houston Press

Holocaust Museum Houston

LifeGift

Capts & Bold

KRBE

TCG

SOULidiFLY

Houston Cinema Arts

Houston Press

Texasiana

Dj Mohawk Steve

KRBE

D'Lish

Betirri

Houston Press

Betirri Image

Houston Dash

Houston Dynamo

KRBE

ADEMOLA

BrickRodeo

Reel Abilities

River Oaks

SOCCER MATTERS

NEWS

See the latest updates on the ISFF social channels!

sportsfilmfest

Join us tomorrow to celebrate the Art & Bike Parad

Join us tomorrow to celebrate the Art & Bike Parade Festival! You can enjoy the event in person to complete our creativity page, or download it.
It’s going to be a fun time, bring your kids out and get creative!

Amazing time at the @childrensmuseumhouston yester

Amazing time at the @childrensmuseumhouston yesterday! We debuted our animated kid’s book created with @youngartpros and @markdrewhtx 🔥 don’t forget the BIG EVENT TONIGHT at Levy Park! @espn film screening, @craftcreameryhtx free ice cream, and @donkeeboy onsite for all things art! BE THERE 🤘

It’s FINAL FOUR WEEKEND! Join us today at the @c

It’s FINAL FOUR WEEKEND! Join us today at the @childrensmuseumhouston for a FULL reveal of our animated children’s book on Phi Slama Jama! @donkeeboy and @youngartpros will be in the house for a presentation on their artwork! We even laid down a track with @markdrewhtx for the occasion 🔥 IT SLAPS 🏀

OPENING DAY AT THE JUICE BOX! VAMOS ASTROS! Big sp

OPENING DAY AT THE JUICE BOX! VAMOS ASTROS! Big sports weekend down here in HTOWN! Don’t miss out on our Final Four events happening this weekend with @donkeeboy 🏀 ⚾️ link in bio for more info!

FOR THE KIDS! Our events this weekend focus on @do

FOR THE KIDS! Our events this weekend focus on @donkeeboy and his @youngartpros and their contribution to the culture & art of sports! They have been creating pieces of art based on our animated DREAM BIG children’s books series. Help us support their programming by visiting the link in our bio! There are opportunities to purchase one of a kind installations that feature the story and history of the University of Houston basketball legends, Phi Slama Jama. All donations will benefit @youngartpros and Through The Lens, an ISFF nonprofit organization.

FINAL FOUR WEEKEND! COME CHECK IT OUT! On Sunday A

FINAL FOUR WEEKEND! COME CHECK IT OUT! On Sunday April 2 we will be screening @espn documentary PHI SLAMA JAMA at Levy Park! Art class led by @donkeeboy and @youngartpros and free @craftcreameryhtx ice cream!! Free and open to the public! BE THERE 🏀

ISFF x HTOWN this weekend during the Final Four ma

ISFF x HTOWN this weekend during the Final Four madness!! Help us support @donkeeboy and his @youngartpros and join us for fun events for the whole family!

ISFF x HTOWN will be celebrating the Art & Culture

ISFF x HTOWN will be celebrating the Art & Culture of Sports during Final Four weekend in Houston. Sports Film Fest is partnering with DonkeeBoy and his art students, “Young Art Pros” to create an animated kids book on the Phi Slama Jama team. Events will include a presentation at The Children’s Museum of Houston on Saturday April 1st at noon and continue on Sunday, April 2 starting at 6:00pm at Levy Park. Craft Creamery is also partnering with us and creating custom flavors based on the Phi Slama Jama team.

The Levy Park event kicks off with a kids coloring page session with Donkee Boy and ISFF founder, Josh Merwin. A DREAM BIG storytelling class led by Josh Merwin will follow. Craft Creamery will be handing out free mini-cones of their ice cream starting at 6:40pm. The fun family evening will cap off with a screening of Phi Slama Jama, an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary about the famed University of Houston basketball team in the 1980s.

The family friendly event is free and open to the public.

ISFF is proudly supporting Artist Donkee Boy and his “Young Art Pros” to create a series of art projects around the culture of sports. To learn more and to donate to support this programming please visit the link in our bio!

Despite the severe racial, social and economic bar

Despite the severe racial, social and economic barriers that African American athletes have been subjected to throughout history, there have been notable individuals who have risen above the challenges and shattered all expectations.

Not only did these athletes achieve "firsts" in their sport, but many also felt a heavy responsibility to stand up for their communities and use their fame to push for more inclusion both on and off the field.

Holocaust survivor Agnes Adachi recalls the impact that Jesse Owens had on her at the 1936 Berlin Olympics - a pivotal time of hatred in our world.

“I was at the Olympic Games when Jesse Owens was running," she says, "and that is one thing I will never forget because (Nazis) were just as much against Blacks as they were the Jews."

Adachi said that as Owens passed Nazi Hermann Göring, a military leader and convicted war criminal, Owens "gave him the dirtiest look."

"Jesse Owens was actually flying," she said, "he wasn't running."

She speaks of Owens with such pride and, well, almost love, because she realized then what Blacks and Jews should know now: our unity is our strength.

What @burton is all about! Join us tonight as we h

What @burton is all about! Join us tonight as we honor @jakeburton77 and the legacy he left in the sport of snowboarding! @george_burton_carpenter PARTY 5-7 at @thesterlingaspen and SCREENING 7:15pm at ISIS Theater

Tonight’s vibe: BIG BIG ENERGY! Between 3-4 will

Tonight’s vibe: BIG BIG ENERGY! Between 3-4 will be randomly selecting two people that have purchased screening tickets and UPGRADING them to VIP tickets!! Get your tickets now - we are almost sold out!!! Can’t wait to party with y’all at @thesterlingaspen 🤙🏼

Tonight in one word: FUN! Grab you tickets to our

Tonight in one word: FUN! Grab you tickets to our FUN events happening TONIGHT! Party at @thesterlingaspen and screening of DEAR RIDER with a Director’s Panel afterwards! Link in bio for tickets!

We out here Aspen!!!! Hanging with @goldengoose do

We out here Aspen!!!! Hanging with @goldengoose doing some custom kicks 🤙🏼 Come thru it’s lit 🔥

DEAR RIDER: The Jake Burton Story. Screening & VIP

DEAR RIDER: The Jake Burton Story. Screening & VIP Party tomorrow! Link in bio for tickets! Don’t sleep on this!!!

🔥This is why we do it! Grab your tickets soon -

🔥This is why we do it! Grab your tickets soon - we are selling out fast!!!🔥The first annual ISFF × ASPEN Popup film festival will take place on January 26, 2023, featuring a VIP Party at The Sterling and a screening of the HBO SPORTS® Original documentary "Dear Rider, The Jake Burton Story" at the Isis Theater.

The film is a celebration of the life and vision of Jake Burton Carpenter, who pioneered the sport of snowboarding and turned it into a global cultural phenomenon.

The festival will feature a downloadable kids coloring page of an animated book on Jake Burton. ISFF's groundbreaking series Josh's Inspirational Journeys, Dream Big helps tackle two of the biggest issues in education today, attention span and reading literacy.

Tickets may be purchased at www.SportsFilmFest.org. All proceeds go towards ISFF's Through The Lens and Burton's CHILL nonprofit, an organization dedicated to getting kids on snow, promoting personal growth, and supporting marginalized communities through board sports.

The first annual ISFF × ASPEN Popup film festival

The first annual ISFF × ASPEN Popup film festival will take place on January 26, 2023, featuring a VIP Party at The Sterling and a screening of the HBO SPORTS® Original documentary "Dear Rider, The Jake Burton Story" at the Isis Theater.

The film is a celebration of the life and vision of Jake Burton Carpenter, who pioneered the sport of snowboarding and turned it into a global cultural phenomenon.

The festival will feature a downloadable kids coloring page of an animated book on Jake Burton. ISFF's groundbreaking series Josh's Inspirational Journeys, Dream Big helps tackle two of the biggest issues in education today, attention span and reading literacy.

Tickets may be purchased at www.SportsFilmFest.org. All proceeds go towards ISFF's Through The Lens and Burton's CHILL nonprofit, an organization dedicated to getting kids on snow, promoting personal growth, and supporting marginalized communities through board sports.

COME CHECK THIS! Don’t miss the hottest party du

COME CHECK THIS! Don’t miss the hottest party during the Winter X Games! VIP Table service + DEAR RIDER screening this Thursday! Link in bio for tix.

THIS WEEK! We are popping over to Aspen for our IS

THIS WEEK! We are popping over to Aspen for our ISFF x ASPEN film fest! Awesome events and special guest appearances! Great week to shred some pow! Link in bio for tickets!

BIG NEWS! Next week we are heading to the mountain

BIG NEWS! Next week we are heading to the mountains to kick off ISFF x ASPEN 🎬 Join us on THURS JAN 26 for an exclusive screening of DEAR RIDER and a VIP party at the Sterling! Link in bio for tickets 🎫 YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Sports

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Sports Screenplay Championship with @eventhorizonfilms and congrats to those who placed! We loved your screenplays and learning about the impact that sports has made in your stories!

Our thoughts and prayers are with Damar Hamlin tod

Our thoughts and prayers are with Damar Hamlin today. We wish him strength and recovery. Bills Mafia we are with you!

Nasr-Azadani, who played at Under-16 level for the

Nasr-Azadani, who played at Under-16 level for the national team, began his football career with Tehran team Rah-Ahan, with whom he played for the first time in Iran's top flight league.

The defender briefly played for Tractor SC under former Wales coach John Toshack and is currently at FC Iranjavan Bushehr.

Former Iranian international star Ali Karimi, a strong supporter of the protests, backed Nasr-Asadani in a tweet, saying "Do not execute Amir."

The Iranian national team took part in the World Cup in Qatar and staged their own protest by refusing to sing the national anthem in their opening match against England.

Mississippi State head football coach Mike Leach h

Mississippi State head football coach Mike Leach has died at the age of 61, after a battle with a heart condition. Leach was one of the most entertaining coaches in sports, known for his monotone voice and hilarious responses to questions. Aside from the viral moments he created, Leach could flat-out coach. He made his name with the air-raid offense at Texas Tech from 2000-2009, posting a winning season every year - including an 11-1 regular season in 2008. Leach recaptured the air raid magic at Washington State from 2012-2019 with some prolific offensive seasons. Leach left Pullman for Mississippi State in early 2020, and he just wrapped up his best season with the Bulldogs - an 8-4 campaign with a win over rival Ole Miss three weeks ago. RIP 🏴‍☠️

Julianne Sitch became the first woman to coach a m

Julianne Sitch became the first woman to coach a men's soccer program to an NCAA championship when she led the University of Chicago past Williams College 2-0 in the Division III title game this past week!

It’s #GivingTuesday and we are thankful to all o

It’s #GivingTuesday and we are thankful to all of our generous donors and sponsors for your dedication! Please consider making a gift today to help fund our educational programming!

Had a great time networking with @iam96gb at @htow

Had a great time networking with @iam96gb at @htownhappyhour and chatting about our upcoming workshops & events! Don’t forget to check out our animated children’s book about Michael and how he overcame adversity to play football. Heart of a Lion - Link in bio!

When Brown University's baseball season starts in

When Brown University's baseball season starts in February, one of the players taking the field will make history. Olivia Pichardo will be first woman on the roster of a Division I college baseball team in the U.S. Women have been making strides onto the rosters of baseball teams in recent years. In May, Kelsie Whitmore became the first woman to start in a game in pro baseball's Atlantic League, taking left field for the Staten Island FerryHawks. Baseball For All, an organization that advocates for girls and women in baseball, keeps a list of colleges and universities that will consider talented players, regardless of gender. Way to go Olivia!

⛳️ The Houston Open is in full swing! Did you

⛳️ The Houston Open is in full swing! Did you know that Dr. George Grant (a dentist!) invented the golf tee? Our next animated children’s book tells the story of his life and achievements. Download our coloring book that accompanies the story & tag @sportsfilmfest in your artwork for a chance to win a special prize! Each submission counts as a $1 donation to Through the Lens to unlock the book! Link in bio #DreamBigBooks

Josh’s Inspiration Journeys, DREAM BIG are anima

Josh’s Inspiration Journeys, DREAM BIG are animated children’s books that tell the stories of athletes and how they followed their dreams and overcame adversity. The series includes the stories of Green Bay Packer’s Michael Montgomery, Lou Gehrig, Paralympic champion Sophia Herzog, and others. Each book is unlocked for reading once donation goals are met. All donations will go to Through the Lens, who hosts the film festival and provides the opportunity for children to learn about storytelling and film production. The next Through the Lens workshop is scheduled to take place at the 2023 Winter @xgames in Aspen!

Through the Lens is our nonprofit organization tha

Through the Lens is our nonprofit organization that empowers children to learn about storytelling and film production. Workshops are set up alongside sporting events and give children the chance to produce short films and learn about storytelling from industry pros. Our next workshop will take place at the 2023 Winter @xgames in Aspen, Colorado! More details to come on events & how to enroll.

Join us at @christians_tailgate in the Heights wit

Join us at @christians_tailgate in the Heights with @joshmerwinphoto & @iam96gb at 1:45pm as we release the first @sportsfilmfest #animated #kids #book

Hey Guys, we got a couple of pop-up events happeni

Hey Guys, we got a couple of pop-up events happening tomorrow and Saturday. We’d love for you guys to come through. First, head.to these select theaters most convenient for you and check out THE LAST OUT. Then, come tailgate with us and the star of the movie, Happy Oliveros at @christians_tailgate on Saturday afternoon. Can’t wait to see you there!

#houstontx #film #documentary #baseball #houstonfoodie #cubanfood

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Contact us:

MAIN CONTACT JOSH MERWIN JOSH@HISFF.ORG

PRESS CONTACT HEATHER BESIGNANO HBESIGNANO@ICON-PUBLICITY.COM