With snow in the forecast for those of us in northern climes, here’s a stellar reason to head to the Tampa, Florida area—the Gasparilla International Film Festival! If you’re lucky enough to be a snow bird, then you’ve got an amazing film festival right in your own backyard. The festival hosts 35 feature-length films and 70 shorts— a film for everyone in this year’s lineup. GIFF’s president, Rachel Marks Feinman, feels that these films “entertain, educate, and inspire” the community. Taking a look at all the world premieres and films currently traveling the festival circuit with a lot of buzz, Feinman is most assuredly correct.
UNLEASHED
“Burn Your Maps,” the festival’s opening night film starring Vera Farmiga (“Up in the Air”), Virginia Madsen (“Sideways”), and Jacob Tremblay (“Room”) and “Unleashed,” starring Justin Chawin (“Shameless”), a fantasy comedy about the “perfect man,” bookend documentary, international, and narrative feature films such as “The Architect,” “Disturbing the Peace,” and Florida focused films “Turtle Tale,” “King Charles,”and more. It’s an exciting array of films not to be missed. Here’s how you can get tickets and enjoy the festival to its fullest degree: www.gasparillafilmfestival.com
If you think film festivals are just about seeing movies, you’d be mistaken. Parties, panel discussions, red carpets, and special events are every bit as much of a film festival as the films themselves. Attend panel discussions to learn how to pitch a film or find out how to get that film distributed. These are just two of the many topics addressed in the panel discussions. Check out GIFF Panel Discussion Schedule for a complete listing. Parties (Hey, it can’t be ALL work and no play!) and watching the stars walk the red carpet are all a part of GIFF too. Unlike many festivals, GIFF invites you to participate in these events. ( GIFF Party Schedule) GIFF also remembers to include the kids in their festival. “Family Fun Day” takes place on Sunday, March 5 from 11 am – 3 pm. Live entertainment by Mr. Tommy, free t-shirts, activities by the Tampa Bay Rays and DJ Kitty, and a petting zoo are all a part of this fun-filled day! Family Fun Day
GIFF celebrates its 11th year in style at the Tampa Theatre, Muvico Centro Ybor, and HCC Ybor. Don’t miss out on being the first to view great films from all over the world, seeing your favorite stars, and participating in the spectacular events and panel discussions.
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