One of the shining jewels of Tampa's famous Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, the Gasparilla International Film Festival sponsored by Suncoast Credit Union is a world-renowned cultural institution that showcases the burgeoning independent film industry of Tampa Bay and Florida.
From March 19-24, filmmakers from all over the globe will descend on our beautiful Downtown Tampa and Ybor City neighborhoods to attend world premiere events, fabulous parties, and rub elbows with film industry VIPs.
First launched in 2006 by the non-profit Tampa Film Institute, the Gasparilla International Film Festival now brings thousands of attendees and participants and helps to uphold its mission to provide year-round support for film production and education in the Bay Area.
The Gasparilla International Film Festival and Suncoast Credit Union will be hosting Family Fun Day on Sunday, March 5 in Ybor's historic Centennial Park. Starting at 11 a.m., enjoy FREE family-friendly activities, games, vendors, a strut down the red carpet, live entertainment, popcorn, and festival t-shirts. The festivities will also include a free outdoor screening of kid favorite, Zootopia.
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The opening night event on Tuesday, March 19 is definitely the place to be among industry luminaries, local celebrities, and film connoisseurs. This year's opening night movie will be The Hummingbird Project, which is about a daring pair of cousins attempting to hustle their way to big bucks starring Alexander Skarsgård, Jesse Eisenberg, and Salma Hayek. The Opening Night VIP Reception begins at 5 p.m. sharp.
Wednesday, March 20 will feature a feisty, stylish, and highly anticipated flick about a young, ambitious singer titled Teen Spirit, directed by Max Minghella. Comedian Jim Gaffigan stars in Friday night's offering, You Can Choose Your Family, a dark comedy directed by newcomer Miranda Bailey.
The closing night feature, Family, is a pitch-black comedy with an interesting twist- an emotionally-stunted aunt tries to babysit her awkward and lonely niece, who really just wants to run away and become a Juggalo. Kate McKinnon of Saturday Night Live has a hilarious role as an alpha yoga-addict neighbor trying to impose her own values on everyone around her.
A Gasparilla International Film Fesitval Film Pass is the best way to experience all of the special events surrounding the festival and lock in your tickets for all of the movies you won't want to miss! Passes are available right now and range from $75 for all weekend or weekday screenings to $1,500 for a spectacular VIP all-access Red Carpet Pass for two people.
This year's 13th Annual Gasparilla International Film Festival is bigger and better than ever with many exciting new features, documentaries, and short films made in Florida and around the world. Be sure to check back to 813area frequently to get all the details on times, venues, and special events. Not a member yet? Join 813area for free and stay up-to-date on all the hottest events in Tampa Bay.
Cover photo courtesy of Adobe Stock Images
