Gasparilla International Film Festival 2009

Greetings Filmmakers:

Another festival season is upon us! We are accepting submissions now through December 15, 2009 for the 4th annual Gasparilla International Film Festival, taking place from Thursday, March 18 through Sunday, March 21, 2010. The early bird deadline is September 15, 2009; the regular deadline is November 15, 2009; and the is December 1, 2009.

We are proud to partner with a new venue, CineBistro, in Tampa's hip and happening Hyde Park. This brand new theatre will bring film and fine dining together for an unforgettable fest! The parties will be bigger and the 4-day festival will be more filmmaker friendly than ever.

GIFF is truly an international festival, accepting film from all around the globe, along with our popular Cuban selections. Categories for 2010 include:

Horror
Comedy
Documentary
International
Young Filmmaker (under 25 years old)
North American Drama
Short Film
Florida Focus

Informative filmmaker panels and workshops and networking opportunities with industry leaders and film supporters, always a staple of our film festival are all held together by our renowned parties and fiestas. This is a fest you won't forget!

For those of you that missed our 2009 Fest here is a photo recap!

We hope that you will consider submitting and returning to see us again. For more information, please visit our website. (www.gasparillafilmfestival.com)

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT -

Hello Film Fans! GIFF is continuing to bring independent and foreign film to the bay area throughout 2009. As part of the festival's Global Lens Series, we will have a screening of the film THE PHOTOGRAPH on August 8, 2009 at Home Theatre Gallery (3300 South Dale Mabry Highway, near the intersection with El Prado Blvd.). THE PHOTOGRAPH is an Indonesian film with English subtitles about a young woman forced into prostitution, who pulls herself out of her miserable circumstances with the generous help of a mysterious man. It is a classic tale with an Eastern twist. Come enjoy the film and mix with your fellow film fans! Beer and wine will be served. It is only $10 ($5 for seniors and students) and free for GIFF members. Here is the link for more info: THE PHOTOGRAPH.

The parties never stop at GIFF! On September 11, 2009, GIFF will hold its Annual Benefit Party and Art Auction at THE RITZ in Ybor. Tampa Bay artists will showcase their art in an auction to benefit GIFF (and the artist). Other great items like a 5-day vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico will be auctioned and raffled off. There will be live music, free finger food, and a full, cash bar stocked with the best in beer, wine, and liquor. Admission is only $10! Buy your tickets now!

On behalf of the entire GIFF staff, we want to thank you all for coming out to the 2009 Gasparilla International Film Festival. We hope you had lots of fun and were inspired by the films that screened this year. Without your support for independent and local film, the festival would not have been successful.

Thank You!

THE AWARD WINNERS:
Young Filmmaker Grand Jury -Zona Rossa by Gina Papabeis
Audience Best Short Narrative-Gisela's Closet by Ben Rosa
Best Short Documentary-Improv Island by Tod Wiseman, Jr.
Best Florida Production -Ghost of Ybor - Charlie Wall by Pete and (sponsored by Hill Ward Henderson) Paul Guzzo
Special Mention Cinema Award-Clear Lake, WI by Morgan Simpson and Charlie Poe
Special Mention Cinema Award-Misconceptions by Ron Satlof
Special Mention Male-Mark Ruffalo in What Doesn't Kill You
Special Mention Female-Laura Harring in Drool
Audience Best Narrative-What Doesn't Kill You by Brian Goodman
Audience Best Documentary-Truth in 24 by Keith Cossrow
(sponsored by RAV)
Special Mention Grand Jury-Amal by Richie Mehta
Grand Jury-Kassim the Dream by Kief Davidson
(sponsored by Élan Event Studio)

Visit www.gasparillafilmfestival.com for more info about the festival and help GIFF continue to promote filmmaking in Tampa Bay and bring in the best in independent, international film by becoming a member or renewing for 2009-2010. And stay tuned for links to pics and video from the 2009 festival!

AND... a special Thank You to our Sponsors and their generous support!

Sponsors of the 2009 Gasparilla International Film Festival include: Knopik Varner Moore, Lydian Bank & Trust, CineBistro, Tampa Bay Film Commission, Stella Artois, InterContinental Tampa, Cobb Theaters, Don Vicente de Ybor, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, NetLease Commercial Advisory, Events by Amore, Pickett Public Relations, Emotional Connections Consulting, Tampa Bay on Demand, Marshall Entertainment Insurance, Roundhouse Creative Studios, St. Petersburg Times, tbt*, Univision Tampa, Telemundo, Telefutura, International Academy of Design & Technology, New Life Mortgage, Arts Council of Hillsborough County and Channelside Cinemas 10 IMAX.