By: Denna Beena
Contributing WriterWe were given a sample of shorts and a ton of teaser trailers to watch over the night's festivities. Even with the preview event going over 4 hours, we just cracked the surface of what the Florida Film Festival is bringing to the table.
This festival has been busy: They “...announced that a record-breaking 170 films representing 23 countries were selected from over 1500 entries. Of the 170 films, 143 are having their Florida premiere (or higher) at the Festival. There will be 22 World premieres, 4 North American premieres, 4 US premieres, 40 East Coast premieres, and 49 Southeast premieres.”
That is amazing.
After allowing all of the trailers they played that night stew in my multi-colored-haired head, I have come up with my list of the 5 not-to-be-missed films and events of the festival. See below.
Number 1:
Anything that is titled : A(n) _____with ______.
Get your tickets early!
- An Evening With Tippi Hedren, featuring The Birds
- A Brunch with Cary Elwes, featuring The Princess Bride
- An Afternoon with Zoë Bell, featuring Death Proof
As you wish!
Number 2
Food and Film? At the same time? Why yes! Florida Film Festival has a number of offerings that combine the two. Here's one that caught my eye:
A Taste of Movie Magic with Francine SeganSATURDAY, APRIL 6, 4:30 – 6PM AT ENZIAN$10, includes tastingsBook signing follows presentation. Books available for purchase.
TV personality, film buff, food historian, and cookbook author Francine Segan dishes out a taste of sweet and savory movie magic with history lessons from her book Movie Menus and film clips of favorite food scenes, all part of a lively discussion at Enzian. Get a peek at foodie film moments in classics such as Big Night, Babette’s Feast, Animal House, and Five Easy Pieces. During the presentation, you can order from a special menu inspired by movie quotes as well as partake in some complimentary tastings. Win prizes in a movie trivia contest that tests your foodie film knowledge! Top it all off with a special book signing at Enzian’s Eden Bar.
Number 3
I love anything free, and there is free to be had at the Florida Film Festival. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the films, each completely free and open to the public.
- Popcorn in the Park on Tuesday April 9th is showing The Sting
- Wednesday Night Pitcher Show at the Enzian will be showing Pulp Fiction on April 10th at 8:00pm.
Number 4
Shorts, Shorts, Shorts!
Shorts Programs: All of the Shorts Programs appealed to me. International, Animated, Midnight, British Shots Now! and all of the other shorts programs. You can’t go wrong with shorts and if you think you did, it’s over pretty soon and you’re on to the next one.
Number 5
Midnight movies! You never know what you’ll get in a midnight movie! That’s why I try to see them all.
Midnight movies! You never know what you’ll get in a midnight movie! That’s why I try to see them all.
- Cockneys vs Zombies
- I Am Divine
- Ghost Team One
- V/H/S/2
Here's the trailer for Cockney's vs Zombies:
The Florida Film Festival literally has something for everyone. Seriously. My recommendations are to look over the films offered on the website. Pick a few that interest you, then pick something completely different.
Festival passes and ticket packages are already available for purchase online or at the Enzian box office. Festival Pass Holders gain VIP access to all films as well as other great benefits. Ticket package purchasers are invited to participate in early redemption, which gives them the opportunity to redeem film vouchers for individual film tickets before they are available to the public. Early redemption runs Wednesday, March 13 through Saturday, March 16. Individual film tickets will be available to the general public starting Sunday, March 17.
Explore, enjoy and Open your Eyes!
