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Tampa's 16th indie film festival gets intimate
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Published: November 1, 2009
TAMPA - Seeking an intimate experience for film buffs, Tampa's 16th annual Independents' Film Festival promises movies, thoughtful discussions and a party every night.
The festival, which runs Thursday through Nov. 14, showcases films produced by local, state and regional filmmakers as well as high school and college students.
The films range from documentaries, shorts, comedies and animations to the award-winning "Ghosts of Ybor: Charlie Wall," about Florida's first crime boss.
Events begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and Nov. 11 and 13. The Nov. 12 event begins at 5 p.m., and the festival finale on Nov. 14 begins at 7 p.m.
All events will be at The Education Channel offices and studio, 703 N. Willow Ave. Seating is limited to 50 people.
The festival includes educational seminars at 10 a.m. and noon Nov. 14. They will feature two successful independent filmmakers: "Producing With Passion: Making Films That Change the World" presented by Dorothy Fadiman; and "Telling Stories With Heart" presented by Todd Thompson.
"Our goal is to get the audience engaged in talking about the films so we are making it intimate and personal," said Ann Goldenberg, executive director of The Educational Channel, the nonprofit sponsor of the event.
"Each night will be themed and will begin with a reception with complimentary food and drink, and each screening will be followed by coffee and dessert.
"The producers, directors and, in some cases, the actors, will be in attendance so we can get a dialogue going. People will get dinner and a movie and some socializing for only $15."
Tickets for the festival are available online only at www.indiefilmfest.us.
The Education Channel, launched in 1987, is devoted to enhancing education and culture in Hillsborough County.
Carried on Bright House Networks Channel 614 and Verizon Fios Channel 32, the channel's programs include a mathematics homework hot line, coverage of Hillsborough County School Board meetings, a mini-medical school, instructional programs, classic films and children's educational programming. The Web site is www.education channel.org.
Films and themed nights include:
Thursday: Gangsters and Groove; Documentaries with a Florida focus include the award-winning "Ghosts of Ybor: Charlie Wall," screened with "The Tempo of Tampa Bay," which explores Tampa's rich tradition of jazz and blues and was produced by the University of South Florida School of Mass Communications. "Cadillac '59" is an amusing animated short that recalls a wild ride in a car with big fins.
Friday: Emerging Directors; Sponsored by the University of Tampa, these dozen short films and animations were created by college undergraduate and graduate students. Among them are: "Frank-N-Brains" (Frankenstein looking for the right girl); "Rhapsody" (a modern and colorful Romeo and Juliet story); "On the Road to Tel-Aviv" (a timely tale of fear and prejudice that exposes the emotional effects of war); "Tough Crowd" (stand-up comedy takes on the war on terrorism); and "Appliance Night Out" (when the lights go out, so do the washer and dryer).
Saturday: Junior Showcase; These dozen films are by mostly high school students, including Blake High senior Garrett Brown.
Nov. 11: Going to Xtremes; The award-winning documentary "Frag" is a true story of professional video gaming and young cyberathletes who dream of stardom in gaming tournaments.
Nov. 12: Art of Film; Inspiring films that reveal the artistic vision of filmmakers and celebrating special guests Fadiman and Thompson, plus a selection of festival films.
Nov. 13: Florida Short Film Showcase; Acclaimed and award-winning films by some of Florida's best filmmakers are featured in the showcase.
Nov. 14: Best of the Fest; A selection of award-winning films will be screened, followed by an awards ceremony and wrap party.
Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654.
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