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Tampa's Independent Film Festival gets intimate beginning Nov. 5

Education Channel

The idependent film "Relationship Card," which was named the best independent mini film, will be shown at the Independent Film festival in Tampa.

By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 29, 2009

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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 Nov. 5 to 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," a drama about Florida's first crime boss.

Screenings begin at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 5, 6, 7, 11 and 13. The Nov. 12 screening begins at 5 p.m., and the festival finale Nov. 14 begins at 7 p.m.

Seating is limited each night to only 50 people. Each night's screening begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m.

The festival includes educational seminars at 10 a.m. and noon Nov. 14 featuring 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," says 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 to the festival are available online only at www.indiefilmfest.us.

All events will be at The Education Channel offices and studio, 703 N. Willow Ave.

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 offers such things as 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.educationchannel.org.

Films and themed nights include:

Nov. 5 – 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.

Nov. 6 – Emerging Directors: Sponsored by the University of Tampa, these dozen short films and animations were created by college and graduate students. Among them are "Frank-N-Brains" (Frankenstein goes 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 terror) and "Appliance Night Out" (when the lights go out, so do the washer and dryer).

Nov. 7 – Junior Showcase: These dozen films are by students, mostly in high school, including Blake High senior Garrett Brown, already a local filmmaking legend.

Nov. 11 – Going to Xtremes: The award-winning documentary "Frag" is a true story of professional video gaming and the young cyber-athletes who dream of stardom in gaming tournaments.

Nov. 12 – Art of Film: This is an evening of inspiring films revealing the artistic vision of the filmmaker and celebrating festival special guests Fadiman and Thompson, plus a selection of films from the festival.

Nov. 13 – Florida Short Film Showcase: Acclaimed and award-winning films by some of Florida's best filmmakers are featured. Come early and stay late to meet the creative forces in the local film scene.

Nov. 14 – Best of the Fest: A selection of award-winning films will be screened, followed by an awards ceremony and wrap party for all attending.

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654.