GIFF 2023 Program Guide - Flipbook - Page 13
Ken Hagan
County Commissioner
District 2, Chair
Greetings,
It is an honor to welcome you to the 16th Annual Gasparilla International Film Festival, a unique and
special event in our community. I would be remiss if I didn't immediately acknowledge the extraordinary
efforts of a cadre of volunteers, as well as the commitment of our sponsors. Without both of these
groups, this Festival would not be what it is today.
Words simply cannot express the pride our local community feels about this Festival and its role in our
emergence as a top tourism destination - a place known to embrace the creative class, celebrating the
works of artists, writers and performers, locally, nationally and internationally. Without this Festival,
those efforts would not ring with the authenticity they do today.
While you are visiting Tampa, I hope you will take some time to experience many of the cultural
offerings of our city, particularly enjoying the energy between the downtown museums and the exciting
new Water Street District, and of course our historic Ybor City. Whether you want to relax and enjoy our
Florida weather at an outdoor cafe, walk along the Riverwalk, or stroll along Bayshore Boulevard, I think
you will quickly realize why Tampa is a 'must see' city.
Two very quick recommendations: The Tampa Children's Museum, in downtown Tampa, and the Tampa
Bay History Center. Both are state-of-the-art facilities, and honor both our history and our future.
Please enjoy our community; and again, welcome to the 16th Annual Gasparilla International Film
Festival.
It is with immense pleasure I welcome you to the 16th annual Gasparilla International Film Festival.
Over the coming days, you will have the opportunity to experience wonderful films from around the
world. I encourage you to find movies that do more than just delight but also challenge your way of
thinking.
Cinema is one of the most influential tools we have to communicate ideas and perspectives. Film is a
shared experience, one that invites a dialogue between the audience and the filmmaker. Take this time
to meet new people, engage with other filmmakers and artists, and substantively talk about the films
you’ve seen.
Film Festivals are both a reflection and a beacon to the rich culture that makes up the fabric of a
community. It is my fondest wish GIFF will continue to light the way. By attending GIFF, I hope you too
will become ambassadors and a beacon of the fantastic talent and culture unique to Tampa Bay.
Thank you for your support, and we will see you at the movies!
Sincerely,
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Dear Filmmakers and Festival Guests,
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Sincerely,
Ken Hagan
Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners
District 2, Chair
Tyler Martinolich
Film Commissioner
County Center 60 I E. Kennedy Blvd. 2nd Floor• Tampa, Florida 33602
Telephone (813) 272-5452 Fax (813) 272-7047
HaganK@HCFLGov.net • HCFLGov.net
Film Tampa Bay
An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
MORE THAN MOVIES:
ABOUT Q & A
Greetings:
It is a pleasure to welcome all those attending the 16th Annual
Gasparilla International Film Festival hosted by The Tampa
Film Institute, Inc. and held March 23-26, 2023, at multiple venues
including the iconic Tampa Theatre, the University of Tampa’s
Ferman Center and AMC Westshore. This festival is always
exciting, offering attendees opportunities to not only see a variety
of films, but interact with talented filmmakers, directors, and
actors. We are honored to be home to this internationally wellknown event and in showcasing our community to each of you.We
are appreciative of the efforts of the organizers, volunteers and
sponsors in promoting Tampa as a “City of the Arts” and ensuring
that the festival is enjoyed by everyone.
Established in 2006 with its first Festival held in 2007, the mission of The Tampa Film
Institute includes inspiring, educating, and entertaining Tampa Bay’s diverse population
through an annual celebration of film, year-round events, community outreach, and social
awareness initiatives that foster communication, generate economic impact, and provide
support for the film industry in the Tampa Bay area and throughout the state of Florida.
Tampa is a unique and diverse city and offers an exciting experience for all its visitors, and
our rich history, entertainment venues, museums, parks and restaurants ensure an
outstanding time. I hope you will have the opportunity to experience the many cultural and
historical venues our city has to offer. Whether you visit one of our landmark attractions,
ride the streetcar from downtown to Sparkman Wharf and Historic Ybor City, stroll along
Tampa’s Riverwalk or Bayshore Boulevard, spend some time at a signature park, enjoy a
meal at one of our fine restaurants or visit our many first-class shopping areas, we are sure
you will find your stay to be an unforgettable experience.
On behalf of our citizens, I welcome you to our city and wish each of you a memorable
and successful festival.
As a festivalgoer, you get the unique opportunity
to have Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and
actors. These sessions are among the most
fascinating and rewarding aspects of the festival
experience. Directors, producers, screenwriters,
and actors discuss all of the details of the
filmmaking process: the original idea for the
story, the production details and challenges,
the meaning of the film’s subtleties, future
projects, and anything and everything you want
to ask. Be sure to stay after the films and discover
this one-of-a-kind interactive experience
with filmmaking.
Sincerely,
Jane Castor
Dates and showtimes are subject to change. Please visit www.gasparillafilmfestival.com for the most current info.
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