Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF)

NAME OF FESTIVAL: Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF)

SINCE: 2006

WHERE: Tampa, Florida

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

First launched in the summer of 2006, the Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) has grown into an entertaining and educational year-round entity in Tampa Bay. Well-known for its annual film festival, GIFF is operated by Tampa Film Institute and continually upholds its mission to provide year-long support for film screening, production, and education throughout the Tampa Bay region.

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“Copenhagen” “Boys of Abu Ghraib” Among Winners of 2014 Gasparilla International Film Festival

“Copenhagen” “Boys of Abu Ghraib” Among Winners of 2014 Gasparilla International Film Festival

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Mark Raso’s “Copenhagen” won the jury prize for best narrative feature, and “Boys of Abu Ghraib,” directed by Luke Moran, won the audience award for narrative feature at the 2014 Gasparilla International Film Festival, held last month in Tampa, Florida.  In the documentary genre,  “The Longest Game,” directed by Camille Thoman won the jury prize and “Ride with Larry,” directed by Ricardo Villarreal and Andrew Rubin won the the audience award for best documentary.  

Melaza,” directed by Carlos Lechuga won the World Showcase award.

100 Films on Lineup for 2014 Gasparilla International Film Festival; THERE’S ALWAYS WOODSTOCK is Opening Night Film

100 Films on Lineup for 2014 Gasparilla International Film Festival; THERE’S ALWAYS WOODSTOCK is Opening Night Film

Gasparilla International Film Festival

The Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) unveiled its list of scheduled films for the eighth annual event held March 19-23, 2014 in Tampa, Florida.  100 films which will be screened at the Tampa Theatre, Cinébistro at Hyde Park and Muvico Centro Ybor 20, Tampa Art Museum and Firehouse Cultural Center.  The World premiere,of THERE’S ALWAYS WOODSTOCK directed by Rita Merson is the opening night film , and the U.S.premiere of CHU AND BLOSSOM directed by Gavin Kelly and Charles Chu is the closing night film.

Actor Armand Assante’s Dialogue From the Steppes Among Winners of 2012 Gasparilla International Film Festival

Actor Armand Assante’s Dialogue From the Steppes Among Winners of 2012 Gasparilla International Film Festival

“Dialogue From the Steppes,” a short film written and directed by actor Armand Assante (“Mambo Kings,” “Private Benjamin”) won the top documentary short prize at this year’s Gasparilla International Film Festival. “Dialogue From the Steppes” is described as Armand Assante’s presentation based on his own observations and feelings for the people of Kazakhstan. about the formation of an independent state, through several periods of Kazakhstan’s development, including the war years, closing of Semipalatinsk testing site, […]

The Music Never Stopped to open 2011 Gasparilla International Film Festival

The Music Never Stopped to open 2011 Gasparilla International Film Festival

Gasparilla International Film Festival revealed today that Jim Kohlberg’s The Music Never Stopped will be the opening film of 2011 festival. The film’s producer will be in attendance for this Southeastern U.S. premier, along with GIFF’s honorary guest, M. Emmet Walsh. Almost 20 years after their teenage son Gabriel (Lou Taylor Pucci) ran away from home, Henry (J.K. Simmons) and Helen Sawyer (Cara Seymour) learn that he has turned up in a hospital. Although benign, […]

Gasparilla International Film Festival + Global Lens 2011 Brings Independent Foreign Films to Tampa

Gasparilla International Film Festival + Global Lens 2011 Brings Independent Foreign Films to Tampa

The Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) will once again collaborate with Global Film Initiative and the Tampa Museum of Art to bring the best independent foreign films to the Tampa Bay area. Global Lens 2011 is a prestigious series of films, which supports unique and critically acclaimed cinematic works of independent filmmakers from all over the globe. The following films will be shown on the second Friday of every month: March 4 – “Dooman River” […]

Gasparilla International Film Festival to honor M. Emmet Walsh and Tom Berenger in 2011

Gasparilla International Film Festival to honor M. Emmet Walsh and Tom Berenger in 2011

Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) will recognize M. Emmet Walsh and Tom Berenger for their commitment, talent and outstanding achievements. Both Walsh and Berenger will be in attendance to accept their awards during the 5th annual GIFF being held March 24 – 27 in Tampa. Tom Berenger, known for his memorable roles in “Platoon,” “Major League” and more recently, “Inception,” will be honored with the Career Achievement Award. Berenger is an acclaimed actor, writer and […]