Grab the popcorn because the Gasparilla International Film Festival is rolling into Tampa for a power-packed 5 days of Film Screenings, Industry Panels, Q&A Sessions with Filmmakers & Actors, Workshops, Award Ceremonies, Outdoor Concerts, and Parties galore! 

Now in its' 9th year, GIFF attracts over 17,000 attendees and celebrates the best independent filmmakers from around the world.  This years' schedule features the largest lineup to date with 140 films of all types and genres including features, shorts, documentaries, student films, international films, Florida focused films, music videos, and family-friendly films.  Film Production or Cast Members from almost all of the films will host Q&A sessions after the screenings.

Festivalgoes can look forward to a multitude of Industry Panels such as "For The Love Of Films, Women In The Film Industry", "Break A Leg", "Film Financing in the 21st Century", and "Film in Florida". Families can enjoy Family Fun Day and Free Family Screenings including "Toy Story" and "Ghost Squad".  

Channelside Cinemas, closed for two years, is being revived for this year's "Pop-Up Theatre" experience.  Films will be screened in 4 of Channelside Cinemas' theatres and Channelside Plaza will be sizzling with red carpet events, immersive experiences, celebrity gatherings, live music, and a host of parties.  Attendees can also take advantage of Channelside's open-container policy which allows guests to bring both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks from nearby venues. GIFF will also bring in popcorn machines and other concession-style treats for moviegoers.

This year's opening night film is "The Surface", a thriller set in the middle of Lake Michigan starring Mimi Rogers, Chris Mulkey and Sean Astin.  Two distresssed strangers, a boater (Astin) and a downed pilot (Chris Mulkey), must overcome their differences to survive.  Director Gil Gates, Jr., Writer and Producer Jeff Gendelman, Astin, and Mulkey are scheduled to attend the Festival and will host a Q&A Session after the premier. 

The festival's Closing Night Film, "Preggoland", stars Sonja Bennett, James Caan, Danny Trejo, Paul Campbell and Laura Haris.  The film tells the story of Ruth, a 35 year old woman who pretends to be pregnant to fit in with her friends.  Writer/star Sonja Bennett and Producer Dylan Collingwood will attend the festival.

Below is a full list of the GIFF's numerous Film Screenings, Workshops, Industry Panels, Award Ceremonies, Parties, Opening Night Reception, Signature Gala, and After Parties. Rest up now, it's gonna be a great GIFF!

Gasparilla International Film Festival - Ribbon Cutting, Film Screenings, After Party

Join Mayor Bob Buckhorn for a ribbon cutting followed by film screenings, and an after Party at Hablo Taco.

Gasparilla International Film Festival - Film Screenings, Industry Panel, After Party

The Gasparilla International Film Festival continues with Film Screenings, an Industry Panel - "For The Love Of Films, Women In The Film Industry", and an After Party at Splitsville

Gasparilla International Film Festival - Film Screenings & The Bacardi Party

The Gasparilla International Film Festival continues with Film Screenings and The Bacardi Nights Party

Gasparilla International Film Festival - Film Screenings, Industry Panels, The Big Party

Join the Gasparilla International Film Festival for Film Screenings, Industry Panels, and The Big Party.

Gasparilla International Film Festival - Film Screenings, Industry Panels, Family Fun Day, Awards, Ceremony

Close out the Gasparilla International Film Festival with Film Screenings, Suncoast Credit Union Family Fun Day, Free Family Film Screenings, Awards, the Closing Night Film and the Wrap Party

The Scoop:
The Gasparilla International Film Festival takes place  March 24th - March 29th

The Opening Night VIP Reception and screening of "The Surface" takes place at Tampa Theatre, located on the Franklin Street Mall, 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602, (813) 274-8981

The Main Festival takes places at Channelside Theatres and Channelside Plaza, located at 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 223-4250

For more information on GIFF and to download the full festival program, click here.