Gasparilla Arts Month 2017 kicked off with a huge bang with Burn Your Maps on Thursday, March 2nd at the opening night of the Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF), sponsored by Suncoast Credit Union. As a sponsor of this year's festival, 813area is proud to support the Arts in Tampa and to further the work of independent filmmakers.
Opening night at Gasparilla International Film Festival
Stunning Comedy Burn Your Maps Kicks Off the Fun at GIFF This Year
On Thursday afternoon, the historic Tampa Theatre welcomed members of the local arts and entertainment press to meet the masterminds behind the various events of this year’s Arts Month, including Gasparilla International Film Festival, Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, Gasparilla Music Festival, and Gasp! The Gasparilla Fringe Festival.
Following an interesting press conference about what lies ahead for Gasparilla Arts Month, Audi created a lush pop-up oasis in the center of downtown Tampa for a VIP Opening Night Reception. Surrounded by beautiful showroom ready Audi sportscars and the creme of Tampa society, GIFF patrons enjoyed scrumptious glazed salmon and hand-carved prime rib, courtesy of Eddie V's Prime Seafood, while smiling GIFF volunteers served delicious offerings from Coppertail Brewing Co. and Dark Horse Wine. The reception was a fabulous opportunity for local arts supporters to mingle with film folk, directors, designers, actors, and producers - such as Rebecca Brillhart, a producer with Elephant Cinema, and Lynne Hansen, an award-winning horror genre filmmaker.
The opening night film was the Florida premiere of comedic drama adventure, Burn Your Maps, written and directed by Jordan Roberts, the film is based on a short story of the same name by Robyn Joy Leff. Featuring a stunning performance by ten-year-old Jacob Tremblay as young Wes, and the incredibly expressive Vera Farmiga as Wes’s mother Alise, this isn’t your usual tear-jerker about a family coping with a terrible tragedy. After the sudden death of his infant sister, Wes becomes obsessed with all things Mongolian, convinces himself he’s actually a goat herder, teaches himself the language, as he creates “traditional nomadic garb” from toilet paper and pilfered Ugg boots. Through a series of gently mocking events - Wes meets an aspiring documentary filmmaker & raises money via crowdfunding - they’re off to the steppes of Mongolia with an ex-nun (Virginia Madsen) and a Puerto Rican driver (Ramón Rodríguez). Heartwarming hilarity ensues, set to the wide open vistas of a beautiful Mongolian countryside.
Burn Your Maps received a 91% “want to see” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a four-star review from London paper The Guardian, and enjoyed wide audience acclaim at the Toronto Film Festival last year. The film is scheduled for a limited release on March 17, before expanding nationwide on March 24.
Burn Your Maps Kicks Off the Fun at GIFF This Year - photo by 813area
The Gasparilla International Film Festival runs until Thursday, March 9th. Film and event venues include Tampa Theatre, the AMC Centro Ybor, HCC Ybor, the Tampa Improv Comedy Club, Crowbar, and The Blind Tiger Cafe. Closing night features the romantic comedy Unleashed, starring Justin Chatwin, Steve Howey, and Sean Astin; the Awards Presentation can be seen at Tampa Theater, and the “Larceny” Closing Night Party is scheduled for the Vault on Franklin Street in Downtown Tampa.
For a complete listing of all of the film festival events and tons more info, follow the Gasparilla International Film Festival link to their business page and website. Looking for additional fun things to do in Tampa? We've got you covered! Connect with 813area by registering above and stay on top of the best live music, bars and nightclubs, restaurants, and family-friendly fun in the 813.
Follow GIFF events, parties and more through our photo albums, 813area photos are always FREE to download and share, let us know if you would like our 'pro paparazzi' to cover your event!
If you enjoyed reading this you might also enjoy Local Contributor Christen Hailey's GIFF article GIFF's Novel Closing Night Party at the Vault Will Be Epic.
