Film Festival Season is On

“Four Down” is a documentary that explores the survival of Nick Schulyer after a 2009 boating tragedy off Clearwater Pass led to the heroic rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard 70 miles off Florida’s Gulf Coast. Based on the best-selling book, “Not Without Hope,” this long anticipated documentary was recently featured by Variety. Directed by the Oscar-nominated filmmaker, Steve Cantor, this awe-inspiring film kicks off the special 20th Sunscreen Film Festival (April 24-27) with a Q&A after the screening. Opening night continues with a networking event at the James Museum in downtown St. Pete. You won’t want to miss it!

Locally filmed ‘Mermaid,’ written and directed by Florida native Tyler Cornack, announces its world premiere at SXSW 2025! Filmed in Fall 2023, ‘Mermaid’ tells the story of a down-on-his-luck Florida man who rescues a wounded Mermaid and helps the creature regain its health. Highlighting the destination by filming at locations including beautiful St. Pete Beach, nearby marinas and businesses, and inside the spectacular 33,500-gallon aquarium at RumFish Grill helped the project qualify  for FilmSPC’s cash rebate incentive program.  See how your next project can qualify by visiting our website!

Heritage Village,in Largo, is a historic Pinellas County Park and living museum featuring 19th century antebellum architecture and bungalow style homes and exhibits. You can travel back in time and take part in Florida’s rich cultural history with over 20 different historic structures across the late-19th and early 20th century. With no permit fees, this location offers the opportunity to film at an old time setting without the cost of recreating a set. Check out our virtual tour of the park to pre-scout this location, then contact our office for permitting steps!

75+ films, networking events, Q&A panels, and more! The 18th Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) runs March 25-30, closing out the always fun Gasparilla Season. GIFF was recently nominated for the Readers’ Choice 10 Best Film Festivals by USA Today. This festival offers filmmakers opportunities to enrich their filmmaking skills with educational panels, connect with the Tampa Bay film community, and watch exclusive screenings and world premieres. Find out more about the festival and stay up to date by checking out their website!

UPCOMING MUST-GO EVENTS

March 11 at 6:30 P.M.

Feeling overwhelmed by the film festival circuit? You’re not alone. This FREE workshop hosted by the Sunscreen Film Festival helps demystify the process. No matter your skill level, you’ll get an insider’s perspective on everything you need to submit your film, strategies to get the most out of your time at the festival and learn what goes into the festival decision process.

April 24-27

The moment is here! For 20 years, the Sunscreen Film Festival has promoted independent cinema in the heart of downtown St. Pete. They are celebrating 20 years in style, with guest appearances, special screenings, Q&A sessions, and much anticipated workshops and networking events. The festival has historically brought in special guests such as Mitch Bell (VP of Marvel), Martin Kove (Karate Kid, Kobra Cai), John Travolta (Pulp Fiction, Grease), and tons of professtionals from LA and around Tampa Bay. Whether you're a burgeoning new filmmaker, seasoned professional, or film lover, this festival is the perfect celebration of independent film and the joy of movie making. So, grab your popcorn and get your passes today!

March 7-13

Catch Adrien Brody's Oscar award winning performance in A24's The Brutalist at Green Light Cinema in downtown St. Pete. Set in 1947's America this film follows a European architect as he immigrates to the United States, during the post-war era, and takes on a wealthy client. Winner of three Golden Globes and nominated for ten Oscars, the American Film Institue named it as one of the top 10 films in 2024. Catch it on the big screen for a limited time at Greenlight Cinema!

Deadline: March 31

For over 40 years, the Roy W. Dean Grant has provided funding and production service opportunities for independent filmmakers creating unique films that make a positive contribution to society. Aimed at projects with budgets of $500,000 or less, the winner of the grant will receive $3,500 towards their project and savings on select production services expenditures. Every filmmaker who applies will also receive a 15-minute consultation on their submission to learn about finding funding, building a donor and investor database, and much more!