GIFF2022-Guide-Master FinalDigital - Flipbook - Page 13
Ken Hagan
County Commissioner
District 2
Greetings,
It is indeed an honor to welcome you to the 15th 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 “City of the Arts” – a place known to embrace the creative class,
celebrating the work 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 Tampa Heights and the exciting
Channelside and historic Ybor entertainment districts. Whether you want to relax and enjoy our
Florida weather at an outdoor café, walk along the Riverwalk, or stroll along Bayshore
Boulevard, I think you will quickly realize why Tampa is a “must see” city.
Two personal recommendations: Armature Works, a bustling food hall and event space in
Tampa Heights, and Sparkman Wharf, in the Channelside district. Both are exciting destinations
with much to offer, and both honor our history and our future.
Please enjoy our community; and again, welcome to the 15th Annual Gasparilla International
Film Festival.
Sincerely,
Dear Filmmakers and Festival Guests,
It is with immense pleasure I welcome you to the 15th annual Gasparilla International Film Festival.
It is Film Tampa Bays privilege to be this years title sponsor. 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,
Ken Hagan
Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners
District 2
County Center 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. 2nd Floor • Tampa, Florida 33602
Telephone (813) 272-5452 Fax (813) 272-7047
HaganK@HCFLGov.net • HCFLGov.net
Tyler Martinolich
Film Commissioner
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 15th Annual
Gasparilla International Film Festival hosted by The Tampa Film
Institute, Inc. and held March 10-13, 2022, 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 well-known 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.
Sincerely,
Jane Castor
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-akind interactive experience with filmmaking.
