Gasparilla International Film Festival Accepting Film Submissions

TAMPA, Fla. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The fifth annual Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) is now accepting film submissions through Dec. 31, 2010. Helping filmmakers throughout the country increase exposure, GIFF features a wide range of genres, creating a unique opportunity for filmmakers to advance their career. This annual celebration of independent film is being held in Tampa Bay, Fla., from Thursday, March 24, 2011, through Sunday, March 27, 2011.

Categories for this year’s festival include fun & fear, short films, narrative North American, young filmmaker, global panorama, focus on Florida and North American documentary, Cuba sidebar. Submissions can be entered through http://wthoutabox.com. Please visit the GIFF website at http://giff2011.com/filmmakers.php for marketing and publicity opportunities and file format suggestions.

“Having the opportunity to show my film at GIFF allowed me to reach an incredible audience and network with various leaders in the film industry,” said Ted Warren, filmmaker for the film “Charlie Valentine” that was selected by Lionsgate. “I would absolutely recommend filmmakers submit to this festival.”

Festival filmmakers will be treated to various filmmaker exclusives including private receptions, dinners and VIP accommodations. The Tampa Bay area provides an ideal environment for filmmakers to both showcase their films and spend their time visiting various cultural museums, entertainment venues and Tampa’s National Historic District, Ybor City.

The Gasparilla International Film Festival happens during one of the country’s finest arts festivals, the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. During the art festival activities, there are approximately 100,000 arts patrons in the area viewing independent films, perusing art galleries and enjoying live performances.

About The Gasparilla International Film 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. GIFF is operated by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Tampa Film Institute and continually upholds its mission to provide yearlong support for film screening, production and education throughout Tampa Bay and the region. For more information on GIFF including sponsor and volunteer opportunities, visit http://gasparillafilmfestival.com.