The Florida Film Festival for Dummies

In a few days, the 2010 Florida Film Festival will begin (April 9th -18th). Perhaps you’re like I once was  and you don’t really understand how to ‘do’ a film festival. Take my hand and let me show you the way.

FESTIVAL FILMS

First of all, a film festival is basically just a screening of several new and, usually, independent films from the U.S. or abroad over a 7 to 10 day period.  The 2010 FFF will be featuring more than 50 feature films and more than 100 shorts at four screening locations near Downtown Orlando including the Enzian and the Plaza Cinema Cafe (my personal theater favorites!). Click here for a full listing of films. Keep in mind that festivals usually attract some of the films’ stars who like to be on-hand when films are screened for the first time. This year, the FFF will be hosting such stars as Gena Rowlands (The Notebook) and Kieran Culkin (Father of the Bride).

FESTIVAL PACKAGES

You can buy tickets to films one at a time (a la carte) OR you can buy a festival package. Here a few packages that might appeal to you:

Cinematic Sampler 4 Pack – $40

Film Buff 8 Pack – $75

Sweet 16 Pack – $140

Major film buffs might want to consider the all-access Platinum Pass which puts you at the front of the line at all films and most events. The price tag is $600.

FESTIVAL EVENTS

Besides films, the FFF also boasts a bevy of fabulous events from star-studded celebrations to casual cook-outs.  Consider attending the Opening Night Party. A $100 ticket gets you complimentary Southern cuisine prepared by celebrity and local chefs, plus all the wine, beer and bourbon you can drink. Then you’ll partake in the screening of Paper Man followed by a party at the Enzian’s Eden Bar. There are a dozen events and parties to choose from including Revel 19, a Mardis Gras-type celebration held at Orlando’s Full Sail University.

JUST DO IT

When it comes to ‘doing’ the Florida Film Festival, how much you want to get involved is totally up to you; you can completely customize the experience based on your schedule and interest. See one film, see five, see them all. Go to a party or two, or none at all. But however you choose to ‘do’ the FFF, know that you’re not likely to encounter a lot of industry snobs and haughty socialites… this is ORLANDO, not NY or LA. What you’re likely to find is a great group of regular people enjoying good film, good food, and good fun!