Editor

The Gasparilla Film Festival (GFF), Tampa Bay's largest independent film festival, is proud to announce dates for its 3rd annual Festival: The 10 day 2009 Gasparilla Film Festival will be held from Thursday, February 26th- Saturday, March 7th, 2009.

The Festival, which will include over 100 films from around the world, will be held at various locations throughout Tampa Bay, including: Tampa Theatre, Studio @ 620 in St. Petersburg, Channelside, Ybor, and the University of Tampa.

John Rosser (Executive Director): "We are thrilled to expand the Festival from a 5 day to a 10 day format. This growth is a function of not only the strong support and interest we have received from the entire Tampa Bay community, but also due to our capabilities as a full-time organization."

"Over 10,000 Festival-goers will enjoy the Gasparilla Film Festival in 2009. This will represent a near 7 fold increase in attendance within 2 short years! Gasparilla Film Festival continues to establish itself as one of Florida's premiere film festivals alongside the Miami International Film Festival, the Palm Beach International Film Festival and the Sarasota International Film Festival. For 2009, we look forward to bringing even more stars, more great filmmakers, and especially more great independent movies to Tampa Bay from around the world. We are truly building something special, and it's great fun to be a part of it."

The Gasparilla Film Festival maintains strong relationships with some of the world's premiere film organizations, including the American Film Institute's 20/20 Program and the San Francisco-based Global Film Initiative. Over 25 filmmakers from around the world attended GFF 2008- as well as actors Brittany Snow and Shane West.

The Gasparilla Film Festival is operated by the 501 c (3) non-profit Tampa Film Institute, whose mission is to provide year-long support for film screening, production, and education. To that end, the Institute hosts monthly events in the Tampa Bay area to fulfill this important objectives, including 'Children's Day in Hyde Park', 'The Global Lens Film Series', and many other events.