5 Orlando Film Festivals You Need In Your Life.
Orlando film fans and filmmakers, listen to this! Here are 5 Orlando film festivals you need in your life. When it comes to the Orlando video production community, festivals are essential, so here are our top picks:
1. Central Florida Jewish Film Festival
Location:
Enzian Theater
1300 Orlando Ave
Maitland, FL 32751
Contact:
(407) 629-0054
This film festival features the film Love in Suspenderson, which is a film from Israel about a romance that happens between a widow and a grumpy old man. Also at the festival are films such as The Reports on Sarah and Saleem, The Interpreter, Tel Aviv on Fire, and more. These films seek to highlight the best in Jewish films, as well as international works, and bring a wider understanding of the Jewish experience at home and abroad. For example, The Reports on Sarah and Saleem tells the story of a forbidden love affair between an Israeli and a Palestinian that has dramatic consequences.
2. Love Your Shorts Film Festival
Location:
Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center
201 Magnolia Ave
Sanford, FL 32771
Contact:
Although this event is normally held in February of each year, thanks to the Timucua Arts Foundation and other generous supporters, you can attend Sanford’s retrospective of festival of short films on December 8. As this is a labor of love, donations of $10-20 are accepted at the door, and you are invited to bring food or wine to share. Once there, you will be treated to a decade’s worth of short films screened at the festival. The films are under 30 minutes and produced by international filmmakers, as well as high school students. Their creators provide opportunities for Q&A’s after the screenings. The best films will be awarded.
3. Orlando International Film Festival
Location:
Cobb Plaza Cinema Café 12
155 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32801
Contact:
(407) 217-1390
Make time to plan for this film event, where you can screen films created by young filmmakers in grades K-12, as well as college. One of the best Orlando film festivals, this one was developed to give new voices a chance they may not otherwise have in the competitive, often elite industry of Hollywood film. All aspects of filmmaking are appreciated here, from screenwriting, to camera work, to lights and sound. This festival hopes to showcase tomorrow’s talent today. The best of Orlando filmmakers will be awarded, and the lofty goal of the organization is to foster world peace. Not only are films screened, the filmmakers will have an opportunity to actively network with those in the areas of production and distribution. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring filmmakers, and benefits fans as well.
4. Life Screenings International Film Festival
Location:
Winter Park Public Library
460 East New England Avenue
Winter Park, Florida 32789
Contact:
407-616-9720
This film festival presents uplifting, positive stories told in a series of short films. The festival is designed to bring attention to the human condition and possible solutions via audience/filmmaker discussions. The event is free and held at the Winter Park Library, a 20 minute drive from Orlando, but you must register if you want to attend, as there is limited seating.
5. Florida Film Academy Special Event-Kids Night Out
Location:
Florida Film Academy
1261 Winter Garden Vineland Road
Winter Garden, FL 34787
Contact:
(407) 654-8400
Some filmmakers start young, so if you have or know of little ones ages 7-12 that are into making their own films, check out this event at Winter Garden. It’s a 20-minute drive from Orlando. A pizza party will get underway, and there will be treats. Best of all will be the opportunity for kids to team up and make their own holiday short films. This organization encourages you to check their website for possible changes in events and times.
Considering all of the film festivals Orlando has to offer, it won’t be too hard finding one that suits your personal taste and genre.