The Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) is Tampa Bay's largest independent film festival and was established in 2006.
GIFF is operated by the Tampa Film Institute, a full-time 501(c) organization dedicated to advancing film education and supporting filmmakers, as well as community involvement in film in the Tampa Bay area. The Festival maintains a full-time Festival Director, and a volunteer staff of over 50.
The 5th annual Gasparilla Film Festival will take place from Thursday, March 24 - Sunday, March 27, 2011. Festival-goers attend screenings and events at Tampa Theatre, Channelside, Ybor City, University of Tampa, and Studio@620 - St. Petersburg. All genres of Filmmakers will attend this year and over 100 films will be screened from around the world. Additionally, there will be parties, educational panels, film chats, receptions, networking for industry insiders, and filmmaker receptions.
Attending stars will be announced and confirmed in early 2011. The complete film schedule for the 2011 Festival will be made public in February 2011. The Opening Night Gala and Film will again occur at the historic Tampa Theatre, with much of the remaining festival occurring at CineBistro Hyde Park.