By Traci Stevens

Opinion Editor

"Dreamers, Artists, and Troublemakers" gathered at the Ybor School of Visual and Performing Arts Thursday for the opening reception of the Eighth Annual Ybor Film Festival, which ran through the weekend with workshops, film screenings and other performances.

As guests arrived Thursday, they were welcomed by a long table of hors d'oeuvres and an art exhibit titled "Dreamers and Troublmakers,.
featuring work from sculptor Charlotte Lee and graphic artist Chris Weeks. The evening also included a performance of "Fire" by the Dance Department and a screening of 10 short films, including "Tampa Urban Exploration," directed by HCC student Ryan Stone.

"There are about 15 awards being handed out this year, with about five or six of them being cash prizes,” said David Audet, the festival director, on opening night.

The art exhibit's title reflected the theme of the entire festival, Audet said.

“If you want to make a film, you have to be a dreamer, and again you have to be a troublemaker, you have to be aggressive in order to make things happen,” said Audet.

Some teachers brought their students down to the festival as part of their learning experience.“I enjoy going to film festivals and am excited about this one,” said Claudia Schwartz, 23, who models for an art class.

Friday's events included a workshop called the “Unheard Voices Project," where filmmakers from North Carolina and Tampa shared their philosophies, techniques, and sample clips of film. The workshop was followed by more film screenings.