FAQ

Anything you need to know about the fest can be found here. Check it out!

FAQ for Film Professionals and Attendees

What are the festival dates?
March 18-21, 2010

How do I submit my film?
Check out Gasparilla International Film Festival on Without A Box!

What is the submission deadline?
September 15, 2009 earlybird deadline
November 15, 2009 regular deadline
December 1, 2009 late deadline

When will the film schedule be set?
So that we can bring you the latest and greatest in independent film, the final schedule is not set until weeks before the festival.  Check back on our website for the schedule, to buy tickets, and watch the trailers.

How do I buy tickets to the films?
Tickets can be purchased on our website when the schedule is posted.

General Festival Information:

The Gasparilla International Film Festival (“GIFF”) is one of Florida's largest and fastest growing film festivals.  GIFF, organized and operated by the non-profit Tampa Film Institute, is dedicated to expanding art opportunities in the Tampa Bay community through the medium and culture of independent film.  GIFF’s specific mission statement is to promote opportunities for film makers and film fans alike to create and enjoy independent film in the Tampa Bay area.  GIFF’s most notable contribution to the community is to host an annual, competitive film festival every March in downtown Tampa and South Tampa bringing in over 100 films from around the world, with a sidebar focused on local film.  GIFF also brings independent, international programming to the Tampa Bay community year-round through the prestigious Global Lens Series and other independent film screenings. 

Filmmakers can submit their films through Without a Box from August through December.  Categories include North American Narratives, Florida Film, Feature Documentaries, Latin Panorama, Foreign Features, Foreign Shorts, Young Filmmaker/Student Shorts, Green Initiatives/Alternative Energy, and a Cuban Sidebar, celebrating Tampa's Cuban heritage.  GIFF celebrates independent film from around the world, but also strives to highlight the best from Tampa Bay and Florida. 

GIFF also hosts fun and informative Educational Panels during the festival and year-round.  These educational panels include hands-on seminars, such as Shooting Red and Filmmaker's workshops, as well as advice panels from the families of Hollywood stars that hail from Tampa.  GIFF strives to bring the film industry's best and brightest to Tampa Bay.  Past industry notables inlcude Armand Assante, Brittany Snow, Terry Moore, Anne Jeffreys, Rod Lurie, and many more.

Nobody in Tampa hosts better parties than GIFF!  From the Opening Night Gala to the Closing Night Ceremony, the parties are not to be missed.  Mingle with the talent, see the stars, and feel Tampa's passion for film!

FAQ for Volunteers

Press and Media can find their FAQ's here.