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Laura Newhook
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 21, 2010

 

Gasparilla International Film Festival Plans Big for Five-Year Anniversary
Festival Announces 2011 Dates and Forms Extensive Advisory Team

TAMPA, Fla. –The Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) has chosen March 24-27 as the dates for its fifth-annual film showcase. Experiencing huge success in 2010, the film festival continues to grow into the entertainment and economic blockbuster that the Tampa Bay area had hoped it would be. Despite the tough economic climate, the shorter 2010 festival brought in an impressive number of local residents and national visitors to the area that totaled more than 1,000 film enthusiasts per day. This year’s new president and advisory board anticipate even more growth for GIFF’s fifth anniversary.

“I have been involved with the festival for more than four years and have truly seen the brand grow into an arts and entertainment showcase that the area can be proud of,” said Eric Polins, managing partner of HCP & Associates and the newly appointed 2011 GIFF president. “We are all excited to celebrate the festivals’ fifth-year with even more talent, quality films and parties.”

In addition to Polins, GIFF is proud to announce its new advisory board members who are expected to add a critical level of insight, experience and networking to help guide the future success of the festival. Joining the festival advisory board in 2011 is Golden Globe nominee and renowned actor, Armand Assante; Graham Winick, President of Film Florida; President of Performers Studio Workshop, Kathy Laughlin, a renowned Casting Director; and the Director of The Florida State University's College of Motion Picture Arts Torchlight Program, Paul Cohen.

 

“I have been a guest and passionate supporter of GIFF for quite a while now and it is fascinating to watch as the talent and popularity grow,” said Armand Assante, a newly appointed advisory board member. “I look forward to bringing my film industry experience to the festival and helping the board chose quality films.”

“Adding new members of the advisory board and of the board of directors helps ensure the continuation of any nonprofit organization,” said Eric Polins, the 2011 GIFF president. “Having a group of such diverse, artistic and business savvy individuals ensures us the memorable fifth anniversary we have in the works.”

 

ABOUT THE GASPARILLA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
First launched in the summer of 2006, the Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) has grown into an entertaining and educational year-round entity in Tampa Bay. Well-known for its annual film festival, GIFF is operated by the 501(c) 3 non-profit Tampa Film Institute and continually upholds its mission to provide year-long support for film screening, production, and education throughout Tampa Bay and the region. For more information on GIFF including sponsor and volunteer opportunities visit, www.gasparillafilmfestival.com.

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