Media Contact:
Laura Newhook
Gasparilla International Film Festival
(727) 366-5001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Tampa-Born Producers and Local Organizations Partner for Florida Film Premiere
Benefit Brings “Black, White and Blues” to Tampa Bay

TAMPA, Fla. – “Black, White and Blues,” the film receiving multiple awards and rave reviews at film festivals across the country, will make its Florida premiere in Tampa Bay on October 1. The Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF), Academy Prep – Tampa, The Glazer Children’s Museum, and Junior Achievement are collaborating with both local and national producers for the film’s cinematic debut with all proceeds benefiting the four non-profits.

“Our goal is to raise a minimum of $100,000 to support the critical services these four organizations provide to thousands of Tampa Bay children,” stated Charlie Poe, one of the Tampa-born producers of the film and a board member of all four non-profits. “It is wonderful to have our film give back to the kids!” 

Charlie, with other Tampa producers Jeff Balis (“Project Greenlight”) and Morgan Simpson ("Clear Lake, WI"), created this award winning film with renowned producer Rhoades Rader (“Dodgeball”) and director Mario Van Peebles (“New Jack City”). The film’s talented cast includes Michael Clarke Duncan, Luke Perry, Tom Skerritt, and a variety of new talent. “Black, White and Blues” features a notable plot that takes the audience through an Alabama man’s incredible journey on finding spiritual redemption.

“We are committed to bringing quality, award-winning films like ‘Black, White and Blues’ to the Tampa Bay area,” said Eric Polins, president of the GIFF. “Our organization is proud to partner with other not-for-profits to help support our work in teaching young Tampa students the art of film making.”

“The children at Academy Prep, and ones served by our partner non-profits will undoubtedly reap the rewards of this creative endeavor,” stated Lincoln Tamayo, Head of School. “We are extraordinarily excited to help bring this movie to Tampa Bay.”

Ticket pricing for “Black, White and Blues” starts at $55 and will be shown at the Straz Performing Arts Center in the Ferguson Theatre at 8 p.m. with a Q & A session to follow with Executive Producer Charlie Poe, Actor/Writer Morgan Simpson, Producer Jeff Balis, Producer Rhoades Rader and a possible surprise guest. VIP tickets are currently selling for $165, which includes a networking reception with actors and producers prior to the film at 6:30 p.m.
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Sponsorship opportunities, with additional premiere amenities, are available to help raise the benefit goal.  For sponsorship opportunities, call Betsy Draper at 813.248.5600. For more information, tickets and sponsorship opportunities visit, www.gasparillafilmfest.com. 

 

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.

ABOUT ACADEMY PREP CENTER OF TAMPA
Academy Prep Tampa (APT) provides a four-year middle school, preparatory education for economically disadvantaged students.  Children attend APT 11 hours a day, 6 days a week, for 11 months of the year receiving a rigorous academic education combined with daily enrichment and community activities that teach critical life skills. After graduation, APT guides students through their high school and college careers.  All students receive full tuition scholarships and Graduate Support Services funded by individuals, corporations, and foundations mostly from the Tampa Bay area.  Academy Prep’s goal is to ensure students become successful community leaders who give back. www.academyprep.org.

ABOUT JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
Junior Achievement inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. Junior Achievement of West Central Florida, the area’s largest and oldest business and education partnership, serves twelve counties through volunteers who will inspire more than 68,000 students this school year. For more information about Junior Achievement of Hillsborough County, visit www.jahillsborough.org.

ABOUT GLAZER’s MUSEUM
The Glazer Children’s Museum is a not-for-profit educational and cultural resource whose mission is to create learning environments where children play, discover and connect to the world around them to develop as lifelong learners and leaders. The new 53,000 square foot museum will provide a safe and playful environment where children and adults can learn about themselves, each other, and the world around them through exploration, role-playing and direct experience. To learn more about the museum, its progress, or how you may become part of this important initiative, visit www.glazermuseum.org or call 813.443.3861.

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