With snow in the forecast for those of us in northern climes, here’s a stellar reason to head to the Tampa, Florida area—the Gasparilla International Film Festival!  If you’re lucky enough to be a snow bird, then you’ve got an amazing film festival right in your own backyard.  The festival hosts 35 feature-length films and 70 shorts— a film for everyone in this year’s lineup.  GIFF’s president, Rachel Marks Feinman, feels that these films “entertain, educate, and inspire” the community.  Taking a look at all the world premieres and films currently traveling the festival circuit with a lot of buzz, Feinman is most assuredly correct.

UNLEASHED

“Burn Your Maps,” the festival’s opening night film starring Vera Farmiga (“Up in the Air”), Virginia Madsen (“Sideways”), and Jacob Tremblay (“Room”) and “Unleashed,” starring Justin Chawin (“Shameless”), a fantasy comedy about the “perfect man,” bookend documentary, international, and narrative feature films such as “The Architect,” “Disturbing the Peace,” and Florida focused films “Turtle Tale,” “King Charles,”and more.  It’s an exciting array of films not to be missed.  Here’s how you can get tickets and enjoy the festival to its fullest degree: www.gasparillafilmfestival.com

If you think film festivals are just about seeing movies,  you’d be mistaken.  Parties, panel discussions, red carpets, and special events are every bit as much of a film festival as the films themselves.  Attend panel discussions to  learn how to pitch a film or find out how to get that film distributed.  These are just two of the many  topics addressed in the panel discussions.  Check out GIFF Panel Discussion Schedule for a complete listing.  Parties (Hey, it can’t be ALL work and no play!) and watching the stars walk the red carpet are all a part of GIFF too.  Unlike many festivals, GIFF invites you to participate in these events. ( GIFF Party Schedule) GIFF also remembers to include the kids in their festival.  “Family Fun Day” takes place on Sunday, March 5 from 11 am – 3 pm.  Live entertainment by Mr. Tommy, free t-shirts, activities by the Tampa Bay Rays and DJ Kitty, and a petting zoo are all a part of this fun-filled day! Family Fun Day

GIFF celebrates its 11th year in style at the Tampa Theatre, Muvico Centro Ybor, and HCC Ybor.  Don’t miss out on being the first to view great films from all over the world, seeing your favorite stars, and participating in the spectacular events and panel discussions.

Check back for continuous updates on reviews and recommendations!

Get out and go see “Get Out,” the hilarious new mystery/horror film written and directed by Jordan Peele of the famed dynamic comedy duo Key and Peele. Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) who is African-American will meet his Caucasian girlfriend’s (Allison Williams as Rose) parents for the first time.  He expects some racial issues, but what he discovers is much more than that!  It’s a Twilight Zone meets “The Stepford Wives” thriller and a touch of “Trainspotting” tripping that will make you jump, scream, and laugh!  “Get Out” is total fun, particularly as we look at our world through a different racial lens right now.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE

The opening scene plunges us right into the core of the movie as we see a black man (LaKeith Stanfield) walking in an unfamiliar neighborhood, attempting to find an address.  He’s out of place, muttering nervous and funny comments as a car pulls up along side of him.  BAM! He’s abducted.  Cut to the sweet couple, Rose and Chris, preparing for a trip.

Chris is hesitant about visiting Rose’s parents, but she assures him that they aren’t at all racist.  In fact, she says they would have voted for Obama for a third time if they could have.  Best buddy and TSA Agent Rod Williams (LilRel Howery) doggie-sits while the two go off and have their adventure.

The story sets the viewers up to see and question what we observe through Chris’ eyes.  The tension increases with each ticking moment, delving more deeply into the bizarre behaviors of the black people who just happen to be overly happy working for this family and the rich white people whose comments are utterly inappropriate, but realistically hilarious!  The tables are turned with the portrayal of white stereotypes which gives us a truly refreshing perspective in this off the wall story.

“Get Out” has an all-star cast and while you might not immediately recognize Kaluuya and Williams, you will after this movie.  Kaluuya shines as the lead, giving us a memorable performance and creating a connection with the audience to truly root for him.  Williams gives us the All-American girl next door performance and the two of them together are a perfect match.  Whitford and Keener are brilliant as the loving and manipulative parents.  I can’t tell you any more about them as that would ruin the fun of discovery.  Suffice it to say, they are both stellar and you’ll stir your tea with a new understanding.  But it’s LilRel Howery that steals the comedic show in “Get Out.”  As the TSA Agent and best friend, he embodies the cop-wanna-be persona with the innocence of protecting his best friend.

“Get Out” is a unique film, blending genres of comedy, horror, mystery, and thriller.  Accent on the comedy!  When you’re not laughing, you’re gasping and while there are some rather gruesome parts, they are justified in the storyline.   Peele is no new-comer to writing and now he has proven himself in the director’s chair with “Get Out,” his directorial debut.

“Get Out” is total escapism and fun in a wonderfully mind-bending, hilarious, and thrilling story that revolves around racism.  To pull off that combination is absolutely extraordinary.

Please remember that this is rated R for some extreme violence!

3 1/2 Stars