TAMPA BAY – The Sunshine City Film Festival runs from January 11–20. It’s a 10-day celebration of film, arts, and culture in Tampa Bay, featuring:
- Opening Night Gala: A red carpet event to kick off the festival with festive music, photo opps, networking, and special appearances.
- Film Screenings: Independent films from local, national, and international filmmakers will be shown throughout the week across multiple genres, including documentaries, dramas, comedies, and short films.
- Workshops & Panels: These include sessions with industry professionals on topics like screenwriting, production, acting, and distribution.
- Networking Mixers: Opportunities to connect with filmmakers, actors, and creatives.
- Awards Ceremony: Celebrating the achievements of outstanding films, directors, and talent.
A detailed schedule is available on the website: SunshineCityFilmFestival.com.
“This year, we are excited to spotlight the “L.I.F.E. (Ladies in Film and Entertainment) Award Celebration” honoring the remarkable contributions of women in the film and entertainment industry; entertaining shorts and features made locally by some of the top up-and-coming filmmakers in the Bay Area, and a Youth Filmmaker Showcase: Celebrating the next generation of storytellers,” shared Cranstan Cumberbatch, festival founder.
There will also be special community engagement events bringing together local organizations and artists.
“Tampa Bay is a hub for creativity and diversity, and it’s exciting to bring together so many voices through the art of film. This year, we’re amplifying independent filmmakers and offering a platform for meaningful stories that reflect the culture and experiences of our vibrant community,” added Cumberbatch.
A special highlight of the festival will be the “City to City Tour,” where select films have the opportunity to travel with the festival to other locations later in the year. This unique initiative gives filmmakers an extended platform to showcase their work and engage with audiences across various cities.
Cumberbatch noted that the SCFF organizers are proud to inspire creativity in St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay Area, and beyond. “The Sunshine City Film Festival has grown into a dynamic event that showcases the incredible talent of filmmakers and artists. As we say, it’s ‘Where independent filmmakers come to shine!’.”
For updates and ticket information, visit SunshineCityFilmFestival.com.