KCCI: Tallahassee

This initiative aims to showcase our talent in the film industry by establishing an annual film festival that will harness the creativity of university students and others that excel in production, cinematography, acting, directing and everything in between. The initiative also hopes to attract visitors to Tallahassee, giving the area an opportunity to highlight its assets.

In addition to local community volunteers, the film fest team is working with the Dean of Florida State’s prestigious Film School , prominent members of the Hollywood circle, the Challenger Learning Center, the Tallahassee Film Society, the state film commissioner, the Governor’s Office and leading experts in the film industry to evaluate best practices and coordinate Tallahassee’s first annual film festival May 15-17, 2008.

The film fest team has spent that past year developing a timeline and coordinating logistics, lodging, security, marketing, screening venues, celebrity involvement and sponsors. They have also spent countless hours viewing film entries. They recently launched a Web site (www.tallahasseefilmfestival.com) and formed a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization as well.

As for the event itself, the film fest team will host a premier and a welcome reception on opening night – Thursday, May 15, 2008. On Friday and Saturday, the event will feature screenings at various venues around town, and specifically in the Gaines Street corridor. Seminars, workshops and “meet and greets” will be tied into the festival, along with after-parties at partnering bars and restaurants.  The event will culminate on Saturday, May 17, 2008 with an evening gala and awards ceremony called It’s a Wrap! 

Schedule of Events 

24-Hour Film Contest: In conjunction with the film festival, the film fest team will host a 24-hour film contest for anyone who wishes to participate. Filmmakers will compete for cash and trophies, as well as a chance to be recognized on tallahassee.com and at the It’s a Wrap! party on Saturday, May 17. For complete contest rules, click here.  

To read the most recent film festival press release, click here.  

If you would like to serve on the film fest team or have ideas for how to help it succeed, please leave a comment below or e-mail kccitallahassee@gmail.com. For more information, visit http://tallahasseefilmfestial.com or e-mail info@tallahasseefilmfestival.com.

We are in desperate need of funding for this initiative! If you have any leads or connections to potential public or private funding sources, please e-mail us at kccitallahassee@gmail.com. The size and success of this event heavily depends on the extent of our resources. Thanks for your help!