Gasparilla International Film Festival takes over Tampa this week
The opening and closing films play at the Tampa Theatre | Photo via Visit Tampa Bay
Lights, camera, action, TBAY.
The Gasparilla International Film Festival(GIFF) is back and better than ever for its 16th year. This four-day independent film event starts tonight and runs until Sunday, March 26 — it’s the place to be for filmmakers, talent, producers, and movie buffs.
It boasts a star-studded cast of over 70 short + feature film premieres, four panels, and countless accredited movie stars like:
Sung Kang directs “Shaky Shivers”
Judy Greer stars in “Gringa”
Patricia Clarkson stars in “Monica”
Emily Browning stars in “Monica”
Taryn Manning (“Orange is the New Black”)
Nolan Gould (“Modern Family”)
Opening Night
On Thursday, the pulse-pounding “Miranda’s Victim” kicks off the event, which turns back the clock nearly 60 years to the landmark case that gave birth to Miranda Rights. Here’s the trailer.
Andy Garcia (“Father of the Bride,” “The Godfather: Part III”)
Emily VanCamp (“Captain America: Civil War,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”)
Enrique Murciano (“Without a Trace,” “The Saint”)
This film starts at 7:00 p.m. Grab your tix before the theater sells out.
Closing Night
The festival’s last day features educational panels from leading industry professionals, screenings, and even a high school film competition.
And for the grand finale of GIFF, the closing night film “BlackBerry” is making its Florida premiere, telling the story of the rise and fall of the world’s first smartphone. Here’s the trailer.
Notable cast members:
Jay Baruchel (“This is the End,” “How to Train Your Dragon”)
Glenn Howerton (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”)
Tai Chi for Greater Health | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 10-11 a.m. | Grace Lutheran Church Tampa, 3714 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa | $10 | Find balance in your body with Tai Chi and Qigong — all levels are welcome.
City Council Meeting | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 1:30 p.m. | St. Petersburg City Hall, 175 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg | Free | Take a look at this week’s agenda, voice your opinion, and listen to committee reports.
Disney on Ice: Road Trip Adventures | Thursday, March 23-Sunday, March 26 | Times vary | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $20-$60 | Watch Mickey, Minnie, and the whole cast venture across the globe — on ice.
Friday, March 24
Strikers vs. Fayetteville | Friday, Mar. 24 | 7 p.m. | Yuengling Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa | $15-$50 | Watch Tampa Bay’s indoor soccer team take on Fayetteville.
Silent Disco Pride Celebration | Friday, Mar. 24 | 8-10 p.m. | Raybon Plaza, 536 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $12 | Dance your heart out under the rainbow lights — ticket includes headphones.
Saturday, March 25
Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathon | Saturday, Mar. 25 | 7 a.m. | Springs Theater, 8029 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa | Get a little Saturday sweat on in support of Southeastern Guide Dogs’ work.
Sunday, March 26
Market on Main | Sunday, Mar. 26 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Main Street Safety Harbor, 750 Main St., Safety Harbor | Free | Shop for your weekly produce and other local goods at the weekly open-air market.
Florida Cup Day | Sunday, Mar. 26 | 11 a.m. | Tampa Bay Downs, 11225 Race Track Rd., Tampa | $3 | Watch and bet on horse races — there’s more than $750,000 in the purse.
Where’s Jubes Hospitality Night | Sunday, Mar. 26 | 6 p.m.-3 a.m. | Where’s Jubes, 277 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Free+ | Restaurant workers can party it up for half off — bring proof of employment.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
No. 1. That’s where the community and school rating platform, Niche, ranked Hyde Park-Spanishtown Creek on its 2023 Best Places to Live in Florida list. Harbour Island took third, and Downtown Tampa landed seventh out of ten. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Number
$450,000. That’s how much a USF assistant professor has earned in grants from the US Air Force to build an eco-friendly microcomputer. This green machine project is a part of the Air Force’s Young Investigator Program. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Art
Say sayonara to the bronze alligator in front of the Red Cloud Arts Gallery + the elephant on roller skates in front of Kilwin’s (both along Beach Drive in St. Pete). Artist Mike Elwell, the creator of the whimsical creature benches, is selling off the iconic sculptures. (St. Pete Patch)
Try This
SeaTrek has Florida Aquarium patrons suiting up and diving down to the bottom of the 100,000-gallon Heart of the Sea exhibit. Divers come face-to-face with rays, sharks, and sea turtles on the underground walking tour. Tickets cost $95. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Sports
DYK that Rays’ outfielder Randy Arozarena + Rowdies’ goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena are brothers? Randy took Team Mexico to the World Baseball Classic semifinals for the first time this week before the team fell to Japan. Meanwhile, earlier this week, his brother was called up to play for the Cuban national soccer team. (WTSP)
Plan Ahead
Bern’s Steak House is hosting its 26th annual Winefest. The vino soirée runs from Saturday, April 15 to Sunday, April 23. The team pairs artisanal dishes like apricot mousse and beef wellington with internationally acclaimed wines each day. Tickets range from $200 to $1,500 (but are going fast). (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Today Is
National Puppy Day. This is your sign to support SPCA Tampa Bay and maybe consider adopting a furry family member. If you already have a puppy or kitty, why not treat them to a new floofy bed?
Shop
It’s that time of year to freshen up your home’s aroma, and our online shop (Six & Main) has the perfect candles. Drift away to scents such as woods + berries by The Rustic House or ripe juniper in a reusable vessel by Plant Based Candles. That smells just about right.
While it may not be Pride Month just yet, Tampa is already gearing up for a celebratory weekend. Cigar City is getting ready to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with a day-long shindig this Saturday, March 25.
The colorful mix of floats, music, and performers will head down 7th Avenue and end at Centennial Park.
Pro tip: Stick around the Cuban Club as the sun sets at around 7 p.m. for the Pride@Night concert. We heard Cupcakke is bringing her rap prowess to TBAY.
I bought a little toy dinosaur from Shapiro’s Gallery on Beach Drive in St. Pete for my little nephew. When you walk into the place, everything looks pristine — the trinkets and knickknacks are so well-crafted and curated. Little did I know, the shop has been around for 25 years. They’re throwing an anniversary party this Saturday.
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