Another very successful Sunscreen Film Festival wrapped up this past April, putting St. Pete on the map for talented filmmakers from all over the world. Started 18 years ago by Tony Armer, this year about 500 films were submitted and 190 were selected by a panel of judges. Attendance was a record-breaking 6,000+ guests, and filmmakers from ten different countries flew in to submit their film and participate.
There were numerous categories and prizes including documentary, full-length feature, horror, foreign language, made in Florida, short films, and even submissions from high school and college students. “A Taste of Love featuring Martin Kove was very popular, selling out in three theaters at the Sundial AMC 12,” reports Vice President and Festival Program Director Doug Tschirhart. The winner of the feature film category was 115 Grains by St. Pete-local Andrew Kiaroscuro, who also won the prize for Best Director.
Diverse, Inclusive, & International
Sunscreen prides itself on being a diverse, inclusive and international film festival. As just one example, this year was the seventh annual Women Filmmakers Networking Brunch, which has sold out each year.
The festival is also known for its excellent panel discussions and workshops. Well-known actors and directors have participated, including John Travolta, Martin Kove and Corin Nemec as well as executives from Universal Studios and Vice President Mitchell Bell from Marvel Studios. This year’s workshops included a pitch fest, acting and directing, and how to increase filmmaker incentives and maximize relationships with your film commission.
Mark your calendar
Next year’s Sunscreen Film Festival that will take place from April 25 through April 28, 2024. Film entries will be accepted starting on July 1, 2023, continuing until March 1, 2024. Visit their website for details on submissions, as well as updates for events throughout the year.
“Our goal is to enable filmmakers to network with others in the industry and perhaps work on future projects together,” says Tschirhart. “But everyone is welcome to come out to the festival to see great films and take part in all the workshops and parties.” Visit www.SunscreenFilmFestival.com to see photos from this year’s event and more detailed information. You can follow them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/sunscreenfilmfestival.
