Florida Film Festival to bring movie magic back to Maitland, Winter Park

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida Film Festival returns to Maitland and Winter Park for another year of film, talent and movie magic.

The festival returns for its 32nd year, from Friday, April 14 to Sunday, April 23, with primary locations in Maitland and Winter Park.

The film festival received a total of 2,802 film submissions over the course of the year, according to a news release sent out by the Florida Film Festival.

The international film festival will show around 168 films, of which 105 are from different countries. About 143 of these films will also have a movie premiere.

“Our selection committee and programming team worked tirelessly to whittle these entries down to the 168 films we will play during the 10-day festival,” said Deanna Tiedtke, director of public relations and development at Enzian, in a news release. “Among our entries, we are excited to highlight our Florida Sidebar, which will include a narrative feature, documentary feature and short program with Florida ties.”

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This year’s theme at the celebrated festival centered on “Only in Florida,” with a focus on leaning into the stereotype of the Florida man. Tiedtke said themes of satire, fun and playfulness play a role in the festival.

“Florida is known for its bizarre ‘Only in Florida’ headlines, our chaotic relationship with alligators and the infamous ‘Florida Man’ trope, but not so much for its vibrant arts scene,” said Tiedtke.

Thirty-two films are from festival alumni and about 40 films also have Florida connections.

“As an art house non-profit theater and cultural organization, we appreciate all aspects of our state: from its sublime artistic achievements to its occasional propensity to play in one of the nation’s favorite jokes,” Tiedtke said.

Films entitled “You Were My First Boyfriend” and “The Greatest Poem” will be presented at the festival’s opening night. The first movie shown will be “You Were My First Boyfriend”.

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The festival will also feature an opening night party with food and drink, Sunday brunch, happy hour, an announcement party and an awards party at the various locations.

Tickets for the film festival vary between passes, packages and individual tickets. Passes are priced from $125 to $1,500, while packages range from $60 to $220.

Individual tickets cost $13.

For more information, visit the Florida Film Festival’s website.

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