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Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Returns

The community gathers at the Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival to celebrate queer cinema.

News Summary

The Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF) returns to St. Petersburg for its 35th year, occurring from January 30 to February 2. This year’s festival will feature a new, four-day format at Green Light Cinema, showcasing a curated selection of films by queer filmmakers. With a lineup that includes shorts like ‘Just Jackie’ and acclaimed features such as ‘Drone,’ festival-goers are in for a memorable experience. Tickets are affordably priced, and the festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ artistry.

Excitement Builds in St. Petersburg for the 35th Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival!

The vibrant city of St. Petersburg is buzzing with anticipation as it prepares to host the Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF) for its incredible 35th year. Running from January 30 to February 2, this year’s festival promises to be a unique, focused experience, taking place exclusively at the Green Light Cinema.

A New Approach

This year marks a significant change from the usual nine-day extravaganza that the festival is known for. In 2023 and into early 2024, the festival tried a mixed format across both Tampa and St. Pete, but concerns arose about its future viability. The *new organizing team* is determined to keep the festival alive, emphasizing the importance of community engagement to support this beloved event.

With fresh perspectives, the current team includes enthusiastic individuals who have stepped up to share their passion for film. The group is headed by Festival Director Renee Cossette and President Kayden Rodriguez. They are excited to bring their vision to life this year, backed by dedicated board members like Treasurer Caroline Bedenbaugh and Secretary Diego Leon. Diego, who joined recently, is fervent about the role of visibility in the LGBTQ+ community, especially through the compelling medium of film.

A Focus on Voice

The programming for TIGLFF aims to amplify and support the voices of queer filmmakers. There are exciting contributions from board members like Unity Jalal, Katrina Miller, and Alex Mitow, who is particularly enthusiastic about the festival’s new compressed format. We can all look forward to a meticulously curated lineup of films that promise to enchant and inspire viewers.

Four Days of Filmic Bliss

This year’s festival will be a four-day mini-event filled with carefully selected films, showcasing various themes and stories within the LGBTQ+ community. Kicking things off on January 30 at 7:30 p.m., festival-goers can expect an opening night shorts package featuring titles like “Just Jackie,” “MOTHER,” and “Gender Reveal.” With such a stellar lineup, excitement is definitely in the air!

The festival will continue on January 31 with the screening of the poignant lesbian drama “Drone,” followed by the male narrative feature “Duino.” On February 1, the spotlight will shine on “Pride/Prom,” a documentary celebrating an LGBTQ+ prom, along with a thrilling shorts package to cap off the evening.

The final day, February 2, will bring us powerful films like “A House is Not a Disco” and “The Queen of My Dreams,” rounding out the festival with a sensational closing night shorts presentation. It’s set to be a truly fulfilling experience without feeling overwhelming, allowing festival-goers to soak in the creativity and talent on display!

Tickets and More

As for the practical stuff, tickets for individual screenings are priced at an affordable $12, while an all-inclusive pass for the full festival can be snagged for just $80. A great deal for a chance to celebrate and enjoy art that resonates with many!

Green Light Cinema, the lovely venue for the festival, is conveniently located at 221 2nd Ave. N. in St. Petersburg. If you’re interested in planning your festival experience, be sure to check out the full schedule and ticket details at TIGLFF.com.

Join in the celebration and immerse yourself in the artistic brilliance that this year’s Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival has to offer. It’s not just a festival; it’s a vibrant showcase of culture, community, and creativity!