ORLANDO (FNN NEWS) — The 2016 Orlando Film Festival, sponsored by Stella Artois and Dave School, descends on Downtown Orlando’s Plaza Cinema Cafe from Wednesday, October 19 to Sunday, October 23, 2016. The annual film festival is Downtown Orlando’s signature October event, enlivening not only the Plaza Cinema Cafe, but all of Downtown Orlando’s nightlife venues, including Kasa, ONO Nightclub, and Avenue Gastropub, where VIP and VIP Elite passholders can enjoy the Stella Time Happy Hour, sponsored by Stella Artois, where film lovers can personally meet industry filmmakers and actors participating in the festival while enjoying free bottles of Stella Artois.
This year attendees have 328 films to choose from–a thirty-four percent increase from last year–which includes seventy features and 258 shorts, and can look forward to the launch of the festival’s inaugural Local Music Showcase, presented by the Orlando Film Festival and Cascris Productions, from 4-10 PM Saturday, October 22, 2016.
Here’s a complete breakdown to help you navigate this year’s festival. You can purchase passes here.
WEDNESDAY
OPENING NIGHT – 7 PM Red Carpet / 7:30 PM Screening
TE ATA – Drama Based on the true story of renowned Native American performer Te Ata, whose bumpy journey took her from Chickasaw tribal territory to performing around the world. Featuring Graham Greene. (Also screening 5:15 PM Sunday)
TABLE READ – MARRYING KINDS | 4 PM | Location TBD Join a group of actors for a live reading of one of our screenplay finalists. Marrying Kinds is an offbeat comedy following a romantic but realistic couple as they navigate their way through the horrors of spending one weekend at three weddings.
THURSDAY
Shorts HD Presentation | 1:00 PM | Theater 7 (VIP ELITE ONLY) Join Linda Olszewski from ShortsHD for a discussion about short film distribution and the world’s first 24/7 short movie channel.
HORROR NIGHT
Theater 7 & 12 will showcase a mix of horror films. 6:00 PM – Midnight. Films include two short film blocks (Horror Shorts & Psycho Killers), plus three features:
ELECTRIC NOSTALGIA – Horror / Thriller – 6:00 PM Thursday
A young woman is haunted by visions of a faceless man after she is awakened from the dead in a body that is not her own.
BEAR WITH US – Horror Comedy – 8:00 PM Thursday
A guy attempts to propose to his girlfriend but his meticulous plan starts to fall apart when a ravenous bear stumbles upon their charming cabin in the woods. Featuring Christy Carlson Romano and Cheyenne Jackson
THE DARK TAPES – Horror Anthology – 9:30 PM Thursday
Ghosts, spirits, creatures, demons and more from the paranormal world collide with rational curiosity in four interlocking tales.
OTHER MADNESSES – Psychological Thriller – 10:00 PM Thursday
A reclusive tour guide becomes an unlikely vigilante when the dark underbelly of New York City is revealed through his dreams.
FRIDAY
LAIKA Studios Presentation | 1:30 PM | Theater 7 (VIP ELITE ONLY) From CORALINE to KUBO, join Mark Shapiro for an in-depth discussion about stop-motion animation powerhouse, LAIKA Studios.
DATE NIGHT
HOW TO TELL YOU’RE A DOUCHEBAG – Romantic Comedy – 5:30 PM Friday
A controversial blogger in New York finds himself in hot water when he messes with the wrong woman.
QUAKER OATHS – Romantic Comedy – 7:30 PM Friday
When Joe and Emily want to get divorced, a sweet Quaker tradition becomes an unexpected challenge, as every wedding guest must sign off on the split to be official.
LOVE & HEARTACHE – Shorts Block – 9:30 PM Friday
An eclectic mix of shorts, both dramatic and comedic, that takes you through the highs and lows of love. (Also screens 3:00 PM Sunday)
SCI-FI FRIDAY
Theater 12 will showcase an inventive mix of science fiction films 1:30 PM – Midnight.
Films include 2 short film blocks & 3 features:
DIVERGE – Sci-Fi Thriller – 1:30 PM Friday
In the aftermath of a global pandemic, one survivor is given the chance to travel across time to stop the cataclysmic event and regain everything he has lost.
TRAVIS: THE TRUE STORY OF TRAVIS WALTON – Documentary – 7:30 PM Friday
Documentary recounting the now world-famous 1975 UFO abduction of Travis Walton and the impact it has had on his life over the intervening forty years.
2307 A.D. Mankind is trapped in a frozen wasteland. Humanoids rebel against the Federation. Elite soldiers are sent to combat the threat.
WRESTLING TAG TEAM EVENT
– HEELS – Comedy – 8:00 PM Friday Two adopted brothers, raised by gay dads, fight to preserve the only stability they’ve ever known by moonlighting as local tag team wrestlers to save their family business.
– THE BET – Comedy – 10:0 PM Friday A down on his luck man gets into an absurd bet where he has one summer to hook up with every girl he had a crush on from 1st to 12th grade. With cameos by Diamond Dallas Page, Jake “The Snake” Roberts and the final screen appearance of Rowdy Roddy Piper.
SATURDAY
SATURDAY MORNING CARTOONS | 11 AM | Theater 7 Start your Saturday morning the same way you did as a kid with 3 hours of animated shorts from around the world! (Warning: Some shorts contain adult content)
DAVE SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS | 2:30 PM | Theater 7 (VIP ELITE ONLY) Following two animation blocks, learn about animation and visual effects from one of the world’s leading digital arts institutions.
KEVIN SMITH DOUBLE FEATURE
FILM HAWK – Documentary – 5:30 PM Saturday
Documentary about indie film consultant, Bob Hawk, who was responsible for the discovery of such talents as Kevin Smith and Ed Burns.
Bob Hawk will be attending the festival Friday – Sunday
SHOOTING CLERKS. – WORLD PREMIERE – 7:37 PM Saturday
The biopic of Kevin Smith that follows how he went from convenience store clerk to indie film icon just by making a movie with some friends.
International cast & crew attending.
THIRSTY – Musical Dramedy | 8 PM Saturday
Bullied girly-boy Scott Townsend grows into revered drag queen, Thirsty Burlington, fighting obstacles along the way only to discover what he really wants is self-acceptance.(FREE DAY PASS TO ANYONE IN DRAG)
LGBTQ FILMS | Theater 12
THE PEARL OF AFRICA – Documentary – 11:15 AM Saturday
Follows a Ugandan transgender girl, forced to leave her country, this doc is an emotional journey of love, hate and being transgender, in one of the worlds most transphobic places.
42 SECONDS OF HAPPINESS – Dramedy – 1:15 PM Saturday
A circle of 30-something friends reunite for a weekend away to celebrate a same-sex wedding. Despite their best efforts, a series of surprise plans, unexpected arrivals and exposed secrets lead to an explosion of drama that cannot be contained.
LGBTQ Shorts – Dramatic Shorts Block – 3:15 PM
A collection of incredibly moving shorts dealing with acceptance, and sometimes the lack thereof.
(Other films with LGBTQ themes screening today include PUSHING DEAD, FILM HAWK, MILES, & THIRSTY)
Orlando Film Festival & Cascris Productions Present…
LOCAL MUSIC SHOWCASE Live music on the Stella Artois stage located in the Plaza Courtyard starting at 4 PM and leading up to the 2016 Awards Ceremony. Free To Attend. Full schedule below:
AWARDS CEREMONY Followed By Festival Wrap Party | 10 PM | Stella Artois Stage in Plaza Courtyard
Who will win best actor? What will take home best picture? Which filmmaker has the most indie spirit? Don’t wait until next week’s press release to find out all the big winners.
Stick around after the ceremony for the official festival wrap party featuring a performance from Zero Exposure! (DRINK SPECIALS FOR VIP / VIP ELITE ONLY)
SUNDAY
AWARD-WINNING SHORTS | 12:00 PM | Theater 10 Watch some of the incredible shorts that take home an award during Saturday night’s ceremony. Even we don’t know what will screen in this block yet!
FAMILY FRIENDLY DOUBLE FEATURE
MOBARAK – Family Adventure – 11:30 AM Sunday
A comedic adventure based on Iranian myths about a group of puppets that come to life to aid in their elderly puppeteers show. Animation / Live-Action. Persian Language.
FAMILY FRIENDLY DRAMAS – Dramatic Shorts – 1:15 PM Sunday
A collection of dramatic short films suitable for the whole family.
WAR DOCS
PAPER LANTERNS – Documentary – 11:00 AM Sunday
Among the estimated 140,000 casualties at Hiroshima were 12 American POWs that aren’t mentioned in history textbooks. Mr. Shigeaki Mori has dedicated his life to making their story known.
VIOLINS OF HOPE – STRINGS OF THE HOLOCAUST – Documentary – 12:20 PM
Israeli master violinmaker Amnon Weinstein and his efforts to restore violins recovered from the Holocaust. Narrated by Adrien Brody.
ANGELS OF THE SKY – Documentary – 1:40 PM
The true story of WWII pilots from the 8th air force, who were shot down over German territory and became POWs, as told through the survivors themselves.
LIBERATING A CONTINENT: JOHN PAUL II AND THE FALL OF COMMUNISM – 3:30 PM
A documentary that poignantly captures the role played by John Paul II in the fall of Communism and the liberation of central and Eastern Europe. Narrated by Jim Caviezel.
LOVING HENRI – Documentary – 5:00 PM Sunday A man devotes his life to strangers, yet crushing numbness renders every personal relationship empty, desperately seeking freedom, he travels to boyhood haunts, falls in love, but awakens old demons.
If you’re the type that wants to go all in, here are some bonus highlights:
ADDITIONAL FILMS:
BANG! THE BERT BERNS STORY – Documentary – 8 PM Saturday
Music meets the Mob in this biography of ’60s hitmaker and 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bert Berns. Narrated by Steven Van Zandt.
DESPITE THE FALLING SNOW – DRAMA – 5:15 PM Friday & 11:00 AM Sunday
Moscow, 1959: Katya is a spy for the Americans. When she begins spying on Alexander, an idealistic Communist politician, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with him. Featuring Charles Dance, Rebecca Ferguson and Anthony Head
IT’S NOT MY FAULT AND I DON’T CARE ANYWAY – Dark Comedy 12 PM Thursday & 2:30 PM Saturday
A rich and famous self-help guru’s controversial philosophy of extreme selfishness is put to the ultimate test when his only daughter is kidnapped and held for ransom. Featuring Alan Thicke and Quinton Aaron.
MILES – Dramedy – 6:10 PM Saturday
A high school senior desperate to escape his small town must join his high school’s female volleyball team in attempt to win a scholarship. Featuring Molly Shannon, Missi Pyle and Paul Reiser.
MONEY – Drama / Thriller – 11:30 AM Saturday & 3 PM Sunday
Two wealthy businessmen are about to get away with $5 million in ill-gotten money until their plans are revealed by an uninvited houseguest. Starring Jess Weixler, Jesse Williams and Kellan Lutz.
PUSHING DEAD – Dark Comedy – 4 PM Saturday & 9:30 PM Sunday
A struggling HIV positive writer accidentally deposits a $100 birthday check and is dropped from his health plan for earning too much. Starring James Roday & Danny Glover.
After years of searching for redemption and ultimately deciding to end his life – Michael Delucca, recollects his violent post war life in a memoir for the son he never knew.
THE DREAMFINDERS – Documentary – 4:30 PM Saturday
A documentary that explores the Disney magic with a community of entrepreneur Disney super fans who’ve made careers out of living their Disney dream.
THE SLIPPERS – Documentary – 6 PM Saturday
Traces the unbelievable history of The Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz as they have been bought, stolen, and coveted as the single most desired piece of Hollywood memorabilia.
A collection of shorts for those with a morbid sense of humor. Highlights include a heist gone wrong in THE LIPINSKI and an extended murder attempt in THE DEATH OF RASPUTIN, starring Barry Bostwick and Kyle Howard.
A collection of intense and heartbreaking shorts. Featuring two memorable performances from legendary actors James Brolin (A BEAUTIFUL DAY) and John Hurt (BREAK).
MOST OUTRAGEOUS – 7:15 PM Friday
The craziest shorts end up here including one film’s whose title we can’t even print. Other highlights include the epic short BULLET OF MADNESS and OPEN CARRIE, which stars Wayne Brady, Heather Campbell and Jim O’Heir
From the Spielberg-esque period piece of STAR CHILD to the nonstop futuristic action of KEEP GOING, these amazing shorts will impress all types of sci-fi fans.
A showcase of a few of our most exciting and emotional films, including the incredibly timely THE LAND OF EXODUS, and, HOME, starring Jack O’Connell.
WEB SERIES / TV – 3:45 PM Thursday & 9:15 PM Sunday
A fun mix of web series and TV show pilots including a unique take on puppets, NO STRINGS ATTACHED, and the ultimate bit of TV nostalgia, THE COMEBACK KIDS.
Orlando, Fla. – From the backs of napkins to the bright lights of Music City. Every song has a story– and country music’s top hit-makers are sharing theirs at Judson’s Live beginning April 20, 2024.
Nashville’s most celebrated songwriters who have worked with Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan and Darius Rucker, to name a few, will take the Judson’s Live stage as part of Nashville Night in Orlando.
“The series has packed venues across Central Florida and we are excited to bring the event and its audiences to Judson’s Live,” says Kathy Ramsberger, president & CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center.
Judson’s Live is the art center’s newest and most intimate music room offering a front row experience to celebrate songwriters, enjoy music and learn about the inspiration behind some of Nashville’s biggest hits.
MAIMI, Fla. (FNN) – Day 2 offered big names in the alternative/rock world, but also had Audacy bringing back a touch of their Chili Cookoff roots with Jelly Roll headlining. The recent CMA New Artist of the Year, also nominated for 2 Grammy Awards, brought the fire…literally.
Local band Girlfriend Material opened the day with some fun songs including Adam’s Sandler’s “The Chanukkah Song”. Next, Barns Courtney had the fans jumping early as he joined them in the GA section to close our his set.
AWOLNATION showed why they get a lot of airtime on 104.3 The Shark and had the crowd clapping as they played their hit song “Sail”.
Sublime with Rome, one of the longest running bands at Riptide, played hit after hit as lead singer Rome Ramirez showed his appreciation for the road that Sublime paved. Multiple times he sang their praises as he shouted “Long Live Sublime.”
As the sun started to set on the day and festival, Lovely the Band showed why they were invited back to Riptide.
If you’ve never seen The Dirty Heads play, you might not know exactly what type of band they are. When asked on the red carpet, frontman Jared Watson said “That’s what I love about our band. I don’t think there is anyone else like us…I’m proud of that. You can call it alternative, you can call it reggae rock but it’s not really either of them…” Call it what you want (I say reggae/rap/alternative), they were obviously a crowd favorite.
Jelly Roll, who celebrated his 39th birthday on Sunday, closed out the festival singing all of his hits “Need A Favor” “Son of a Sinner”. He dropped in some cover medleys of old school country “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and hip-hop “Boys in the Hood / Roughriders / Lose Yourself / Ms. Jackson / Just a Friend” as he shared stories of growing up being the youngest of 5. Jelly Roll is not your average man of god “I do not believe this is a concert. I believe this is family reunion of people that are human together…I believe that heaven has a smoking session and an open bar” he says right before he sang “Smoking Section”. He closed with his latest #1 Country Hit “Save Me” as sparkles rained down.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FNN) – Audacy’s Riptide Music Festival returned to Fort Lauderdale Beach yesterday with a solid lineup of bands you’d expect to see at a festival supported by 104.3 the Shark.
Photo by Matt Wolff / Florida National News
Jack Kays of Cincinnati, fresh off his tour, opened things on the Demesmin & Dover Stage. Little Image, a band from Austin, TX, who met in high school were first to play on the main Riptide Stage.
The Beaches (Canada) brought some girl power with their first US Billboard charted single “Blame Brett”. While LoveJoy didn’t rate their performance very high, the crowd was high energy and singing along to “Portrait of a Blank Slate”. Young the Giant (Irvine, CA) had the fans jumping up and down as they closed their set with “My Body”. Bleachers wasted no time as they jumped right in with “I Wanna Get Better”. Jack Antonoff, formerly of fun., was highly engaged with the crowded cracking NJ/Florida jokes, bouncing around, singing all their top songs including the live concert debut of “Modern Girl”. The Black Keys closed out a solid Day 1 of music with their hits “Gold on the Ceiling”, “Little Black Submarine” and “Lonely Boy.
Having been to dozens of music festivals with fans complaining about the crowds, it was a nice change of pace to not have to fight for every inch as the early sets weren’t as heavily attended as in the past. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. For the 2nd time in a row, the main stage was set facing north instead of to the ocean. This gave a lot more room for GA/VIP to hang out.
Aside from a fun day of music, there were a ton of great activations lead by the Ford Beach House. Whether it was the cowboy hat giveaway, DJ/bands playing, a limbo contest for VIP upgrade or a dance contest to Wobble/Dougie/Gangnam Style, the fans were highly entertained during and in-between performances. Twin Peaks Sports Bar was next door showing todays big games and giving away food/drink coupons. Goya (cookies) and Jolly Time (popcorn) provided the snacks, while Celcius and El Bandido Yankee Tequilla offered free beverage samples. If you are a fan of cigars, Al Capone was giving away cigarillos wrapping paper and lighters.
There was no shortage of giveaways including hats, towels, bags, sunglasses, fly swatters/fans. If you like music, the beach and free stuff, Day 1 didn’t disappoint.
Day 2 offers big names in the alternative rock world, but also has Audacy bringing back a touch of their Chili Cookoff roots with Jelly Roll headlining.
____________________
Matt Wolff is a South Florida reporter for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com
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