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.
160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Music set times have been released for the 15th anniversary of Welcome To Rockville, Florida’s largest rock, metal and punk festival, set for May 7–10, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway.
Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, the four-day event will feature more than 160 bands performing across five stages, marking the festival’s largest lineup to date.
HEADLINERS AND DAILY LINEUP
This year’s festival will be headlined by Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Guns N’ Roses and Bring Me The Horizon.
Thursday, May 7: Guns N’ Roses, Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack, Staind
Friday, May 8: Foo Fighters, Turnstile, The Offspring, Parkway Drive
Saturday, May 9: Bring Me The Horizon, Breaking Benjamin, Motionless in White, Lamb of God
Sunday, May 10: My Chemical Romance, A Day To Remember, Rise Against, Yellowcard
FESTIVAL EXPANSION AND NEW FEATURES
Organizers announced several enhancements for 2026 aimed at improving the fan experience. A new “Pit Stop” fan zone near the Apex Stage will feature artist interviews, special performances and interactive experiences.
In addition, the Garage Stage will be fully tented for the first time, offering expanded shade coverage and upgraded production for attendees.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES
Festivalgoers can kick off the week with a pre-party on May 6 featuring performances by Fuel, Local H and others.
A new crossover event, “Blood4Blood,” will also take place at the Ocean Center, combining live music with bare-knuckle fighting, including a headline bout featuring Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail.
TICKETS, ACCESS AND ATTENDANCE
Festival gates will open daily at 11:30 a.m. Organizers are offering a range of ticket options, including single-day, weekend, VIP and camping packages. A new Camp to Coast shuttle will provide transportation between the speedway and nearby beaches.
With expanded attractions, including rides, themed bars and interactive zones, Welcome To Rockville 2026 is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Daytona Beach, reinforcing its role as a major driver of Florida’s tourism and live entertainment economy.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) has announced a new creative partnership with the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival as the festival celebrates its 35th anniversary this May.
As part of the collaboration, OIFW will present a special avant-garde fashion showcase on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., during the two-week festival. The curated runway will feature bold, experimental designs that reflect Fringe’s spirit of artistic freedom, individuality and innovation.
PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATES CREATIVE COLLABORATION
Organizers say the partnership reflects a natural alignment between two nonprofit organizations committed to supporting artists and expanding access to creative spaces.
“Fringe and OIFW share a commitment to creating platforms where artists can take risks and express themselves freely,” said Rob Henlon, executive director and co-founder of OIFW. “This collaboration allows fashion to exist within a broader artistic conversation.”
John Payne-Rios, an OIFW advisory board member, added that the partnership strengthens Orlando’s creative ecosystem by bringing together fashion, theater and community engagement.
Festival organizers echoed that sentiment, noting the addition of fashion enhances the Outdoor Stage experience and introduces new artistic energy to the event.
DESIGNER CALL AND MODEL CASTING UNDERWAY
In conjunction with the partnership, OIFW has opened its designer registration call for creatives interested in participating in the Fringe showcase.
Designers are encouraged to submit collections that emphasize:
Avant-garde concepts
Artistic storytelling
Bold, experimental design
Models can also audition for both the Fringe showcase and upcoming OIFW runway shows. Casting calls are scheduled for April 12 and April 19 at CityArts Gallery in downtown Orlando from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The casting is open to ages 4 and up, with no prior experience required.
FRINGE FESTIVAL MARKS 35 YEARS OF ARTISTIC FREEDOM
For 35 years, the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival has provided an inclusive platform for artists to present original work in an unjuried and uncensored environment. The festival is the longest-running Fringe festival in the United States and returns 100% of ticket sales directly to artists.
Each May, the festival transforms Orlando into a hub of live performances, visual art, music and interactive experiences that celebrate diverse voices and creative expression.
What’s Next for OIFW?
The Fringe collaboration serves as a lead-in to OIFW’s signature summer event, Orlando International Fashion Week Presents: 626 Euphoria, scheduled for June 6, 2026, at the Winter Park Events Center.
Organizers say the upcoming season will continue to focus on:
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — A performance by Miami street legend rapper Trick Daddy ended abruptly Friday night during the 73rd South Atlantic Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated after event organizers said the artist ignored agreed-upon performance guidelines.
The incident, which occurred after the conference’s Step and Stroll competition, has sparked debate online about event vetting, audience expectations, and artistic responsibility.
The event was overseen by South Atlantic Regional Director Tiffany Moore Russell, who also serves as the elected Clerk of Courts for Orange County, Florida and is currently a candidate for Orange County mayor.
Conference Performance Ends Early
Conference attendees from across the South Atlantic region gathered in Orlando for the sorority’s five-day leadership and networking event.
Friday evening’s program featured step teams and strolling performances before transitioning to live entertainment. Organizers booked Trick Daddy, the Miami rapper known for hits including “Nann” and “Thug Matrimony,” to perform a curated list of songs.
However, the performance ended mid-set after organizers said the rapper used language and lyrics that violated previously discussed guidelines.
Russell addressed the incident in a statement distributed to conference attendees.
“We met several times with him and his team to detail our requirements, including attire, language, and specific songs,” Russell said. “Unfortunately, our requirements were ignored. The language, lyrics, and comments made by the artist were not acceptable. I ended the performance because of the disrespect for our organization and our brand.”
Trick Daddy’s performance during an Alpha Kappa Alpha conference was shut down early due to “disrespect for our organization and our brand” pic.twitter.com/AX8xsELyP4
Videos posted on social media showed audience members reacting with surprise and discomfort during the performance.
In one clip, attendees could be seen leaving the room as the rapper used explicit language and interacted with the crowd in a manner some attendees described as inappropriate for the event.
The video quickly spread online, fueling debate over whether the performer or the event organizers were responsible for the mismatch between the artist and the audience.
Some critics argued the booking itself raised questions about vetting.
Questions About Booking and Vetting
The controversy has prompted broader discussion about event planning and audience expectations.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is one of the nation’s oldest historically Black sororities, known for its emphasis on scholarship, leadership, and community service.
Critics on social media questioned why an artist known for explicit hip-hop lyrics was booked for a conference audience largely composed of professional women and long-time sorority members.
Supporters of the organizers say the issue was not the booking itself but whether the performer honored the agreed-upon content guidelines.
Russell emphasized that the step teams and conference participants represented “creativity, discipline, and excellence,” adding that she regretted the performance overshadowed their work.
Following the incident, Trick Daddy posted a video response denying that he violated the agreement and accusing organizers of damaging his reputation.
Trick Daddy video responding to AKA Director statement telling her not to give him a playlist, this isn’t her wedding and not to defame his characte, according to the video.
the video further that he states that anybody in there that was saddity and sanctified should not have been in there once I grabbed the MF’in mic.
He also referenced Russell’s political ambitions, saying: “I heard you’re running for some type of office or something. I’ll get on you every day until you don’t win. Don’t play with me.”
The comments intensified the controversy as the incident shifted from a performance dispute to a potential political crisis for Russell’s Orange County mayoral campaign.
What Happens Next? Reputation, Politics and Public Reaction
For Trick Daddy, the dispute raises questions about how the controversy could affect his public image and performance bookings.
For Tiffany Moore Russell, the issue arrives as she prepares for a campaign for mayor in Orange County, Florida, potentially drawing political scrutiny to the situation.
Whether the rapper follows through on his pledge to publicly attrack Russell’s mayoral campaign remains unclear.
For now, the moment stands as a cautionary tale about entertainment programming at professional events—where audience expectations, artist identity, and brand reputation must align.
