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: WINTER’S DREAM – Science Fiction – 9:30 PM Friday

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:

4:00 PM | Cocoa Beach Music Showcase
5:00 PM | Chris Dupre
6:00 PM | SlickWood
7:30 PM | Burning RoseLine
8:45 PM | G.W. Souther
10:00 PM | AWARDS CEREMONY
11:30 PM | Zero Exposure

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.

RAILWAY SPINE – DRAMA – 7:45 PM Saturday & 7:00 PM Sunday

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.

ADDITIONAL SHORT BLOCKS:

DARK COMEDY SHORTS – 1:00 PM Friday & 7:30 PM Saturday

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.

DRAMA SHORTS #3 – 9:00 PM Thursday & 8:00 PM Saturday

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

SCI-FI SHORTS #1 – 3:30 PM Friday & 3:15 PM Sunday

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.

THRILLING DRAMAS – 3:00 PM Thursday & 7:15 PM Sunday

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.

DAILY EVENTS TO KNOW ABOUT:

PANEL DISCUSSIONS | 10 AM | Theater 10 (VIP & VIP ELITE ONLY)

Thursday – Pre-Production
Saturday – Post-Production
Friday – Production
Sunday – Marketing & Distribution

VIP ELITE Happy Hour | 4 PM | TBD (VIP ELITE ONLY)
Join other VIP Elites for a private happy hour / networking session.

STELLA TIME | 5 PM | Avenue Gastropub (VIP & VIP ELITE ONLY)
Network with filmmakers and other VIPs while enjoying some free Stella Artois!

AFTER PARTIES | 11 PM | Various Locations (VIP & VIP ELITE ONLY)
After a full day of screenings, let loose with filmmakers and other VIPs.