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. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.
Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.
Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.
“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”
Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.
“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”
Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.
“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.
By Dr. Jessica Henlon | Education Contributor for Florida National News
At Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW), the runway does not begin on show day. It begins at casting.
Over two weekends this April, OIFW welcomed hundreds of aspiring and experienced models to CityArts Gallery in Downtown Orlando for official casting calls ahead of the June 6 runway shows. What unfolded was more than an audition process. It was a carefully designed experience rooted in a powerful truth: when people feel seen, supported, and welcomed, they are more likely to show up with confidence.
From first-time participants to returning talent, families, creatives, and industry professionals, the casting experience reflected what makes OIFW different. It was not just about selecting models. It was about creating a space where people felt confident enough to try.
Belonging First, Performance Second
In educational psychology, belonging is not a soft concept. It is a driver of motivation, persistence, and self-efficacy. Research in postsecondary education has consistently linked students’ sense of belonging to academic outcomes, engagement, and persistence (Fong et al., 2024; Gopalan & Brady, 2020). While OIFW is not a classroom, the same human principles apply. People perform differently when they feel safe, valued, and connected.
This also aligns with my doctoral research on online first-generation college students. In that study, participants described virtual extracurricular activities as affirming spaces that supported leadership development, motivation, self-efficacy, and belonging (Henlon, 2025). The findings affirmed that engagement spaces are not “extra.” They can be essential to how people build identity, confidence, and persistence.
OIFW reflects this same principle in a creative industry setting. People come back because of how they are treated.
Designing a Confidence-Building Experience
The atmosphere inside CityArts Gallery was intentional.
Models of all ages and backgrounds moved through the casting process in a space that felt structured, supportive, and human. Team members gave clear direction, answered questions, and offered encouragement in real time. Families felt comfortable. First-time participants felt included. Returning models felt valued.
Those details matter.
Social Cognitive Theory suggests that individuals build confidence through observation, encouragement, and successful participation in meaningful environments (Bandura, 1986). When a model sees others walk, receive feedback, and try again, the room becomes a learning space. Confidence is not simply demanded. It is modeled, practiced, and reinforced.
That approach also connects to the modeling and fashion curriculum I developed for youth and emerging talent, where self-esteem, work ethic, body language, preparation, and reflection were built directly into the learning experience. The curriculum framed self-esteem as confidence in one’s own worth and abilities, while encouraging participants to celebrate success, develop talents, practice positive self-talk, and treat themselves well. That same foundation was visible at casting: confidence grows when people are given structure, encouragement, and room to develop.
A Creative Ecosystem in Motion
Casting weekends brought together more than models.
Photographers, videographers, designers, media professionals, artists, families, and community members shared the same creative space. More than 20 photographers and videographers were present capturing content, building portfolios, and documenting the energy of the experience. Florida National News was also on-site, conducting interviews and helping tell the story of the event.
This kind of creative ecosystem matters because learning and confidence often grow through participation, not observation alone. Research on connected arts learning emphasizes the importance of linking creative practice to supportive relationships, cultural relevance, and opportunity pathways (Peppler et al., 2022). In other words, creative spaces become more powerful when they connect people to each other and to what comes next.
At OIFW, casting is not hidden behind closed doors. It is visible, collaborative, and alive. This is where relationships are built.
Inclusion as Strategy, Not Statement
OIFW continues to prioritize an inclusive casting approach that welcomes models across ages, sizes, backgrounds, and experience levels. This is more than a value statement. It is part of the structure.
Research on organized activities shows that participation in supportive group settings can help young people build social capital, strengthen relationships, and develop confidence through meaningful interaction (Boat et al., 2024). Similarly, studies of extracurricular activities have found that participation can strengthen self-efficacy, identity, and skill development when activities are structured with purpose and support (Griffiths et al., 2021).
That is why inclusive casting matters. When a young person, a first-time model, or a returning participant sees a range of people welcomed into the process, the message is clear: there is room for you here.
For families, this creates trust. For designers, it creates range. For sponsors and media, it tells a deeper story. For participants, it builds confidence.
Safety, Structure, and Trust
With a strong presence of youth participants, OIFW maintains clear expectations around professionalism, age-appropriate presentation, and safety. Families can trust that the environment is monitored, structured, and designed with care.
That trust is part of why participants return season after season.
In youth development research, positive experiences in organized activities are strongest when young people experience supportive relationships, clear expectations, and opportunities to build skills (Boat et al., 2024; Heath et al., 2022). OIFW’s casting model reflects that kind of intentional design. The goal is not only to prepare people for the runway. It is to help them feel prepared to step into the room.
More Than a Casting Call
What happened over these two weekends was not only about who made the runway.
It was about creating a space where people felt confident enough to try, supported enough to grow, and inspired enough to return. It was about helping participants move from nervousness to possibility. It was about making sure that the first step toward the runway felt welcoming, not intimidating.
Creative participation can support well-being, identity development, and self-expression, especially when the environment is inclusive and relational (Mak & Fancourt, 2019; Peppler et al., 2022). OIFW’s casting experience shows how arts and fashion spaces can function as confidence-building environments when they are designed with care.
That is the OIFW difference.
Confidence is not built through pressure alone. It is built through belonging, visibility, preparation, and meaningful interaction.
Looking Ahead
Orlando International Fashion Week continues to build toward its summer season:
May 16, 2026: Avant Garde Showcase at Orlando Fringe Festival June 5, 2026: VIP Mixer at Morse Code Lounge June 6, 2026: “626 Euphoria” Runway Shows at Winter Park Events Center
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.
