Florida Film Festival Underway in Orlando

Enzian Marquee

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Photo by: Kays Alatrakchi

The Orlando area transforms into a mecca for film buffs as the The Florida Film Festival launches onto the scene through Sunday, April 17. The 20th incarnation of the cinematic celebration will screen 160 "freshly squeezed" independent films originating from 25 different countries, though special care has been taken to pay homage to its home state with fare for foodies, as "food and film" is one of this year's recurring themes. The folks at Enzian Theater, one of central Florida's finest art-house theaters (and producers of the festival) were gracious enough to host me at the opening night party where I was able to mingle with the filmmakers and sample some savory bites made from Florida-centric ingredients.

Local restaurants such as Luma on Park and the Enzian's own Eden Bar offered Key West pink shrimp and Florida gator bites, alongside other scrumptious selections from K Restaurant and 4 Rivers that had many guests going back for seconds. I'm guessing some of the films being screened will also have cinefiles going back for more. One such film is Scott Leberecht's highly anticipated Midnight Son, which was produced by Eduardo Sanchez of Blair Witch Project fame. "It's a unique take on vampirism, equating it with a condition like substance addiction," says Kays Alatrakchi, a former Orlando resident who composed the film's musical score. Suzy Spang, Vice President of Film & Entertainment Technology, Metro Orlando Entertainment Development Commission, added, "I watched the trailer this afternoon, and I just can't wait to see it."

Events through next weekend combine food and film that are sure to sate hunger quench moviegoers' thirst for high-substance film, along with screenings of several Florida themed films and several made by Florida-based filmmakers. Check the complete schedule at floridafilmfestival.com.

Tags: 4Rivers Smokehouse | arts and culture | Eden Bar | Enzian Theater | K Restaurant | Luma on Park | orlando | The Florida Film Festival