The Tallahassee Film Festival: A Celebration of Film & Community
Tallahassee is a creative epicenter in the state of Florida, as it’s home to a flourishing artistic scene and Florida State University’s film and fine arts programs, which rank among the top in the nation. It came as no surprise to me when I found out that the city has hosted its own film festival for the past 18 years, the Tallahassee Film Festival, where independent films originating from Florida and around the world are screened for local audiences. Hosted by the Challenger Learning Center, the long-weekend event offered this year a selection of artist talks, music performances, and over 80 film screenings.
This was the first film festival I’ve ever attended, so I was practically humming with excitement and a bit of nerves as I walked through the doors (and braved a hurricane) to collect my past. After a warm greeting from staff, I watched attendees cluster and float about the lobby, all content to mingle and build community. That first night the festival paid homage to the roots of American film by screening a selection of Martin Scorsese’s experimental and student productions. Mark Binelli, author of the Scorsese biography Just a Shot Away, shared fascinating tidbits about how the director’s lived experiences influenced his work in the following Q+A session.
The festival pivoted to shine on up-and-coming artists with an opening night screening of Costa Karlis’s Frogtown, directed and produced by alumni of FSU’s film program. Frogtown showcases the talent of independent productions as it brings to life the atmosphere of small. Florida communities with a sprinkle of whimsy.
Despite the poor weather conditions created by Hurricane Isaias on opening night, attendees were determined to show support for this indie production––piled into the theater with umbrellas and popcorn buckets, filling nearly every recliner with an excited buzz as we waited for the lights to dim. There’s something magical about seeing a film reminiscent of your own hometown and experiences amongst members of your community, so much so that some theatre goers and I may have shed a tear or two at the film’s end.
The energy was much the same for the short screenings, as audience members packed into the “mini theatres” to enjoy montages of short productions in categories like comedy, drama, and local history. The Center’s dome theatre showed short films as well; the immersive screening of Jess Johnson and Simon Ward’s XYZZY was otherworldly, with unique visuals projected across the entirety of the dome with an accompanying soundtrack.
While it’s difficult to condense my thoughts on the Tallahassee Film Festival––as it offered new experiences each day––I would say the highlight is the sense of fulfillment and community it creates. While it’s a great event for local creatives, it’s equally accessible to all types of film lovers. I recommend marking your calendar for the Tallahassee Film Festival when it comes around next year, as our community of local artists and supporters grows every day. They are a collection of passionate, welcoming individuals worth celebrating.
