Published: Jan 17, 2006
The Tampa International Film Festival, Friday, Feb. 3, through
Saturday, Feb. 11, moves to February this year after three years of
April runs. Festival founder and director Dr. Rob Tregenza said the
change is in response to requests from filmgoers.
Tregenza,
professor of film and mass communications at The University of Tampa,
and a well-known filmmaker in his own right, said that the schedule
change, while important to note, should be little more than a footnote
to an event with much bigger news.
“I believe the films that
we have this year represent a truly exciting and unique opportunity to
experience the rich cultural heritage of world cinema,” Tregenza said.
“In our fourth year, we have gained increased international attention,
and this has greatly added to our ability to program the best cinema
for a new world.”
A major retrospective of Indian master
filmmaker Buddhadeb Dasgupta will be presented at the festival, along
with his most recent feature, Kaalpurush (Memories in the Mist).
Dasgupta is a well-known Bengali director, writer and producer. He will
attend the festival and introduce his films.
Award-winning
Canadian director Bernard Émond will attend the closing night of the
festival, and will introduce his film, La Neuvaine (The Novena).
This year’s festival presents the best of international cinema in major
films from China, India, Spain, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Argentina,
Peru and Canada.
In addition, the Education Channel will
sponsor a sidebar on American independent cinema. This is the first
time that the festival has programmed American independent films.
Major sponsors of the 2006 Tampa International Film Festival include
The University of Tampa, UT’s John H. Sykes College of Business, the
Museum of Science and Industry, and the Education Channel. Tickets are
$8 for adults, $7 for students, and $5 for seniors. A Gold Pass, which
provides entrance to all screenings and events, is available for $200.
For more information or to view the list of films, visit
www.tampafilmfest.org, or call the TIFF office at (813) 253-3333, x
3425.