19th Annual Florida Film Festival:

Film and Food with a Southern Edge

Premieres of cutting-edge cinema, indulgent food and wine, industry parties and special events, and a star-packed attendee list—this is the 19th annual Florida Film Festival. Each year the festival welcomes more than 25,000 guests and plays host to more than 100 directors, producers and award-winning talent. The festival starts Friday, April 9th, and continues for 10 days.

Produced by Enzian Theater, the Florida Film Festival is one of the most respected regional film events in the country, and is known for its Southern hospitality. This year’s festival theme is the celebration of the spirit and warmth of “Home Sweet Home.” And again this year, the festival includes the Film, Food and Wine Celebration.

Ticket packages start at $40 and include benefits such as discounts, early redemption privileges, party passes and more.

Platinum Passes
The Platinum Pass is an all-access pass to the ultimate festival experience: priority admission to all films, access to exclusive pre-festival press screenings, VIP access to all filmmaker and industry events, including the Opening Night Party, the special Platinum Pass Patron dinner, a swag bag filled with limited- edition commemorative merchandise, and a “Prominent Patron” listing in the official program. Price: $600.

Film, Food and Wine Celebration: Flavors of the South
Cutting-edge film paired with fine cuisine and wine takes a bow during the Opening Weekend Celebration April 9th–April 11th. The spirit of Southern cuisine defines Flavors of the South: Grits, Grace and Gravy, with a stellar line-up of notable chefs giving demonstrations and creating casual brunches and elegant dinners.

Friday, April 9
6:00–8:00pm. Opening Night Film (to be announced)
Venue: Regal Winter Park Village 20. Price: $30.
 
8:30–11:30pm. Opening Night Party: No Grits, No Glory! Raise a glass to your own “sweet home,” and enjoy the results of top chefs putting their spin on Southern fare. Participating Chef: Donna Moore, A Chateau Kitchen Venue: Enzian. Price: $80 party only; $100 film and party.

Saturday, April 10
11:00am–noon. Chef Cookbook Signing Venue: TBD. Participating Chefs: Matt and Ted Lee, Boiled Peanuts Catalogue. Price: Free.

2:00–3:30 pm. Southern Comfort: Luncheon & Discussion The South is arguably the most exciting center of this nation’s cuisine. Enjoy mouth-watering bites from this side of the Mason-Dixon as Chefs Matt and Ted Lee discuss the revival and development of the South­ern culinary identity. Participating Chefs: Matt and Ted Lee, Boiled Peanuts Catalogue. Venue: Enzian. Price: $40.

6:30–11:30pm. Frankly My Dear: Southern Fare Affair
Be swept away by the charming elegance of this grand five-course collaborative Southern feast, themed to Gone With the Wind and held at a breath-taking plantation. You’ll “never be hungry again.” Participating Chefs: Robert Stehling, Hominy Grill; John Mooney, Highland Manor. Venue: Highland Manor, Apopka. Price: $150.

Sunday, April 11
10:30am–noon. Dial B for Bacon: Josh’s Southern Brunch
Bless your heart and feed your soul. Executive Chef Josh Oakley of Enzian/Eden Bar presents an afternoon brunch of rich Southern flavors with an extra helping of hospitality. Venue: Eden Bar. Price: $60.

Saturday, April 17 8:00pm-11:00pm. Revel 19
Always held on the final Saturday of the festival, the Revel 19 event brings filmmakers, visiting celebrities and festival guests to one of the most exciting venues in Central Florida: the backlot at Full Sail University. Sponsor: Full Sail. Venue: Full Sail University, Winter Park. Price: $40.

For information: Florida Film Festival 2009, Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland; 407.629.1088 ext 225; enzian.org; floridafilmfestival.com.

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