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2nd Gasparilla Film Festival Opens With 'Kabluey'

Tribune photo by Robert Burke

The Gasparilla Film Festival opened Wednesday night at the historic Tampa Theatre.

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By SARAH HOYE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 28, 2008

Updated: 02/28/2008 12:14 am

TAMPA - There were lights, plenty of cameras and even action when the Gasparilla Film Festival kicked off its second run Wednesday at Tampa Theatre.

The five-day festival, with most screenings at Channelside Cinemas, includes 81 films from 10 countries, parties, talkback sessions with filmmakers and an appearance from actress Brittany Snow ("Hairspray"), a Tampa native, who will accept the Rising Star award at Sunday's closing night ceremonies.

More than 500 moviegoers made their way around the theater, noshing on finger foods and sipping wine before the main event, a screening of "Kabluey" produced by Tampa native Jeff Balis.

Starring Lisa Kudrow, Chris Parnell, Christine Taylor and Teri Garr, "Kabluey" is a comedy about a man forced to take a humiliating job to support his Iraq-deployed brother's family.

"This is fantastic. ...I never thought in a million years that I'd have a film playing there," said Balis, 32, a graduate of Berkeley Preparatory School. "My goal with every film I do is to have it play in Tampa."

Balis, whose parents and sister attended the screening, pointed out Tampa Theatre's details, such as the domed ceiling with lighted, twinkling stars, to Scott Prendergast, the film's writer, director and lead actor.

"I've never had a screening in a theater like this," said Prendergast, who based the movie on his life. "I always get scared, but I think it will go well."

City councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena was pleased with the evening's turnout.

"This is a catalyst for the community to introduce themselves to independent films," she said. "I'm thrilled to see so many unfamiliar faces, and this is one of those events that shows our downtown off to the fullest."

Independent film festivals are a crucial outlet for filmmakers because of the mass closures of independently owned theaters, said Eric Odum, Gasparilla Film Festival co-founder.

Odum said the festival also helps develop young talent and attract filmmakers to the area.

"Once you come, you're hooked," Odum said. "Film is nothing more than storytelling, and the story is very important for human culture."

Reporter Sarah Hoye can be reached at (813) 259-7832 or shoye@tampatrib.com. Keyword: Gasparilla, to share and view photos from this year's Gasparilla events and find more details about the festival.

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