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GASPARILLA SELECTS

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By WALT BELCHER wbelcher

@tampatrib.com

Published: February 21, 2009

More than 100 films will be screened during the third annual Gasparilla International Film Festival Feb. 26 through March 7. Most will be screened at the Channelside Cinemas.

There also will be four panel discussions related to the film industry in Florida. Get complete ticket and film information at gasparillafilmfestival.com, but in the meantime, here are some highlights.

"Nothing but the Truth"

Writer-director Rod Lurie (ABC's "Commander in Chief") has penned another political thriller. Rachel Armstrong (Kate Beckinsale), a Washington, D.C., newspaper reporter, is jailed for not revealing her sources in an explosive story that unveils a covert CIA agent. Angela Bassett, Noah Wyle, David Schwimmer, Matt Dillon and Alan Alda co-star.

Screening: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Tampa Theatre.

"The Year of Getting To Know Us"

Filmed in Jacksonville, this drama/comedy starring Jimmy Fallon, Sharon Stone, Tom Arnold and Lucy Liu is about a commitment-phobic man who unites with his estranged, ailing father and comes to terms with his own childhood. It's from Tampa-based filmmakers Ed Machek and Lou Maggio.

Screenings: 5:45 p.m. Saturday and 5:15 p.m. March 1, Channelside Cinemas
"Kassim the Dream"

This documentary follows the life story of boxer Kassim "The Dream" Ouma who was born in Uganda, kidnapped by rebels and raised to be a solider. He escaped to the United States and went from being homeless to becoming the Junior Middleweight Champion of the World. Ouma will attend the screening.

Screening: 6:45 p.m. Saturday, Channelside Cinemas.

"Death Curse of Tartu"

A 1966 cult horror film from Florida filmmaker William Grefe, director and producer of low-budget drive-in movies, is about four young archaeologists who resurrect an ancient Seminole witch doctor in the heart of the Everglades.

Screenings: 8:10 p.m. Saturday and 4:55 p.m. March 1, Channelside Cinemas
"Dear Mr. Gore"

An Orlando woman explores fear and global warming on her bicycle. Shot in Orlando, Tampa, Sweden and Denmark, the whimsical film is a contemplative response to Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" and one person's attempt to reduce her carbon footprint.

2 p.m. Saturday, Channelside Cinemas
"The Streak"

This documentary, produced by actor and former Brandon-area resident Mark Consuelos, tells the remarkable story of the Brandon High School wrestling teams that went undefeated for 451 straight matches dating back to 1974. Brandon Coach Russ Cozart will be honored at the screening.

Screening: 6:45 p.m. March 6, Channelside Cinemas
"The Marconi Bros."

Anthony and Carmine Marconi, a modern day odd-couple, escape the family carpet business when they meet the undisputed king of the Long Island wedding video business.

Screening 8:15 p.m. Saturday, Channelside Cinemas
"Strip Club King: The Story of Joe Redner"

Years in the making, this is a profile of self-made millionaire Joe Redner, owner of the infamous Mons Venus, political activist and legendary Tampa character. It was directed by Shelby McIntyre and produced by Chris Woods, two Tampa filmmakers.

Screening: 10:40 p.m. March 6, Channelside Cinemas.

"Misconceptions"

Co-starring Orlando Jones, this lighthearted look at the culture war over same-sex parenting was filmed in St. Petersburg. It follows Miranda Bliss, an evangelical Christian who gets a message from God telling her to become a surrogate mother for a married gay male couple in Boston. It was produced by Ron Satlof, an Emmy- and Oscar-nominated director who lives in Pinellas County.

9 p.m. March 1, Channelside Cinemas
Walt Belcher

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