Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Returns

TAMPA, FL — The Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival returns this October for its 30th year.

More than 90 films, both documentary and fiction, from 17 countries including India, Germany, Mexico, Italy and the United States will be displayed at the historic Tampa Theatre from Oct. 4 to 12.

Festival tickets and passes are available here.

TIGLFF kicks off with a screening of Sell By, an ensemble comedy about navigating a loving but boring relationship, and continues with films of every genre – drama, horror, sports, documentary – that explore LGBTQ identity, community and history all over the world.

Directors, producers and cast members of various films will be in attendance, and community and panel discussions will follow selected films.

There will also be performances by prominent LGBTQ filmmakers and comedians, including Rachel Paulson, Del Shores and Suzanne Westenhoefer.

“I’m so proud of how far the festival has come,” said Co-President Ed Lally. “TIGLFF started as a three-day extension of Tampa Pride and has grown into a preeminent nine-day celebration of global LGBTQ cinema.”

As times and technology have changed, the TIGLFF is debuting a new initiative to offer viewing and filmmaking experiences to younger audience members. “Next Scene" is a free showing of short films from young filmmakers dealing with modern topics in innovative ways.

“For 30 years, our mission has to been to showcase movies that enlighten, empower and entertain,” said Co-President Mariruth Kennedy. “With a dazzling and diverse array of films coupled with new and improved outreach, the 30th anniversary TIGLFF will further that mission more than ever.”

The festival closes with a powerful documentary, Gay Chorus Deep South, which chronicles the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus as they travel the American South in the wake of the 2016 election. Joined by the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the chorus brought a message of love and acceptance to communities confronting intolerance.

For the festival schedule, program, ticketing and other information, click here.