The 2025 Florida Film Festival: A Cinematic Celebration for Newcomers and Film Aficionados Alike

The Florida Film Festival, now in its 34th year, stands as a cornerstone of independent and international cinema in Central Florida. Hosted by Enzian, the region’s nonprofit arthouse theater, this Oscar®-qualifying festival transforms Maitland and Winter Park into a hub for filmmakers, critics, and movie lovers from April 11–20, 2025. It’s more than screenings—it’s an immersive cultural event where films spark conversations, cocktails flow at the Eden Bar and throughout Winter Park Village, and audiences connect with creators under Florida stars.

Why the Florida Film Festival Stands Out
Since its inception, the festival has championed emerging voices and groundbreaking storytelling. The 2025 lineup showcases a record-breaking 187 works from nearly 3,000 submissions. Unlike larger festivals, Florida Film Festival prioritizes intimacy, allowing direct engagement with directors during Q&A sessions. The Enzian Theater—a cozy venue with a restaurant and garden—creates an atmosphere where every screening feels personal. But many of the shows are at our neighbor the Regal Cinema in Winter Park Village.

An Oscar® Gateway for Filmmakers
The festival’s Oscar®-qualifying status ensures winning shorts enter consideration for Academy Awards, attracting top talent. This recognition makes it a pivotal platform for emerging filmmakers looking to advance their careers.

What’s Generating Buzz?
This year’s selections highlight perse perspectives and urgent themes:

• Stolen Kingdom (Opening Night Feature)
  A documentary film directed by Joshua Bailey that explores the history of mischief, scandal, and theft at Walt Disney World, culminating in the mysterious disappearance of an animatronic named Buzzy valued at nearly half a million dollars. The film, which runs 74 minutes, features interviews with key figures from Disney’s underground urban exploration community and examines how early-era pranks evolved into more serious crimes.
• The Paper Bear (World Premiere)
  This nonprofit feature explores humanity’s relationship with nature through a rescued black bear story. The film has sold out its first screening at Regal Winter Park with a second showing at Enzian on April 19, accompanied by a panel on impact filmmaking in Florida.
• An Evening with Mia Farrow featuring Rosemary’s Baby on Friday, April 18 at 7:30pm. following the screening, Golden Globe® and BAFTA nominee Mia Farrow will host a Q&A. Limited Meet and Greet tickets remain.
• “An Evening with Christina Ricci, featuring Now and Then” on Sunday, April 13 at 8:00pm, including Ms. Ricci will be present for a Q&A with the audience. Limited Meet and Greet tickets are available for purchase.

Tickets and passes available now at floridafilmfestival.com

🎥 Don’t Miss:
Winter Park Village Block Party
Saturday, April 12, 3–5PM
FREE and Open to Festival Ticket and Passholders

🎥 Join us on Saturday, April 12 at SkinLab for a special event featuring a red carpet entrance 🌟, complimentary popcorn 🍿 with $50 off first-treatment vouchers 💰, and a prize wheel spin! 🎡✨

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Whether you’re a first-time attendee or seasoned film buff, the Florida Film Festival offers a unique blend of artistry, community, and discovery. From thought-provoking documentaries to crowd-pleasing narratives, this year’s lineup promises to captivate and I hope to see you there.

May your skin be as timeless as classic cinema!