19th Annual Florida Film Festival Tickets On Sale (Orlando)

hThe Florida Film Festival is hands down one of my favorite events in Orlando. Of course, the selection of films is grand (last year there were at least 150), it’s somewhat likely you’ll rub shoulders with a celebrity (past attendees include Paul Newman, Anthony Bourdain, Christopher Walken, Oliver Stone, Cat Cora and Ed Burns) and there’s the chance to chow down on some fine foods. And by fine I mean down-home, southern-style classics. This year’s theme, “Film Sweet Film,” is all about the comforts of home and the foods that go along with it.

And speaking of home, I won’t have to travel far from it to catch the festival flicks. Movie-lovers from around the world flock to this gathering. Yet, lucky for me, the venues (Regal Cinemas Winter Park Village and the Enzian Theater) are a quick drive. And this year I’ll be even closer to the action. Yep, festival movies will now be shown at the Plaza Cinema Theater in downtown Orlando. Woohoo!

For the love of bacon (and the possibility of films involving bacon), purchase your tickets now before they are sold out. Visit www.floridafilmfestival.com, or call 407.629.1088. Plus, check out the food-focused parties and special events below.

Opening Night Film and Party: No Grits, No Glory!
FILM ONLY, $30 / PARTY ONLY, $80 / FILM AND PARTY, $100
Enzian
April 9, 6:30 p.m. (film) 8 p.m. (party)
It’s a sizzling Southern celebration. Raise a glass to the comforts and memories of your own “sweet home,” and enjoy edible pleasures as top local chefs serve their unique spin on the South’s native fare.

Special guests include Matt and Ted Lee and chef Robert Stehling. Participating chefs include Josh Oakley (Enzian/Eden Bar), James and Julie Petrakis (The Ravenous Pig), Steven Rujak (Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress), Donna Moore (A Chateau Kitchen), Kevin Fonzo (K Restaurant Wine Bar) and Brandon McGlamery (Luma on Park).

Southern Comfort: Luncheon & Discussion, $40
Enzian
April 10, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Join a discussion that will center on the revival and development of Southern culinary identity led by food and wine veterans, Matt and Ted Lee. Enzian’s Executive Chef Josh Oakley will prepare a delectable lunch featuring samples from The Lee Bros. cookbook, Simple, Fresh, Southern: Knockout Dishes with Down-Home Flavor.

Tennessee Williams’ Southern Gothic “Family” Reunion, $300
Private manor home
April 10, 6:30 p.m.
Share a delectable feast in an unforgettable environment steeped in the gothic romance of Tennessee Williams’ greatest creations. Five courses will be prepared by visiting guest chefs Michel Nischan, Robert Stehling and Andrea Reusing.

Dial B For Bacon: Josh’s Southern Brunch, $60
Enzian
April 11, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Well, bless your heart and feed your soul as Enzian/Eden Bar Executive Chef Josh Oakley presents a delightful brunch of rich Southern comfort flavors with an extra helping of hospitality.

Filmmaker Welcome Party
@ Ember
April 14
Participating filmmakers meet and greet other film lovers.

V.I.P. Reception
@ Orange County Regional History Center
April 15
Guests enjoy movie-related artifacts at the Center’s exhibition, “Out of this World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television.”

Industry Party
@ Urban Flats
April 16
Visiting guests, industry attendees and filmmakers kick-off the final weekend of the festival.