Celebrate the 30th Anniversary Screening of Empire Records, a cult classic that captures teenage rebellion and indie spirit. The film, set in a day at a struggling record store, features quirky characters battling corporate takeover, love, and self-discovery. Join the nostalgia outdoors at Kleman Plaza for this free event.
Step into the heart of Florida’s Panhandle with The 850, a curated program of short films that capture the grit, humor, mystery, and soul of a region often overlooked for movies but never lacking in cinematic spirit. These five films—crafted by local filmmakers—offer a kaleidoscopic view of the region, blending documentary, drama, surrealism, and horror into a compelling evening of storytelling.
Love, loss, libido, and the occasional second penis—Hard Feelings dives headfirst into the chaos of human connection with a lineup of short films that are as emotionally raw as they are hilariously unhinged. From pharmaceutical side effects and romantic misfires to cults, time capsules, and handball rivalries, these stories explore the absurdity of desire, identity, and self-discovery.
Scott Gracheff's film explores a 25-year marriage between artist Joe Coleman and muse Whitney Ward, as he creates his largest portrait of her. Delving into the complexities of life, love, and art, the documentary candidly reveals Whitney's vulnerabilities and Joe's artistic perspective, set against compelling biographical details.
An avant-gutter psychedelic dream, the second feature from TFF-alum Alex Phillips is an erotically charged, blood-soaked thriller set in the sticky corridors of Chicago. Shot on fleshy Super 16mm, this rust belt giallo continues Phillips’ trajectory of taboo-shattering horror cinema with a tense, funny, and absolutely twisted murder mystery. Produced in collaboration with cult home video outfit Vinegar Syndrome, the film features stand-out supporting performances from erotic film legends Ginger Lynn (The Devil’s Rejects) and Nina Hartley (Boogie Nights).
"Diva," a neo-noir thriller by Jean-Jacques Beineix, is celebrated with a new 4K restoration premiering at the Tallahassee Film Festival. The film follows a postman, Frédéric Andréi, as he evades various threats after illegally recording opera star Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez. It launched the cinema du look trend and won four César awards.
The film by Ian Bell is an immersive archival documentary that explores the 1999 protests against the World Trade Organization in Seattle. It captures the clash between the WTO and over 40,000 demonstrators concerned about human rights, labor issues, and the ramifications of globalization. The documentary runs for 100 minutes.
The Shape of Becoming is a collection of short films that trace the messy, beautiful, and often defiant paths of youth in transition. These stories explore the fluidity of gender, the complexity of sibling bonds, the ache of first heartbreaks, and the quiet rebellions that shape who we are. From waltzing lessons and punk chords to sleepwalking mysteries and party revelations, each film captures a moment of becoming—where transformation is inevitable, and authenticity is hard-won.
The film by Farihah Lara Zaman, Jeff David Reichert, and Jim McKay documents a 2019 political action by the New Sanctuary Coalition, where volunteers circle the New York Immigration Court in solidarity with migrants facing deportation. It highlights the struggles within the U.S. immigration system and advocates for social justice.
American Theater, directed by Nicholas Clark and Dylan Frederick, explores the intersection of art and politics as a canceled theater director gathers conservatives in Georgia for a revenge musical inspired by the Salem witch trials. Amidst rehearsal chaos and personal turmoil, the narrative delves into themes of cancel culture and political aspirations.
In Jinho Myung's 2024 film, a Thai-American brother and sister cope with their mother's death in New York. Jamie, portrayed by Caledonia Abbey, connects with nature and struggles with her chef boyfriend's overbearing cultural assumptions. The film features graphic cooking techniques that may disturb some viewers. The runtime is 87 minutes.
The Quay Brothers' first feature in 20 years, inspired by Bruno Schulz's writings, follows Jozef on a ghostly train journey to a dying father's Sanatorium. Here, time is elusive, administered by the dubious Doctor Gotard. The 76-minute film intricately blends live-action and stop-motion animation, exploring themes of death and consciousness.