Stitches is a psychological body‑horror anthology that follows three isolated men as they submit to rituals of “healing” that warp into spectacles of self‑destruction. The film marks the first horror work from Taylor Olson, in which they turn inward, embodying multiple roles that serve as fractured reflections of their own history with shame, disordered eating, performance, and trauma.
The "Afterland: a Negativland Afterparty" will feature performances by Ironing, Bionetics Research Unit, and Yob the Delectable, along with a special presentation by Jam Boom Boom. This free event takes place at the Planetarium on October 10th, from 11pm to 1am, welcoming all attendees.
The 2026 Filmmaker & VIP Brunch invites filmmakers, sponsors, and VIPs to a unique networking event celebrating independent cinema. Guests will enjoy live music by Rachel Hillman, a versatile guitarist and songwriter, in a relaxed environment that fosters conversation, collaboration, and community among attendees.
"Take Me Home," a film by Liz Sargent, explores the challenges faced by Anna, a Korean adoptee caring for her aging parents during a harsh Florida heat wave. The narrative delves into adoption, disability, and the American healthcare system, culminating in Anna's quest for independence. It highlights family dynamics and community hope.
"ALT/ESC" is a diverse collection of short films that delve into alternate realities, exploring themes of identity, escape, and human connection. The anthology includes works spanning animation, sci-fi, and comedy, presenting narratives on familial bonds, AI, and societal issues. A post-screening discussion with filmmakers will follow.
This program of short films spotlights individuals and communities who challenge the forces that seek to marginalize, divide, or define them. Through stories of activism, memory, creativity, and collective care, these documentaries trace currents of resistance across America and reveal the power of ordinary people to push back, speak out, and reshape the world around them.
"First They Came for My College," directed by Patrick Xavier Bresnan, explores the political upheaval at New College of Florida due to Governor DeSantis's actions against academic freedom. The film portrays students and educators resisting a culture war, emphasizing their fight to maintain their identity and values amidst challenges to the educational system. A post-screening discussion with the filmmaker and New College students featured in the film will follow.
"In Black & Color" is an innovative film program transitioning from black and white to color, showcasing a diverse array of experimental shorts that explore surreal and comedic themes. This collection emphasizes artistic creativity, affirming cinema's potential to inspire and challenge expectations through dynamic storytelling and visual transformation.
What We Dreamed of Then, directed by Taylor Olson, is a poignant portrayal of Gideon, a formerly vibrant father grappling with homelessness and his estranged daughter. The non-linear narrative explores his challenges and emotional struggles, offering an authentic depiction of invisible homelessness. Olson, an emerging Canadian filmmaker, continues to receive critical acclaim for his work.
Following Negativland's performance, Van Orhari, a media theorist and sound artist, will discuss the interplay between medium and message in culture jamming. She will explore modern communication hijacking, strategies to disrupt cultural narratives, and the role of theoretically informed technical solutions in addressing uncontrollable phenomena in today's media landscape.
The 2026 Tallahassee Film Festival will celebrate filmmakers and artists with the TFM 850 Film Competition Awards and a premiere by guest filmmaker Michael Curtis Johnson. The event culminates in the Tallahassee Film Festival Awards, including the Director's Choice and Florida Filmmaker Awards, followed by a red carpet celebration.
Nova '78 is a compelling documentary by Aaron Brookner and Rodrigo Areias, showcasing rare footage from the 1978 Nova Convention in New York City, which celebrated William S. Burroughs' return to the U.S. The film features influential artists and captures vibrant moments of 1970s counterculture and creative freedom, originally shot by Howard Brookner.