The Dunedin International Film Festival (DIFF) is an exhilarating celebration of global cinema set in the vibrant heart of Dunedin, Florida. This dynamic festival provides filmmakers with an incredible platform to showcase their original work and connect with the growing community of film lovers in Florida. With a special focus on both short films and feature-length films, DIFF welcomes submissions from storytellers around the world, sharing diverse perspectives that spark conversation and foster a deeper understanding of our global culture.

Schedule:

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Cocktail Hour  - 5 - 6 PM at The Nest at Caracara

Join us at the nest for a craft cocktail and networking before the screenings begin.

Student Shorts  - 6 - 7:05 PM at HOB Brewing Company

An incredible series of Student Short films.

Florida Shorts Block  - 7:15 - 8:30 PM at HOB Brewing Company

A series of incredible short created in Florida.

Bound By Bushwick  - 9 - 9:35 PM at HOB Brewing Company

In the gritty and ethnically mixed neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn, during the turbulent 1970s, a talented and ambitious young man finds himself caught between the allure of a brighter future and his loyalty to his neighborhood friends.

Filmmaker After Party  - 9 - 11 PM at Moon Tower / Dunedin Brewery

Join us at Moon Tower / Dunedin Brewery for Joe Marcinik Band -FREE

Friday, January 10, 2025

Panel: Bad Monkey Pictures  -  12 - 1:30 PM at HOB Brewing Company

Founders Michael Robert Kessler and Melvin Audaz share insights into the challenges and rewards of running an independent film production company. They discuss the art of producing creative projects while navigating the complexities of financing and managing budgets. Moderated by Kirsten Stiff-Walker, this panel offers valuable advice on how to get projects off the ground and turn ideas into reality.

Workshop: Audio Production  -  2 - 3:30 PM at The Fenway Hotel

Audio Engineer David Brownlow leads a discussion on the fundamentals of recording sound for film, television, and streaming platforms. This workshop provides an overview of current recording techniques and how they are applied to modern productions. Brownlow will also explore the sonic qualities of contemporary films and TV shows, explaining why they sound the way they do and how to achieve similar results.

Panel: Film Distribution  -  4 - 5:15 PM at HOB Brewing Company

Film distributors Avi Ronn Federgreen and Tony Armer discuss the complex process of getting a film into the market. From the early stages of financing and production to post-production and distribution, they’ll explain the ins and outs of the distribution landscape. Attendees will gain insights into how the industry has evolved and what it takes to successfully navigate today’s distribution channels.

Cocktail Hour  -  5 - 6 PM at The Nest at Caracara

Join us at the nest for a craft cocktail and networking before the screenings begin.

Antarctic Voyage  -  6:15 - 7:05 PM at HOB Brewing Company

"Antarctic Voyage" is a new documentary from award-winning filmmaker Kevin Schreck about a biological research expedition to the remote island of South Georgia, starring charismatic field biologist, Dr. Samantha Monier.

A Splash of Color  -  7:15 - 7:55 PM at HOB Brewing Company

A Splash of Color: Getting Black in the Water is a film about Black water advocates in Tampa Bay.

Home Free  -  8:15 - 9:50 PM at HOB Brewing Company

"Herb and Audry have had a near perfect relationship for over fifty years. This anniversary, Herb has a few surprises in store for his three estranged daughters; Daisy, the youngest, Ivy, the middle child, and Rain, the eldest. Herb, having recently been diagnosed with a fatal brain tumour, announces that he is choosing to die on his own terms and is not seeking treatment. Not only that, but he wants to spend his remaining hours with them getting to know their inner most secrets and finding a w...

Filmmaker After Party 

Friday, January 10, 9 PM - Saturday, January 11, 1 AM, 2025 at Caledonia Brewing

80’s Movie Music Night + Costume Contest - FREE

Horror Shorts Block  -  10 - 11:15 PM at HOB Brewing Company

A series of short horror films to haunt you, I mean...entertain you.

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Panel: Actors Panel  -  12 - 1:30 PM at HOB Brewing Company

A group of experienced actors discuss the realities of working in the industry, the craft of acting, and the ongoing learning process. Moderated by Kirsten Stiff-Walker, this panel provides a behind-the-scenes look at the actor’s journey from audition to performance. The panelists will also share their tips on staying relevant in a competitive field and the evolution of acting techniques.

Workshop: Story to Screenplay with Brian Edgar  -  1:45 - 3:15 PM at HOB Brewing Company

Learn how to transform a compelling story idea into a fully developed screenplay with award-winning writer Brian Edgar. This workshop covers the essential steps of turning your creative vision into a structured, marketable script. Edgar will provide practical tips on structure, dialogue, and pacing, helping you craft a screenplay that resonates with both audiences and industry professionals.

Workshop: The Art of Casting  -  3:30 - 4:15 PM at HOB Brewing Company

Casting director Rose Rosen offers an insider’s look at the casting process and shares the tricks of the trade used to identify the right talent for a role. Learn how to approach casting calls, what casting directors look for in an actor, and how you can stand out in a competitive audition process. This workshop is an invaluable resource for actors and filmmakers alike who want to better understand the casting world.

Panel: Film Workers - Below the Line Labor  -  4:30 - 6 PM at HOB Brewing Company

Union filmmakers Ian Campbell and Annie Thompson discuss the critical, behind-the-scenes work that goes into making a film, particularly from the perspective of below-the-line labor. They’ll share insights into the roles and challenges faced by crew members who work on set, from grips and gaffers to costume designers and editors. The panel will also touch on the future of filmmaking in Atlanta, highlighting the evolving landscape for film workers in the region. Moderated by Kirsten Still-Walke...

Shorts Block 1  -  6 - 7:30 PM at HOB Brewing Company

A series of short films.

Valentine's Town  -  7:45 - 9:15 PM at HOB Brewing Company

Jude works for a well-known dating service that will develop a cheesy, romantic resort in his hometown of Arrowheart. Local businesswoman Melissa has organized the town against the resort. Melissa is Jude's former high school sweetheart.

Shorts Block 2  -  9:30 - 10:50 PM at HOB Brewing Company

A series of short films combined to make you think, feel, and laugh.

Filmmaker After Party

Saturday, January 11, 10 PM - Sunday, January 12, 1 AM, 2025 at Blur Nightclub

Complimentary champagne for filmmakers in the VIP lounge. FREE

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Female Florida Filmmakers Brunch at The Fenway Hotel  -  11 AM - 1 PM at The Fenway Hotel

A brunch benefitting Chicks Making Flicks. Panelists

Red Carpet and Awards Ceremony  -  3 - 7 PM at HOB Brewing Company

Red Carpet at 3pm and Awards Show at 4pm

Shorts Block 3  -  7:15 - 8:35 PM at HOB Brewing Company

A series of short films to make you think, feel, even laugh.

John J Murray: Rhinoceros  -  9 - 9:45 PM at HOB Brewing Company

Comedian John J Murray's laid-back attitude disarms audiences and prepares them for the strange inner workings of his mind. A true Florida Man, John gives his perspective on everything from marriage to Bigfoot and also shares weird stories from his past.

Order tickets now and save. Members receive 10% off passes.

Get your passes today!

VIP Pass - $250

All screenings and panels, preferred seating, VIP lounge, beer, brunch, Red Carpet & Awards Show.

All Access Pass - $100

All screenings and panels.

Filmmaker Brunch - $50

Brunch and Bottomless Rosé.

Awards Show - $50

Catered by Bon Appé***, champagne provided by Stirling Wine.

Single Screening/Panel - $15

Buy Tickets

Date: January 8th - 12th, 2025

Locations: 

Moon Tower, 924 Douglas Ave. Dunedin, FL 34698

HOB Brewing Company, 931 Huntley Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698

Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection, 453 Edgewater Dr. Dunedin, FL 34698

The Nest at Caracara, 730 Broadway, Dunedin FL, 34698

Caledonia Brewing, 587 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698

Blur Nightclub, 325 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698

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