Orlando Film Festival

Just a little over a week ago The Orlando Film Festival went off without many major hitches. The festival which is still very young among the festival circuit is slowly gaining coverage exposure. One of the best things about this young fledging festival is that to attend any of the films it is completely free. Along with the films that were shown there was a panel called In and Out of Hollywood that included veteran filmmakers along with actors Alison Brie (Community, Mad Men) and Haley Joel Osment (The Sixth Sense, Pay It Forward). Also attendees had the option of paying for an honored event called An Afternoon with Olympia Dukakis. Some attendees that put down money for the festival were privy to the "Afternoon", along with two live comic acts, discounts at local eateries and parties. One of the most anticipated events was the Wrap Party which included a live performance from recording artist Edwin McCain.

I unfortunately only caught a few films at the festival and it included the Accidental Icon: The Real Gidget Story, A Muppet Family Christmas,Homemade Puppet Dreams for Families ( a collection of short films that included puppets), Montana Amazon, and three Short Programs; Family, Funny and Love. Running along side the Orlando Film Festival was the Orlando Puppet Festival which is hosted by Heather Henson, Jim Henson's Legacy and involved in puppetry in her own right.