2019 Florida Film Festival: A Premier Cinematic Celebration in Orlando
Your definitive guide to the 2019 Florida Film Festival, the Oscar‑qualifying event taking place in Orlando from April 12‑21.
Lights, cameras, and cinematic excitement await as the Florida Film Festival (FFF) returns to Orlando from April 12‑21. Presented by the Enzian Theater in Maitland—just a 20‑minute drive from downtown Orlando—this 28th‑edition Oscar‑qualifying festival will showcase more than 180 films, including 20 world premieres, alongside special events, forums, and celebrity appearances that promise a truly memorable experience for film enthusiasts.
Before you reserve your seats for Orlando’s largest movie festival, explore the lineup curated by FFF organizers for this year’s edition.
Movie Screenings at the 2019 Florida Film Festival
The core of the Florida Film Festival is its film lineup. In 2019, attendees can expect screenings of over 180 movies, featuring more than 20 world premieres.
The majority of FFF titles will premiere at the Enzian Theater. Located just north of Winter Park, this single‑screen, nonprofit cinema café has long been a cornerstone of Orlando’s cultural landscape. Guests can enjoy a comfortable setting with plush couches and chairs, while dining on full lunch and dinner menus or sipping cocktails, beer, and wine from the onsite Eden Bar. Food and drinks are available inside the theater—or you can order directly from your seat.
Films not shown at the Enzian will be available at the nearby Regal Cinemas Winter Park Village 20 & RPX. Situated within Winter Park Village, an upscale outdoor shopping and dining hub, Regal offers over‑stuffed leather recliners and a wide selection of food and beverages, including alcohol, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all festivalgoers.
Celebrity Appearances at the 2019 Florida Film Festival
While the final celebrity lineup is still being finalized, past editions have attracted industry heavyweights such as Susan Sarandon, Oliver Stone, Tippi Hedren, and Christopher Walken. You can expect both emerging talent and established figures to grace the event this year.
On April 14, the festival will host An Evening With the Blair Witch: A 20th Anniversary Celebration. In addition to a rare 35mm screening of the cult horror classic The Blair Witch Project, the event will feature a reunion of the film’s key cast and crew.
On April 19, Richard Dreyfuss will attend the 7:30 p.m. screening of The Goodbye Girl at the Enzian and participate in a Q&A session afterward.
Check back for updates on celebrity appearances as announcements are released.
Special Events and Forums at the 2019 Florida Film Festival
The Florida Film Festival offers more than just film screenings—it also celebrates cinema through a range of parties, panels, and forums. Below is a schedule of events, many of which are free and open to the public.
Opening Night Film & Party (April 12)
Kick off the festival with the premiere of Woman in Motion, a documentary directed by Todd Thompson that honors actress Nichelle Nichols—known worldwide as Lieutenant Uhura from the original Star Trek series—and her efforts to recruit women and minorities into space exploration. The film will screen at both Regal Cinemas and the Enzian, the latter hosting an opening‑night celebration complete with food and cocktails sourced from top local restaurants.
Festival Block Party (April 13)
Held at Winter Park Village, this event features live entertainment. Ticket holders receive complimentary drinks and appetizers from selected Winter Park Village eateries.
Sunday Brunch Buffet (April 14 & 21)
Open to all, this brunch at the Enzian showcases aà‑la‑côte menu prepared by the Eden Bar’s chef.
Sip and Savor: Cocktail Tasting (April 15 & 16)
Sample craft cocktails at the Eden Bar, featuring flavors from Diageo and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Turning the Tables: Renegade Women of Early Cinema (April 17)
Hosted by film journalist Elizabeth Weitzman—former senior film critic for the New York Daily News and current contributor to The Wrap—this free forum at the Enzian will explore her new book, Renegade Women in Film & TV.
Sketches Insane: The Wild World of Independent Animation (April 18)
This free panel at the Enzian brings together animators such as Bill Plympton, Andy London, and Caroline Voagen Nelson to discuss their contributions to the art form.
Filmmaker Forum (April 19)
Don’t miss this dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise at the Enzian, moderated by Sheena Fowler of the Orlando Film Commission. Admission is free.
Awards Bash (April 20)
The stars gather for the ticketed awards ceremony, where the FFF Jury and Audience Awards will be announced. After the ceremony, attendees can explore the spooky pop‑up amusement park, Celluloid Circus.
General Delights: Live Music (Daily)
Throughout the festival, the Enzian hosts live music—weekends from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and weekdays from 6 – 9 p.m.—while guests enjoy drinks and menu creations from the Eden Bar.
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