MOUNT DORA TO HOST CENTRAL FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL

As if finally getting a local movie theater wasn’t enough for the small Central Florida town of Mount Dora!  This September movie lovers will trek from near and far to the city known for its quaint downtown and low rolling hills as it hosts the 13th annual Central Florida Film Festival (CENFLO).  

The international festival will be held September 7 through 9 at the brand new Epic Theatres slated to open soon just off U.S. Highway 441.   In recent years, CENFLO presented 70 to 80 films to audiences, and many featured well-known talent.  

After films are submitted to the festival for consideration, they undergo a rigorous judging process on specific criteria.   Films with the highest grades from judges are accepted into the festival. The winning film and four finalists are also selected.   Film submissions are open until June 1.

The festival’s executive director, Brendon Rogers, is a Tavares resident and approached Epic Theatres with the idea of bringing the festival to the new Mount Dora 12-screen multiplex.  

The DeMarsh family, owners of Epic Theatres, immediately welcomed the idea.

The festival has come a long way since its debut year in 2005 at the Osceola Center for the Arts.  In 2013 it was named among the "Top 25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee" by Movie Maker Magazine.  

In the future, organizers hope to expand the festival to include a Showcase Series which will screen outside of the regular festival and include films that have a much narrower criteria.  Master classes, workshops and a screenwriting competition are also planned, along with more community outreach.

A volunteer team will be assembled to assist during the festival, according to Rogers.
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