The 16th Annual Gasparilla International Film Festival kicks off this Thursday night, and we are excited for another year of incredible films.

Here’s each of our picks for the films you DO NOT WANT TO MISS!

Tyler’s Picks:

Chevalier
Friday, March 24 at 8:00 pm | University of Tampa’s Charlene A. Gordon Theater

Based on the true story of composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, the illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, who rises to heights in French society as a composer before an ill-fated love affair.

Monica
Saturday, March 25 at 8:30 pm | AMC Westshore Theater 2

The intimate portrait of a woman who returns home to care for her dying mother. A delicate and nuanced story of a fractured family, the story explores universal themes of abandonment, aging, acceptance, and redemption. Q&A with Director and Talent following the screening.

Jesse’s Picks:

Breathing Happy
Friday, March 24 at 7:15 pm | AMC Westshore Theater 1

In this mind-bending drama, a recovering drug addict can achieve one year of sobriety alone on Christmas day, but his demons tempt him to relapse. Q&A with Director and Talent following the screening.

I Like Movies
Saturday, March 25 at 4:30 pm | AMC Westshore Theater 13

Lawrence, a socially inept 17-year-old cinephile, gets a job at a video store, where he forms a complicated friendship with his older female manager.

Hilary’s Picks:

26.2 To Life
Friday, March 24 at 5:30 pm | AMC Westshore Theater 1

3 incarcerated men run a full marathon in San Quentin State Prison on a quest for freedom -- or something like it. Q&A with Director following the screening.

FREE Industry Panels
Sunday, March 26 | University of Tampa’s Ferman Center for the Arts

11:30 - 12:30 pm
Path to the Big Screen

1:00 - 2:00 pm
SFX Secrets with Danielle Battaglia

2:30 - 3:30 pm
Writers Toolkit with Hawk Ostby

4:00 - 5:00 pm
The Waves App & the Point of No Return

Denis’s Picks:

Linoleum
Friday, March 24 at 9:00 pm | AMC Westshore Theater 2

When the host of a failing children's science show tries to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut by building a rocket ship in his garage, a series of bizarre events occur that cause him to question his own reality.

Shaky Shivers
Saturday, March 25 at 8:45 pm | AMC Westshore Theater 13

Two young women find themselves at an abandoned camp in the woods with a book of magical spells surrounded by classic monsters in this comedic send up of '80s horror films. Q&A with Director, Producer and Talent following the screening.

Special Mention! College Shorts Program
Sunday, March 26 at 2:15 pm | AMC Westshore Theater 6

Students from Tampa Bay area colleges will showcase their short films in this unique shorts block.