For film fanatics, big turnout awaits for 2013 Orlando Film Festival

Daniel Springen of the Orlando Film Festival expects a very large turnout at this year’s event.

“I’m expecting more this year,” said Springen, chairman festival and Valencia College alumnus. “Last year at the seventh annual event, there were only four theaters. This year there are six theaters.”

With two additional theatres being added their year, there are high expectations to surpass last years attendance which brought in more than 12,000 people, due to an increase in films. Viewers have the opportunity to see 220 films this year compared to last year which contained 140 films.

“This film festival will bring new and unique cinema to the area,” said Springen, who added that a majority of the films being shown at the festival, will be viewed for the first time by those of the “mainstream.”

The festival will feature “Chasing Shakespeare,” starring Danny Glover and Graham Greene on opening night, showtime starting at 7 p.m. Glover may be in attendance.

“There is a chance he will be there. We are waiting to hear back from the director,” said Springen, before going on to add that there would be from 300-500 additional directors, actors and other film production staff at the event.

Tickets cost is $10 per day or a festival pass can be bought for $35, which includes general admission for the entire week. Another option is to purchase VIP tickets for $100. VIP includes admission for the entire week, discounts to about 10  restaurants and bars within Cobb Plaza and a two-day park pass to Universal Studios, while supplies last.

“We only have about fifty [VIP tickets] left,” Springen said.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://orlandofilmfest.com.