The Global Peace Film Festival was established to utilize the power of the motion picture to further the goal of peace on earth. With a mission to expand the definition of peace beyond anti-war, ideology, activism or specific causes, the Global Peace Film Festival films and events suggest a more personal message as reflected in the daily lives of individuals and communities the world over.

The GPFF presents films from around the world and global discussions that highlight the power of this extraordinary medium as it relates to new peace issues. See films from around the world, attend educational panels, meet filmmakers and special guests and hear from local activists about their work. And get involved!

Mark your calendars for one of Orlando’s most significant cultural events, the Global Peace Film Festival, held September 17 – 21, 2008. This acclaimed series celebrates movies and documentaries that set out to make a difference in the world.

With a mission to educate and inspire through the art of film, the Global Peace Film Festival uses the power of the medium to move people beyond their political, geographic and personal boundaries to embrace peace. Patrons will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of independent films from a multitude of countries; all exploring issues of faith, nonviolence, reconciliation and the environment to overcome the impasses against realizing peace and healing – both spiritual and physical.

Films of all types - feature films, documentaries, comedies, dramas, animation, short films, foreign films, local films and more - are included in Orlando’s Global Peace Film Festival.

Film screenings will take place at select venues throughout Orlando and Winter Park. This year, the Festival returns to Rollins College, with screenings in the Bush and SunTrust Auditoriums, and the Orlando Science Center, where films focusing on the environment will be featured. New venues this year are the Winter Park Library and Gallery at Avalon Island in downtown Orlando, sponsored by ArtistsRegistry.com. The café at the Gallery at Avalon Island will be open before and after screenings for filmgoers to enjoy music and light food and beverages.

A complete listing of films and the schedule for the Global Peace Film Festival with film screenings, panel discussions, times and locations will be available in August.

This year, the Festival is host to four discussion panels held throughout the week. Topics include: What is Peace; Making Films That Make a Difference – Focus on Documentary; Peace Pitch - A Filmmaker’s Work in Progress and a Media Day of Dialogue. Patrons of the Festival will also have opportunities to meet filmmakers and special guests, take part in events and enjoy the school art exhibition, “Imagine Peace,” in Orlando’s City Hall.

Tickets to the Global Peace Film Festival screenings are $8 each, and go on sale in early August. Tickets can be purchased at Bullfish 102 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park, or on www.redchairproject.com. Patrons can also purchase a Silver Pass for $99 and a Gold Pass for $199. Passholders are entitled to attend film screenings at all venues at any time. Gold Pass Holders receive a poster signed by visiting filmmakers.

The Festival kicks-off with a Celebration Preview Party held on Friday, September 12, 2008 at Bay 2 in Orlando. Guests will enjoy preview screenings, art exhibits and music, in addition to light food and beverages.

Culminating the five-day film festival is a Global Peace Street Fair on September 21 - the United Nations International Day of Peace. Created in partnership with Bullfish on Park Avenue, the Street Fair takes place from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Morse Blvd. in Winter Park, between Park and Knowles Avenues. Vendors will be on site offering a myriad of activities, demonstrations and shopping experiences, with themes including Fashion for Peace, The Environment and Water Conservation, Music and Art, Fair Trade, Wildlife and Organic Gardening and Landscaping.

Highlighting the Street Fair is the International Pet Parade for Peace, held at 11:00 AM, which pet lovers will be sure to enjoy. All people and well socialized pets on a leash are invited to take part in the parade, and owners are encouraged to dress their pets in international costumes that represent their heritage. For more information on the Pet Parade, phone Heather Rybka, Festival Manager at 407- 487-1830.

The Global Peace Film Festival is currently accepting vendors to participate in the Street Fair. The cost to be a vendor is $100 or $25 for non-profit organizations. For more information, phone Holly Roark, vendor coordinator at 407-721-8644.

Last year, Festival patrons were the first to see the Oscar-nominated films, “Taxi to the Dark Side,” and “War Dance.”
Administrative office phone: 407-224-6625
Email: info@peacefilmfest.org

The Global Peace Film Festival was established to utilize the power of the motion picture to further the goal of peace on earth. With a mission to expand the definition of peace beyond anti-war, ideology, activism or specific causes, the Global Peace Film Festival films and events suggest a more personal message as reflected in the daily lives of individuals and communities the world over. The GPFF presents films from around the world and global discussions that highlight the power of this extraordinary medium as it relates to new peace issues. See films from around the world, attend educational panels, meet filmmakers and special guests and hear from local activists about their work. And get involved!