For immediate release: Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival
Event Dates: February 9, 2012 – February 20, 2012.

The Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival (TFJFF) is celebrating sixteen sweet years of fabulous Jewish Films. Delighting movie goers with various topics ranging from heroic Holocaust survival, sordid love triangles, to discreet family situations, this highly anticipated sweet sixteen year is bringing award winning Jewish themed films from all over the world right here to various Tampa Bay venues this February 9th – 20th, 2012. More information and ticket purchases can be made at www.TBJFF.org.

The TBJFF festivities will kick off at the Straz Performing Arts Center on February 9th with an opening night ceremony and VIP Gala hosted by the Tampa JCC and JCC Suncoast. The evening will be emceed by the festivals presenting sponsor Bright House Networks spokesperson and local celebrity Jennifer Holloway. At the event a special tribute will be presented to Jesse Starr of Tampa, for his many years of dedication to the Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival. After which, the opening short film, Maiden and the Princess, by Tampa's own emerging filmmaker Ali Scher will be shown followed by a question and answer session with Ms. Scher. Then the opening night feature film, Naomi, which has been nominated to the Academy as France's Choice film, will follow. The opening night festivities will conclude in the Lobby of Ferguson Hall with a lavish dessert reception for all opening night movie goers.

Other highlights not to miss during the two week festival include: A Classic Series film Fiddler on The Roof on Sunday afternoon February 12, 2012 at the Tampa Theater along with a presentation of Israel's first thriller Rabies at Channelside theaters on Saturday February 18, 2012. This thrilling movie event is sponsored by YAD (Young Adult Division of Tampa and Pinellas) and a 'Monster Mash' after party will directly follow the film! The premise for this event is to gather Young Jewish Adults for a fabulous night of Jewish movie watching. Over 100 Young Adults are anticipated to attend the film Rabies and then follow up the evening with an after party. YAD is geared toward young adults ages 21-45 from both sides of the Bay.

All in all, the Tampa bay Jewish Film Festival is gloriously celebrating its 'Sweet Sixteen' anniversary. The committee, led by co-chairs Dr. Stuart Novick and Dr. Loni Shelef, is ready to kick-off. The research and work that goes into such a large cultural community program comes to fruition on opening night and Thursday, February 9th is right around the corner!

To become a patron of the TBJFF or to be a corporate sponsor, please contact Brandy Gold at (813) 769-4725. Tickets and festival information can be found at www.TBJFF.org.