What a weekend for Litewave Media! The Gasparilla Film Festival took over Tampa on March 19-24, launching a celebration of independent film with a focus on local Florida talent. Two films by our production company in Tampa FL screened back to back on Friday night: our feature length anime-action adventure comedy Jules Dongu Saves the World and our award-winning short film “F.”

This was the official Florida premier for Jules Dongu, which made its world debut at The Gotham Screen International Film Festival in New York City in October 2012. Our Tampa film crew started working on the movie seven years ago, and with many of the local cast and crewmembers in attendance at the Florida premier it felt like a real reunion. We are proud to say that many of us are still working together as colleagues and friends!

The Jules Dongu crew seven years after beginning work on the film

Jules Dongu garnered a very warm response from our hometown crowd. “People said they appreciated seeing a funny, feel-good movie at the festival,” said Litewave Media founder Christian Schwier. “Festival goers typically see three or four movies a day, and most deal with some pretty heavy subject matter. We were glad to lighten the mood.” Dongu is slated for a full festival circuit this year – and look out for the Amazon.com DVD and Bluray release this summer!

Jules Dongu made its official Florida premier at Gasparilla Film Festival

“F,” which won Best Film, among many other awards at Tampa’s 48 Hour Film Project and competed in Los Angeles at Filmapolooza, was shown as part of Gasparilla’s Shorts Program to a packed house. After the screening, we relived our hectic but thrilling 48-hour filmmaking process in a panel discussion. “There’s so much adrenaline going over the course of the weekend, everybody feels it,” said Schwier, a veteran of the guerilla filmmaking scene.

There was also some star power circulating in our midst. Surprise guest Colin Farrell came out in support of emerging artists, and actor Thomas Jane from the “The Punisher” franchise (filmed right here in Tampa Bay, FL) received the festival’s 2013 Career Achievement Award. “Gasparilla is a great platform, and it shows that we can produce Hollywood-quality film here in Florida,” said Schwier.

Christian Schwier and Thomas Jane with Gasparilla festival coordinator

After our big night, we spent the rest of the festival connecting with local and visiting filmmakers and attending some great industry panels. It was also an honor to support Litewave Media alum Jamie Parslow’s music video for the song “Waiting For Summer” by A Call From The Coast.

Christian and Taylor connect with new friends at the festival

To top it all off, ABC’s show The List did a news story on the festival and featured our film in the segment.  Check it out here:

We’re looking forward to sharing even more great independent film with you this year. Follow the blog and like us on Facebook to keep up with all Litewave Media’s projects. Do you have a video project coming up? Contact our Tampa video production company today for a free consultation.