The Sunshine City Film Festival’s 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of independent film in St. Petersburg. (Image courtesy of Sunshine City Film Festival)
The Sunshine City Film Festival is officially underway in St. Petersburg, celebrating its 10th anniversary with six days of film screenings, cultural events, and community programming across the city.
Running January 14 through 19, 2026, the festival continues its mission of supporting independent filmmakers while creating opportunities for connection, learning, and artistic exchange throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Over the past decade, Sunshine City Film Festival has grown into one of the region’s key platforms for both emerging and established creatives. The festival has built a reputation for highlighting diverse voices and original storytelling, while fostering conversations that extend beyond the screen and into the local creative community.
“The Sunshine City Film Festival has been an engine for opportunity, talent development, and cultural equity. This anniversary is not just a milestone, it’s a statement,” said the festival’s director Cranstan Cumberbatch.
The anniversary began January 14 with a kickoff party at Greenlight Cinema, where filmmakers, artists, and longtime supporters gathered to reflect on a decade of storytelling. On January 15, the festival continues with Surreal Films Night at The Dalí Museum, featuring a curated selection of short films followed by a director and cast Q&A offering audiences a closer look at the creative process behind their work.
A festival signature on January 16, the Ladies In Film and Entertainment (L.I.F.E) Celebration at The Dalí Museum honors women making an impact across film, media, and the arts. The evening centers leadership, creativity, and representation, while giving attendees space to connect across disciplines.
Debbie Yati Garrett, who is coordinating the Ladies In Film and Entertainment Celebration, shared her perspective on the festival’s impact.
“The Sunshine City Film Festival feels like home. There is something special about sharing stories in St. Petersburg. This festival values creativity, community, and independent voices. Being part of the 10th anniversary reminds me of why I started making films in the first place,” noted Garrett. “As a filmmaker, having my work shown in The Dalí Museum and hosting the L.I.F.E. Celebration is greatly meaningful and an incredible opportunity.” She added that SCFF creates a space to bring people together, not only from Tampa Bay, but also tourists who visit the region from around the world.
Film screenings continue January 17 and 18 at the historic Beach Theatre, with a lineup that includes independent narratives, documentaries, student films, and music videos. Each screening block concludes with filmmaker Q&As, giving audiences the chance to hear directly from creators about the challenges, inspirations, and perspectives shaping their films.
The festival concludes January 19 with final screenings, awards presentations, and a closeout celebration at Greenlight Cinema. The evening recognizes outstanding films and creatives across multiple categories while reflecting on the festival’s growth and the community that has sustained it over the past ten years.
To attend the festival or learn more to learn more about The Sunshine Film Festival, visit https://www.sunshinecityfilmfestival.com/
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More Photos
Debbie Yati Garrett, coordinator of the Ladies in Film & Entertainment (L.I.F.E.) Celebration (Photo courtesy of Sunshine City Film Festival)
A look back – Terri Lipsey Scott, Deborah Figgs-Sanders at 2019 SCFF (Photo courtesy of Sunshine Film Festival)
Cranstan Cumberbatch, director of the Sunshine City Film Festival, greets attendees during a previous year’s festival event. (Photo courtesy of Sunshine City Film Festival)
Festival director Cranstan Cumberbatch, (holding sign) with festival participants during a previous year’s event. (Photo courtesy of Sunshine City Film Festival)
A look back – Denyse Nessy P Phipps with filmmakers from previous festival (Photo courtesy of Sunshine Film Festival
