Sunscreen Film Festival brings celebrities, film buffs to St. Petersburg

LUIS SANTANA | Times

Tony Armer, film commissioner for St. Petersburg-Clearwater and co-founder of the Sunscreen Film Festival, poses with event model Brielle Carter during the festival's red carpet opening Thursday evening at the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg. Hundreds of filmmakers and local film buffs celebrated the festival's 11th year, making it Tampa Bay's longest-running mainstream cinema showcase. This year's edition includes 144 features, documentaries and shorts, produced by talents ranging from Academy Award nominees to high school students. Celebrity guests include actors Paul Sorvino (Detours) and Gary Busey (CandiLand), each missing at Thursday's opening but appearing Saturday at Muvico Sundial 19 with their films. Sunscreen continues through Sunday, with screenings and industry panel discussions centered at Sundial 19, American Stage Company and the Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St. Petersburg. Visit sunscreenfilmfestival.com for scheduling and tickets.