The Jacksonville Film Festival's mission is to be a multiplier in building a robust and sustainable film community where Jacksonville is seen as a leader in independent film creation and curation. The 2024 Jacksonville Film Festival (JFF) takes place April 12th through April 14th in downtown Jacksonville. The internationally acclaimed festival creates spaces where conversations are had, and communities are built. JFF serves as a bridge by presenting opportunities and resources to emerging filmmakers to encourage them to create in Jacksonville and share their stories from all across the world.

JFF curates a unique filmmaker experience that allows moviegoers to come and engage with the films through panels, workshops, and social events. So whether you have been to a film festival before or you have not, JFF offers a variety of levels to engage, from attending one film block to attending networking parties with community members and the filmmakers themselves. Here is a detailed description of what to expect:

Friday, April 12th, 2024

OPENING NIGHT

Location: WJCT

Address: 100 Festival Park Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Time:

6:30 pm-7:30 pm Pre-Film Reception
7:30 pm-9:00 pm Film and Panel Discussion

Upon arrival, you will walk down the main hallway in the WJCT Public Media building. "WJCT Public Media is the community-owned and operated public media organization serving Jacksonville and the First Coast since 1958, using television, radio, digital media, and live events to help community members learn, share, and grow." This building is where much of the Jacksonville community media is broadcasted and created. As you enter the space, you can immerse yourself in the history of WJCT as well as a peek into the windowed rooms where much of the podcasting/local NPR radio broadcasting happens.

Once you are check-in and enter the main lobby, there will be a bar where libations are provided as well as a decadent display of food catered by local Chef Shandon Shandon Benjamin-Fox, Owner of 1 Foxy Lady Cafe located downtown in Historic Springfield Neighborhood. Shandon specializes in non-traditional southern comfort food, and her twist on these traditional items never disappoints. Ruby Beach Brewing will also be there as our event beer sponsor passing out samples and providing information about their local brewery located in Downtown Jacksonville. The libations don’t stop there, as we will also have signature cocktails provided by Bacadri.

After the first hour of drinks, food, and engaging with community members and filmmakers worldwide, everyone will head inside the main theatre to watch our Opening Night Film, "Join or Die," not before grabbing some popcorn from Chef Shandon's gourmet popcorn bar.

This feature documentary follows the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could answer our democracy's present crisis.

After the film's conclusion, we will have community members lead a discussion about community and how it relates to the film.

Community members for our panel include:

Councilmen Rahman K. Johnson, Ph.D., Jacksonville City Council District 14
Marlo Zarka, Public Policy Lead for Blue Zones Project Jacksonville
Matt Hartley, Director of Interfaith Programs at OneJax
Dr. Erin Almond, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair for Junior League of Jacksonville

That will conclude the evening, as everyone will depart and prep for the next two days of films and activities.

Purchase a Ticket to Opening Night only | HERE

2024 Opening Night Ceremonies Experience