We are looking for unique visions from the next great storytellers to bring to our audiences. Submit now!
SubmitMarketing, Screen Films, love film? Then join our 2015 Festival Team! Internships available as well.
VolunteerBrand Integration using custom innovative and creative programs to engage your audience. Maximum exposure!
SponsorSkyway Film Festival is a new storytellers festival taking place in beautiful Bradenton, FL. It will showcase the craft of filmmaking by advocating the work of filmmakers, screenwriters and all artists who use the medium of film and television to bring art alive.
The festival inspires to bring a new cultural experience to the area that will resonate throughout the community. The beauty and charm of the Gulf Islands: Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key will be the "Hollywood" backdrop that showcases the works of filmmakers from all over the world. The goal of the festival itself is to combine the excitement and experience of Hollywood with a setting that makes you feel like you are on vacation.
The festival has partnered with the beautiful, waterfront Manatee Performing Arts Center to showcase our program and host our industry Q&A; panels and workshops.
Erik Lunseth is a founder of the Skyway Film Festival. He served the last 4 years (2011- 2014) as a member of the Board of Directors for a top international film festival where he ran the film screening program and founded a screenplay competition. While championing the work of filmmakers and artists requires a global perspective, Erik facilitates the needs of internal and external partners with a hands-on role. Along with being an advocate for film visionaries, Erik is a writer, commercial and feature film actor and producer.
Joe Restaino is a founder of the Skyway Film Festival. His work as a financial advisor to several in the entertainment industry led to his passion for film producing and film festivals. He is a recent alum of Independent Film Project(IFP) No Borders program at Lincoln Center, attends Sundance annually as an Industry Member and has been a guest juror at several film festivals. He overseas creative direction and has final decision on film programming for Skyway. As a programmer and consultant for several festivals, Joe solidifies World Premiere screenings and arranges appearances of some of the best independent filmmakers.
Wey Lin is a founder of the Skyway Film Festival. She plays a central role in defining, promoting & communicating Skyway Film Festival's branding strategy built around the needs of film industry artists, community supporters and festival attendees. Her film and entertainment industry experience includes programming at the top film festival in the Tampa Bay area and working as a program coordinator at the Cannes Film Festival. She currently is the promotions manager for Campus MovieFest, the world's largest student film festival.
Jennifer Davidson is responsible for telling our story online in new and compelling ways which connect the community and all film artists to Skyway Film Festival. She works collaberatively with a wide range of partners to share our story, build awareness and increase attendance. With extensive experience executing marketing and communication strategies, Jennifer is also a CPA, MBA and is able to manage multiple initiatives at once. She currently is a creative partner with a top film festival.
Shana Nichols - Technical Director
Jorge Hermez is the owner of Go2 Creative, an ad agency which most recently worked on the creative roll-out for "Sex Ed", a local independent film featured across the nation. When designing the Skyway Film Festival poster, he was inspired by the calm before the storm. That moment of clarity for creatives, where work really begins to flow - that crucial moment before developing a great idea.
The organizers have been a part of other successful film festivals, produce independent films and travel to festivals all over the World to bring their knowledge to make Skyway a worthwhile film festival for filmmakers and audiences. The Skyway Film Festival team looks to capitalize on industry relationships to make it a must-attend fest!
The premiere entertainment communication and marketing firm PMK*BNC has partnered with Skyway to bring their breadth of contacts and assets to the festival. The festival inspires to bring a new cultural experience to the area that will resonate throughout the community.
Arts industry individuals bring their expertise to award the winners of the festival.
Festival tickets can be purchased at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in person, by phone or online by clicking the link below and choosing SKYWAY FILM FESTIVAL event name and then clicking SEARCH located to the right. Get your festival passes NOW!
Buy TicketsSkyway Film Festival dates June 12-14, 2015. Program guides will be available in print and an online. See what's playing NOW!
View ScheduleWelcome Filmmakers! Skyway Film Festival partners with FilmFreeway for online film submissions. Please direct inquiries to: info@skywayfilmfestival.org.
Submit Film Local Film Incentives State Film IncentivesSkyway Film Festival starts with a story but it doesn't end there. From conversations with industry leaders and special guests to eclectic music from indie musicians, stand up comedy and live painting, Skyway Film Festival entertains and educates by offering something for everyone. And did we mention the PARTIES? Choose your event NOW!
View EventsThe Skyway Film Festival will provide a wonderful "weekend getaway" for the brightest minds in the film and television industry. The Riverfront Courtyard Marriott is our host hotel and special festival rates are available. You must call the hotel property directly and mention the Skyway Film Festival to reserve, at: 941-747-3727
Riverfront Courtyard Marriott Sarasota Bradenton International Airport Tampa International Airport St. Pete-Clearwater International AirportThe beauty and charm of the Gulf Islands: Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key will be the "Hollywood" backdrop that showcases the works of filmmakers from all over the world. The goal of the festival itself is to combine the excitement and experience of Hollywood with the relaxing atmosphere of a vacation. Additional information is available on our FilmFreeway site.
FilmFreeway
