The Sunscreen Film Festival witnessed early on the importance of offering in-depth educational workshops and panel discussions in our annual schedule of events. It is our goal to be known not only for our entertaining films, but also for our educational programs. Educating filmmakers and actors is perhaps the best way Sunscreen can give back to those who helped us become the festival we are today.

SUNSCREEN FILM SCHOOL
In 2009, the Sunscreen Film Festival put on its first film school program. In two weeks, ten students developed two short-film screenplays, pre-produced and shot their films using local actors and top of the line equipment, and edited their films in preparation for exhibition at the 2009 Sunscreen Film Festival. Film school students Kim Stryker, Anjani Pandey, Richard Jeffrey, Chris Gayle, Brittany Perkins, Will Magness and Francis Vayalumkai wrote, produced, directed, shot and edited two films: Claire and Cookies & Torture.

In 2009/2010, the Sunscreen Film Festival will announce new dates for its second annual Sunscreen Film School. For more information contact the Education Director, Harry Chittenden at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

SUNSCREEN FILM SUMMER CAMP
(In Progress) Over a ten-day period at the Studio @ 620 in downtown St. Petersburg, nine campers ranging between the ages of 14 to 18 are given in-depth instruction in the art and science of filmmaking. Instructors Dave DeBorde, Scott Reus, and J. Declan Flynn will teach the finer points of screenwriting, cinematography, directing, producing and editing with the goal of producing two 5 minute short films to be exhibited at a closing-ceremony at the Studio and in the 2010 Sunscreen Film Festival in April 2010. This is an annual event. For more information, please contact our Education Director, Harry Chittenden at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

ACTOR'S WORKSHOP
Since 2008, the Sunscreen Film Festival takes great pride in its Actor's Workshop; a multi-day, multi-panel discussion, instruction and audition process hosted by Hollywood casting agent and director, LaTanya Potts (Moesha, Soul Men) and John Jackson (Sideways, About Schmidt) and acting coach, Marc Durso (ActTrue). In 2009, the Actor's Workshop became a year-round program featuring a myriad of programs for actors leading up to the film festival. Programs and schedules are being constructed now, so please check back in for more information, or contact our Education Director, Harry Chittenden at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Also during the weeks leading up to the festival, check back on this page and on the site's homepage for more information on educational panels and programs.