Editor

Full Sail University (fullsail.edu), an award-winning entertainment institution located near Orlando, FL, is proud to return as primary sponsor of the 19th Annual Florida Film Festival, (floridafilmfestival.com) being held April 9 through April 18, which will present the theme "Film Sweet Film." This year marks the return of Full Sail University's sixth year as the primary sponsor and thirteenth year with the Festival.

Attendees of the festival will be are invited to explore movies that evoke a sense of home during the ten-day experience, which offers a combination of cutting-edge current cinema, an American Independent competition showcasing narrative and documentary features, fine Southern cuisine, celebrity guests, and an extensive list of special events. The festivals' events will begin with the opening night film and party, featuring the renowned masters of Southern cuisine, Matt and Ted Lee and Chef Robert Stehling, and will conclude with the Revel 19, a Mardi Gras inspired celebration held on the Full Sail University Backlot.

"It is great fortune when two local institutions find fertile and creative, common ground," said Henry Maldonado, President of the Enzian Theater. "Such is the partnership between Full Sail University and the Florida Film Festival. We both have deeply similar interests that go to the heart of contemporary culture. Full Sail has supported the Festival for 13 years, and their support is of the best kind. It goes beyond the traditional, and it provides us with creative and spiritual encouragement. Full Sail has been there for us as we grew into our present, and we expect for us to walk together into an even more productive future."

A core program of the Enzian Theater, the Florida Film Festival has earned its place as one of the most respected regional film festivals in the country. Both the Enzian and Florida Film Festival combined have served more than 1.5 million guests, premiered thousands of films and hosted hundreds of celebrities including Academy Award winners Paul Newman, Oliver Stone, Christopher Walken and Jon Voight.

"Full Sail University is honored to support and celebrate filmmaking within the Central Florida community and around the globe, while serving as the primary sponsor of the Florida Film Festival," said Rick Ramsey, Full Sail's Program Director for Film. "As innovative educators in film, we are proud to join the Enzian Theater in their continued efforts to share the power and impact of those who speak to us through the magic of movies."

About Full Sail University:

Since 1979, Full Sail University, located outside of Orlando, FL, has been an innovative educational leader for those pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. With over 34,500 alumni, graduate credits include work on OSCAR®, Emmy® and GRAMMY®-winning projects, best-selling video games, and #1 grossing U.S. concert tours. Full Sail's 191-acre campus and online education platform proudly welcomes over 8,800 students from 50 states and 57 countries.

Full Sail currently offers a total of 28 degree programs including: Associate of Science Degrees in Graphic Design and Recording Engineering; Bachelor of Science Degrees offered in: Computer Animation, Digital Arts & Design, Entertainment Business, Film, Game Art, Game Design, Game Development, Graphic Design, Internet Marketing, Music Business, Music Production, Recording Arts, Show Production, and Web Design & Development; Master of Science Degrees in Education Media Design & Technology, Game Design, Entertainment Business, and Internet Marketing; and Master of Fine Arts Degrees in Creative Writing and Media Design.

Full Sail was most recently named the 2009 IT Florida "Leader of the Year" as well as "Best Company" in the 2009 Orlando Business Journal's Reader's Choice Awards. In addition, Full Sail University has been recognized as the 2008 "School/College of the Year" by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges and has also been previously named: The Harvard of Game Schools by Tips & Tricks Magazine; one of the top three New Media Schools by Shift Magazine (alongside the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and New York University); one of the Top Five Game Degree Programs in the world by Electronic Gaming Monthly; one of the Best Music Programs in the country by Rolling Stone Magazine; one of the Best Music Business Departments in the Schools That Rock: The Rolling Stone College Guide; and one of the Best Film Programs in the country by UNleashed Magazine.

For more information about Full Sail, please visit http://www.fullsail.edu/.

Coverage with dailies expected on fest21.com