Orlando Arts Season Preview 2020-21: Festivals & Fun
THREE TO SEE
A trio of classical-music highlights selected by Orlando Sentinel arts writer Matthew J. Palm.
FUSIONFEST: In just a few short years, FusionFest has become a signature event for Central Florida, with its artistic celebration of the many cultures that combine to make our unique community. Food, fashion, film, dance, music — nearly every aspect of a culture is represented by people with heritages from Africa to Alaska, China to the Caribbean.
There’s a spoken-word stage to share stories, but really, stories of identity and heritage are being told through every represented art form and cuisine.
FusionFest takes place in downtown Orlando, spread out across Orange Avenue between City Hall and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Nov. 28-29. Find more information at fusionfest.org.
DAZZLING LIGHTS: The bright minds of Creative City Project plan to brighten Central Florida’s holiday season with a new outdoor experience, “Dazzling Lights.” At Orlando’s Leu Gardens, visitors will take a three-quarters-mile walk through interactive installations, including sculptures and immersive displays, that twinkle with the cheer of a million lights.
Some lights will be in the ground — ready to light up and ring like bells when stepped upon. Towering overhead will be a 30-foot Christmas tree, perfect for photo opportunities.
Light and fog effects will create Orlando’s very own aurora borealis, and revelers will pass through a 65-foot-long tunnel of light. And what would a holiday celebration be without music and snow?
Sponsored by AdventHealth, “Dazzling Lights” will run evenings Dec. 1-Jan. 3 at Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando. Ticketed, timed entry will be used to keep groups small. Tickets are $22; more information at creativecityproject.org.
GLOBAL PEACE FILM FESTIVAL: Happening now, the 18th annual cinematic celebration is mostly online this year. One significant in-person event: On Sept. 29, the films created as part of the MYgration Short Film Contest for FusionFest will be shown at Enzian Theater; audience members will vote for their favorite.
Online, find the traditional K-12 Peace Art Exhibit. Since 2006, the Global Peace Film Festival has presented the peace-themed work of Orange County Public Schools students.
Numerous film shorts are offered online for free. The features, which highlight issues surrounding voting, wellness, human rights, social justice and more, cost $5 each. Or buy a White Dove pass for $100 to watch them all.
Among the lengthy list of films offered, here are a trio that caught my eye:
“Our Gorongosa” (Mozambique, 2019, 60 minutes) introduces the audience to a young African woman who is an elephant ecologist. She shares the inspiring story of how Gorongosa, in the southeast African nation of Mozambique, is becoming a model for wildlife conservation and community development.
“The Vow from Hiroshima” (USA, 2019, 82 minutes) is a portrait of a passionate 85-year-old survivor of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. Setsuko Thurlow was miraculously pulled out of a fiery building but was unable to save her 27 classmates who burned to death after the blast. She then vowed that no one should ever again experience the same horrible fate.
“Day One” (USA, 2019, 81 minutes) follows a group of teenage refugees from war-torn countries who study at a unique public school for refugees and immigrants in St. Louis. There, they are guided through an inspirational program of education, healing and trauma intervention by devoted educators.
The Global Peace Film Festival runs through Oct. 4. Find the films and more information at peacefilmfest.org.
YOUR SEASON PLANNER
With the uncertainty of the coronavirus, planned events are more likely to change than usual. Always doublecheck closer to the date of an event, and use the websites and phone numbers listed with each organization to familiarize yourself with an event’s or institution’s COVID-19 precautions.
CREALDE SCHOOL OF ART
The institution is at 600 St. Andrews Blvd. in Winter Park. Details: crealde.org or 407-671-1886.
10th ANNUAL FREE FAMILY FESTIVAL: March 6, 2021. Crealdé's open house is a day of free fun, art and play on Crealdé School of Art’s lakeside campus.
CREATIVE CITY PROJECT
The arts organization presents a new holiday extravaganza at Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando. Details: creativecityproject.com.
DAZZLING LIGHTS: Dec. 1-Jan. 3, 2021. An outdoor walk-through experience includes music, snow and a million holiday lights. (More information under “Three to See.”)
DeLAND OUTDOOR ART FESTIVAL
In its 56th year, the festival takes place at Earl Brown Park, 815 S. Alabama Ave. in DeLand. Details: delandoutdoorartfest.com.
DeLAND OUTDOOR ART FESTIVAL: March 27-28, 2021. Juried artists, traditional crafters, entertainment, youth participation and food court.
DESCOLONIZARTE TEATRO
The group showcases Latin American artists, and will present its event online. Details: Descolonizarteteatro.com.
PRIMER ENCUENTRO DIGITAL DE ARTISTAS LATINOAMERICANXS: EDALX!: Nov. 6. Presented by Timucua Arts Foundation, the event will feature Latin American artists working in music and other performing arts, the visual arts, literature and more. Watch at Timucua.com.
ENZIAN
The independent movie house is at 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland. Among the theater’s ongoing special screenings and events are the Cult Classics screenings, kid-friendly Peanut Butter Matinees, Music Monday films, midnight screenings, the Uncomfortable Brunch series, and filmed ballet, opera and theater performances. Details: 407-629-1088 or enzian.org.
26TH SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL: Oct. 10-11. Streamed online.
CENTRAL FLORIDA FILM SLAM: Oct. 11.
22ND CENTRAL FLORIDA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL: Nov. 11-16. Streamed online.
BEST OF SUNDANCE SHORTS 2020: Jan. 1, 2021.
CENTRAL FLORIDA FILM SLAM: Jan. 10, 2021.
REEL SHORT TEEN FILM FESTIVAL: Feb. 27, 2021.
CENTRAL FLORIDA FILM SLAM: March 14, 2021.
FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT PARTY: March 17, 2021.
30TH FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL: April 9-19, 2021.
CENTRAL FLORIDA FILM SLAM: May 16, 2021.
REEL REPRESENTATION: DIVERSITY IN FILM: June 5-6, 2021.
CENTRAL FLORIDA FILM SLAM: June 13, 2021.
FUSIONFEST
The annual celebration of the diverse cultures that make up Central Florida returns Nov. 28-29, in downtown Orlando between the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and City Hall. Food, performances and a parade are on tap. Details: FusionFest.org. (More information under “Three to See.”)
DANCE: See the Dance list for a run-down of the cultural organizations represented.
FILM: Eleven short “MYGration” films about 11 Central Floridians, filmed by other Central Floridians, will be shown during the festival. Those featured trace their heritages to Mexico, Egypt, Nigeria, Alaska, Russia and beyond. The films will also be presented as part of the Global Peace Film Festival.
MUSIC: Art Carter Band (Americana); Christopher Marciano (West African); Gerald Law II (Afro-Brazilian); Hye & Mighty (Armenia reggae); Kalinka Folk (Russian); Kalinka Gypsy (Moldavian); Kalinka Klezmer (Eurasian); Kalinka Tango (Argentinian); Kelly (South Korean); Nandu’s Fusion Ensemble (U.S.-Indian); NU3VO (Caribbean rap); Opera Orlando (French opera); Sambatú Batucada (Afro-Latin); Shun Tai (reggae); Surabhi and Sons (Indian Classical); The Revolution (Hawaiian reggae/hip-hop).
GLOBAL PEACE FILM FESTIVAL
The annual film festival will be available online this year, with features, shorts, panel discussions and art. Details: PeaceFilmFest.org.
GLOBAL PEACE FILM FESTIVAL: Through Oct. 4. More than 20 feature films highlight themes such as civil rights, environmental justice, ethics, human rights, immigration, LGBTQ+ issues, music, social justice, voting, wellness and wildlife. A selection of free, short films is also available. (More information under “Three to See.”)
HANNIBAL SQUARE HERITAGE CENTER
The center, run by the Crealde School of Art, is 642 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park. Details: 407-539-2680 or hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org.
12TH ANNUAL HANNIBAL SQUARE HERITAGE CENTER FOLK & URBAN ART FESTIVAL: April 24, 2021. The festival celebrates Central Florida’s diverse culture through artwork, educational entertainment, food and music, featuring the works of more than 25 folk and educational artisans.
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION IN HANNIBAL SQUARE: June 19. The sixth annual Juneteenth Celebration in Hannibal Square will feature musical performances, storytelling, food and guided tours of the Hannibal Square Heritage Center permanent collection and visiting exhibition. Held in partnership with the Winter Park Public Library and the City of Winter Park
THE HUMOR MILL ORLANDO
The Orlando sketch-comedy troupe hosts its second annual festival, welcoming guest artists. More information: thehumormillorlando.com.
CENTRAL FLORIDA SKETCH COMEDY FESTIVAL: Nov. 8. “This time… it’s virtual” as the second annual salute to short-form scripted comedy is streamed at CFLSketch.com.
NEHRLING GARDENS
The historic Nehrling Gardens are at 2267 Hempel Ave. in Gotha. Details: nehrlinggardens.org or 407-445-9977.
OWL PROWL: Oct. 24. Sample beer, wine and snacks while viewing artists at work throughout the gardens. Live music and an online auction are part of the event.
HOLIDAY AMARYLLIS FESTIVAL: Dec. 12. Live music, food and children’s eco-friendly activities will accompany the event, which offers amaryllis bulbs and blooming plants for sale for the holidays.
ORLANDO FRINGE
The organization programs other events besides its annual festival. See the Theater listings. More information: orlandofringe.org.
ORLANDO FRINGE FESTIVAL: May 18-31, 2021. An international celebration of music, dance, art, comedy, theater and more, in dozens of shows, none longer than 90 minutes. Also includes free children’s activities at the annual Kids Fringe, outdoor concerts and a lively outdoor food court.
UPTOWN ART EXPO
The annual festival is at Cranes Roost Park, 274 Cranes Roost Blvd. in Altamonte Springs. Details: uptownartexpo.com.
9TH ANNUAL UPTOWN ART EXPO: Feb. 19-21, 2021. More than 145 artists, chalk street paintings, festival foods and live music.
WAYNE DENSCH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The venue, at 201 S. Magnolia Ave. in Sanford, hosts touring concerts, plays, children’s productions and other shows in addition to these special events. See the music, theater and dance listings for other events. Details: wdpac.com or 407-321-8111.
PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ: WELCOME TO THE ’90S: Jan. 30, 2021. Relive the best pop-culture and musical moments of the 1990s, including a full-length concert, at this all-inclusive, street-party fundraiser for the center.
LOVE YOUR SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL: Feb. 11-14, 2021. Now in its 11th year, the fest showcases short-form movie-making. Find out more at loveyourshorts.com.
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