The Silver Springs International Film Festival Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to leading our community in creative and cultural discovery through the medium of motion pictures. We seek to discover and encourage independent artists from the United States and around the world and we strive to build community among those artists and their audience. By increasing awareness, accessibility and a broader appreciation of the cinematic arts within our community we endeavor to support the educational, cultural and economic well-being of our region.
The Silver Springs International Film Festival is an international cultural event created to elevate awareness of Ocala/Marion County, FL, Florida’s Silver Springs State Park and the area’s contributions to the Cinematic Arts, as well as the cultural landscape of Florida. The springs have inspired generations of nature lovers and filmmakers alike; serving as a dramatic backdrop for countless film, television and commercial shoots and the “laboratory” where cinematography legend Bruce Mozert conceived, developed and perfected underwater photography.
The Festival is held in historic downtown Ocala in the beautifully restored Marion Theatre. While the theatre attracts viewers with its classic architecture and themes, the viewing experience is completely modern and includes:
Brand new, fully digital and state-of-the-art projections from Blu-Ray or DVD.
Dolby Sound in the Following Options:
5.1 Format
6.5 CP
7.1 Digital
2 Screens - 28 ft wide x 21 ft tall with seating for 316 in the main theatre and 94 in the
balcony theatre.
The majority of the festival is programmed from general submissions. We also offer a few "special interest film blocks" to create opportunities for certain films that target issues and ideas specific to our community. These blocks include, "Horse Fever" - highlighting Equine interest films, "Green Screen" featuring eco-friendly films and "Cinemagic" films for younger audiences and their families. By programming the “special interest” blocks we can offer these filmmakers the best audience possible for their particular genre.
The Bruce Mozert Lifetime Achievement Award
The “Fresh Squeezed” Award for Best Florida Made Feature. In addition to the “statue”, this Award includes a cash prize of $7,000; reimbursement (up to $500) of travel/lodging expenses to attend the 2016 SSIFF.
The “Fresh Squeezed” Award for Best Florida Made Short. In addition to the “statue”, this Award includes a cash prize of $1,000; reimbursement (up to $250) of travel/lodging expenses to attend the 2016 SSIFF.
Best Student Short. In addition to the “statue”, this Award includes a cash prize of $1,000; reimbursement (up to $250) of travel/lodging expenses to attend the 2016 SSIFF.
Best Feature Film
Best Feature Documentary
Best Short Film
Best Documentary Short
Audience Choice – Best Feature
Audience Choice – Best Short