Our Story
About the Festival
Where the grace of nature meets the precision of the lens
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The New Tampa • Wesley Chapel Film Festival was born from a simple belief: that every community deserves a stage for its stories. We provide a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers to share their craft with audiences who crave authentic, boundary-pushing cinema.
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Deeply embedded in the vibrant neighborhoods of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, our festival bridges the gap between local culture and global storytelling. We believe film has the power to unite, inspire, and transform communities.
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As we launch our inaugural season, we are committed to cultivating a lasting cultural institution—one that grows with our community, nurtures young talent through grants and celebrates the enduring art of independent cinema.
The symbol
The Legend of the Crane
The Florida Sandhill Crane is one of the oldest living bird species on Earth, with fossils dating back millions of years. Their presence in our wetlands is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the quiet majesty of nature.
We chose the Sandhill Crane as our emblem because it embodies everything we aspire to: longevity in our mission, grace in our execution, and an unbreakable bond with the community that sustains us. Each year, they return. And each year, so shall we.
“The crane does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.”
Leadership
The Board
Our founding board brings together filmmakers, community leaders and arts advocates united by a shared vision for independent cinema in Florida.
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Vivian Fleming-Alvarez, SAG-AFTRA
Ceo / Co-founder / Festival Director
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Tamara Estrill-Lett
President / Co-Founder / Logistics and Infrastructure Director
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Melissa McNerney, SAG-AFTRA
Creative and Production Director
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Darla Delgado, SAG-AFTRA
Secretary
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Manoucheka Mosley
Treasurer
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Dr. Nyla Hazratjee
DEI and Outreach Director
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Mitze Richeson
Corporate Sponsorships Director, Wesley Chapel
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Sheree Johnson
Media Director
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Victoria Jorgensen, Director
Industry Relations and Film Advocacy Liaison
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Cathy Cromar
Director of Guest Services & Volunteer Director
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Mary Rachel Quinn, SAG-AFTRA
Education and Talent Director
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Julie Chalhoub
Program and Post-Production Manager
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Alexandra “Alex” Taboada
Legal Consultant