We’re proud to announce the newly digitized Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF) Collection, a vibrant testament to the power of film and community in the Tampa Bay area.
Founded in 1990, TIGLFF emerged as an extension of local Pride celebrations, brought to life by organizations like the Tampa Bay Business Guild, the Bay Area Human Rights Coalition, and the Tampa Bay Gay Men’s Chorus. What began as a grassroots initiative to amplify LGBTQ+ stories has evolved into one of the most significant queer film festivals in the Southeast.
The TIGLFF collection chronicles over 30 years of the festival’s legacy and preserves a local insight into LGTBQ+ history and culture. Among the highlights are:
- Organizational Files: Offering a behind-the-scenes look at the festival’s growth, these documents reveal the tireless work of activists and artists who made it all happen.
- Programs and Schedules: Flip through decades of festival programs to discover films that moved audiences and sparked conversations. From groundbreaking documentaries to heartfelt narratives, these records showcase the evolution of LGBTQ+ cinema.
- Graphics and Promotional Materials: The colorful posters and flyers within the collection reflect the artistry and creativity of each year’s festival. They also offer a snapshot of how LGBTQ+ representation in media has transformed over time.
***This post is adapted from Marlena Carrillo’s Digital Dialogs post celebrating Pansexual Pride day.