The primary venue is the Tampa Theatre, but several other cinemas in or near the downtown area and in St. Petersburg simultaneously host the event as well.
The mission of the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is to, "continually showcase selections of compelling film and relevant digital media that Entertain, Empower, and Enlighten a diverse audience by, for or regarding the LGBT community and its supporters through the sharing of personal experiences surrounding thoughtful discussion".
[3] Friends of the Festival now produces year-round programming, which includes a Film Series from January through August, year-round outreach screenings, and the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in October.
[5] The 23rd Annual Festival Jury were: Sammy South, Chip Duckett, Gina Vivinetto, Victoria Jorgensen, Jim Harper, T. Hampton Dohrman and Margaret Murray.
The opening night film was The Happy Sad directed by Rodney Evans.
[6] The 24th Annual Festival Jury were: Justin Batten, Joseph Faura, Jodine Gordon, Sunny Hall, Jennifer Hsu, Gary Hess, Dean Otto and Paula Peterson.