Premiere Screening Of Movie Filmed In Dunedin, Clearwater Coming

DUNEDIN, FL — The premiere screening of a movie filmed around Dunedin and Clearwater will kick off the 18th annual Sunscreen Film Festival, running Thursday, April 27, through Sunday, April 30, at the AMC Sundial 12 Theaters in St. Petersburg.

"A Taste of Love" is the story of a chef struggling to find her culinary voice as a network TV star. Taylor, played by Erin Cahill (star of "Christmas Bedtime Stories") returns to her hometown to visit her parents. She must choose between her renewed relationship, saving her family restaurant or her dream career as a worldwide known chef.

In addition to Cahill, the film stars Jesse Kove (who played in "Cobra Kai" and "Money Run") and Martin Kove (of "Cobra Kai" and "Karate Kid"). All three actors will attend the premiere.

"A Taste of Love" was directed by Michael E. Brown and Conrad De La Torres III.

Watch the trailer here.

“Our entire community has been anticipating the premiere opening of 'A Taste of Love' since it was filmed in Dunedin,” said Dunedin Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski. “Our business community and our residents welcomed the production team, cast and crew to Dunedin, especially knowing the movie will feature the city of Dunedin as the actual location, and the real names of local places including our beloved downtown (restaurants) Sea Sea Riders and the Wild Iris Café.

"We want to thank the St. Petersburg Clearwater Film Commission for our partnership," Bujalski said. "Showcasing our beautiful coastal community through a great movie story is a win for everyone.”

The premiere will be preceded by an opening night red carpet featuring the actors and directors starting at 6 p.m. Those attending will be able to have their photos taken walking the red carpet. The screening will take place at 7:30 p.m. Both events will be held at the AMC Sundial 12, 151 2nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg.

An opening night party will follow at 9 p.m. at Nova 535, 535 Dr. Martin Luther King St. N, St. Petersburg, giving residents an opportunity to mingle with the actors and directors.

For tickets, click here.

“Not only is the Sunscreen Film Festival the longest-running and largest mainstream film festival in the Tampa Bay area, but it has become globally recognized," said Tony Armer, Sunscreen Film Festival co-founder. "This festival has really put the St. Pete-Clearwater area on the film world map. It’s been amazing to see the thousands of people who have traveled in to attend and the positive effect it’s had on the area over the years,”

The festival will present 41 features from the U.S. and around the world in various categories including foreign, documentary, thriller, drama and comedy. There will also be 150 short films across 19 different thematic blocks as well as film workshops and other events.

Armer said Sunscreen’s commitment to diversity is reflected in the 2023 program. More than half of this year’s films were written, directed or produced by women. The schedule also has a strong selection of films created by people of color and the LGBTQ+ community, he said.

In addition to "A Taste of Lovek," the festival will screen a wide selection of films made across Florida including a collection of college and high school shorts.

Feature highlights include "Lost Cos," in which a troubled dental assistant, Eni, finds escape in Los Cos, a mysterious underground club where cosplay and burlesque intertwine and heroes and villains blur the line between fantasy and reality. Watch the trailer here.

Documentary highlights include "Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West," a documentary from the writer and director of Disney’s "Black Beauty," Ashley Avis. The film takes the viewer through an immersive journey into the world of wild horses, illuminating both the profound beauty and desperate plight currently faced by the wild horses in the West. Avis and her film crew go on a multi-year expedition to uncover the truth in the hope of protecting them before wild horses disappear forever. Watch the trailer here.

“We’re excited to present a diverse and entertaining group of films for this year. The 2023 festival has something for everyone. Comedy, action, social commentary, love, tragedy and fun. With so many films to choose from people of all tastes will find something to enjoy,” said Doug Tschirhart, festival programming director.

For the full lineup and schedule, click here.