Film Tampa Bay Presents is a quarterly series that showcases local Tampa Bay-area films, filmmakers, actors, and more through free screenings at the iconic Tampa Theatre.

Looking for Juneteenth plans? On Wednesday, June 19, the series highlights Black filmmakers along with a bit of networking, conversations and screenings of local films like Agent X Quarantine, which is directed by Jabaar Edmond and stars Cranston Cumberbatch. The film is about a former -military-mercenary-turned-secret-agent. He finds himself tangled in a deep web of murder, money, revenge, and action, all during a worldwide shutdown as he navigates the underworld of crypto-currency, cyber-security & Big Data. Faced with uncompromising circumstances, he finds that revenge is an epidemic that can’t be contained.

Cumberbatch, also founder of the Black Arts & Film and Sunshine City festivals, teamed up with Film Tampa Bay to make this event happen.

“I am thrilled to have not one, but four films screening at this event,” said Cumberbatch. “Juneteenth is the perfect holiday to celebrate at the iconic Tampa Theatre. This is going to be an epic night.”

The free event starts at 6pm with a few short films:

• Simi, written and directed by Debbie Garrett and co-directed by Cumberbatch, tells the story of a young child whose illness sends him into a coma. As time passes, Simi awakens as an adult set on a new journey of self-discovery to find his purpose, as well as the cause of his condition. Simi’s life becomes even more complicated when he discovers he has supernatural abilities.
• The Mini Lights, a horror film directed by Jibri Wright, warns viewers to be careful what they read because some passages lead to the resurrection of the dead.
• Nothing Else Matters, directed by Cranstan Cumberbatch, follows the story of Keelan Foster, an entry-level client-relations rep who decides to take a leap of faith to win over the affection of Monica Shepley, an upper-level senior-accounts manager. When his plan to catch her eye gets interrupted by Monica’s friends (and her ex), discover if Foster will buckle under the pressure, or if he will prove that when it comes to love…Nothing Else Matters.

After the short films, the filmmakers join Jesse Brock of Film Tampa Bay for a brief discussion and Q&A. A networking hour starts at 7 p.m. with a screening of the feature film Agent X Quarantine.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the first 150 guests receive free soda and popcorn. The event is free admission but reserve your spot on the Tampa Theatre’s website.

Photo cred: Courtesy of Cranstan Cumberbatch