The nation’s top amateur pool players converge in Tampa for the U.S. Amateur Championship Tournament, presented by the American Poolplayers Association (APA). For the second consecutive year, Strokers in Tampa was selected to host the annual event. The championship will feature both a Men’s and Women’s Division, with the winner of each division advancing to the U.S. Open Pro Championship next year. U.S. Amateur Championship participants compete in a double elimination tournament, race-to-7, with a maximum of five games of 8-Ball and eight games of 9-Ball. Once the field is narrowed to the final two competitors, the match becomes a single elimination race-to-11 with up to 13 games of 9-Ball and eight games of 8-Ball. Strokers Billiards, 11236 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. For more information, visit poolplayers.com.
A must for movie lovers, the 16th Annual Independents’ Film Festival kicks off with a wide range of cine-subjects. On Nov. 4, see IFF's Documentary Showcase. The Florida Film Showcase screens on Nov. 5, and the Best of the Fest Showcase and Gala Party are on Nov. 6. A workshop on marketing indie films is at 10 a.m. Sat., and a screenwriting course is at 2 p.m. Sat. Tickets for most events are $20. Best of the Fest and Gala party are $40 (one winner, After the Storm, for best student film is pictured here). Doors open at 7 p.m. during evening events. Buffet dinner is served until 7:45 p.m., when the movies begin. Discussion about the films will be held in the studio after the screening, followed by coffee, dessert and more talk. Named Best Intimate Film Festival in CL’s 2010 Best of the Bay, the IFF's cozy setting encourage a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Visit independentsfilmfest.com for details or call Lucy Griggs, 813-254-2253, ext. 211. Nov. 4-6. At the Education Channel, 703 N. Willow Ave., Tampa.
This article appears in Nov 4-10, 2010.