Now in its 13th year, the Education Channel's annual September showcase of independently-produced cinema — the Independents' Film Festival — offers an enticing selection of full-length films, shorts, animations and documentaries for the Bay area's viewing pleasure. Selections air every weekend on the Education Channel throughout the month while theatrical screenings begin this Thursday with a IFF Short Film Frenzy presentation of mini-films, animations and other wackiness; and 24 Solo, a documentary about 24-hour solo mountain bike racing and one man's quest for a Seventh World Title in the beyond-extreme sport. On Friday, IFF presents Best of the Fest, a screening of several of IFF's top selections paired with an awards gala. A collection of short animation, live-action and documentary films that are G-rated and created by middle and high school students are screened for free on Saturday during the Junior Independents' Film Festival. IFF's winner of Best Feature Film, Last Stop for Paul — a comedy about two friends who take a trip around the globe with their friend's ashes in tow — closes out the screening festivities on Sunday. IFF Short Film Frenzy and 24 Solo, Thurs., Sept. 13, 7 and 9 p.m., Channelside Cinemas, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa, $7.50; Best of the Fest, Fri., Sept. 14, 8 p.m., Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa, $8; JIFF, Sat., Sept. 15, noon, Channelside Cinemas, free; and Last Stop for Paul, Sun., Sept. 16, 2 p.m., Channelside Cinemas, $7.50. Selections also air on the Education Channel Friday-Sunday, through Sept. 30. For more info, visit indiefilmfest.us.
