Shanon Larimer, the recently appointed (well, less than a year anyway) new Executive Director for Enzian and the Florida Film Festival, was selected by the Orlando Business Journal (circ. 100, 000) as one of Central Florida's most successful and influential people under age 40--way to go, boss! Weighing in the decision had to be the fact that the 2008 Festival wrapped its 17th year this spring with a 43% increase in box office sales, averaged 90% capacity on all ticketed events, and attracted more than 25,000 visitors, patrons, and participants. Regarded as one of the region's top film festivals, I'm proud to say the Florida Film Festival has become an established, if not essential, part of Central Florida's cultural calendar and international film scene.

--Matthew