Spring brings wondrous things, of course, but its also high season for local film festivals in the Bay area.

Here's a rundown (in order of calendar date):

1.  Environmental Film Festival - Eckerd College (11th year)

Dates: Saturday, Feb. 21th- Saturday, Feb. 28th

Locations: Dan + Mary Miller Auditorium, Eckerd College

The skinny: Free admission to all screenings! Named CL's 2007 'Best Local Film Series'. Kudos to Dr. Nate Andersen's for building the best Environment Film Festival in the Southeast United States. Arrive early for your film — the 300 seat Dan + Mary Miller auditorium is usually standing-room only for screenings!

Website: http://www.eckerd.edu/eff

More festivals after the jump …

2.  Gasparillla International Film Festival (3rd year)

Dates: Thursday, Feb. 26th- Saturday, March 7th

Locations: Channelside Cinemas, University of Tampa, EXCEPT FOR Opening Night at Tampa Theatre.

The skinny: GIFF's budget is the envy of all Festivals in the area  (save Sarasota). Strong volunteer support, well organized, and ambitious. Should hire a full-time, experienced programmer to close the gap with more established film festivals in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Orlando, Sarasota and Jacksonville.

Website: http://www.gasparillafilmfestival.com/

3. Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival (13th year)

Dates: Monday, March 2nd- Sunday, March 15th Gala Opening on Wednesday March 4th

Locations: Tampa Theatre + various

The skinny: Despite limited funding, the Festival does great job competing in programming arena with other top Jewish film festivals around the country. Taking place over two weeks, and including 4 big screening nights at the historic Tampa Theatre this year.

Website: http://www.jewishtampa.com/page.aspx?id=192734

4. Sarasota Film Festival (11th year)

Dates: Friday, March 27th- Sunday, April 5th

Locations: Regal Cinemas Hollywood 20 + various party venues

The skinny: The Big Kahuna of local film festivals, with stars such as Charlize Theron, William H. Macy and other big names making regular visits. Led by experienced and talented programmer Tom Hall. SIFF is facing budget cuts which may reduce the overall spectacle, but the Festival should remain (with some distance) the glitziest, most star-gawkiest Festival in the area.

Website: http://www.sarasotafilmfestival.com/

5. Festival of the Moving Image (8th year)

Dates: Monday, April 1st- Sunday, April 5th

Location: Hillsborough Community College

The skinny: Curated by award-winning programmer David Audet, the Festival remains true to his artistic vision and delights in challenging its audience. This year's theme: 'Humor + Satire'. Audet blends film with other visual art forms in this unique brew. The Festival is a frequent winner of CL's 'Best Local Film Series' award.

Website: http://www.yborfilmfestival.com/

6. Sunscreen Film Festival (4th year)

Dates: Wed. April 29th- Sunday, May 3rd

Locations: Muvico Baywalk 20 + Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club

The skinny: Launched by filmmakers Derrick Miner and Tony Armer, Sunscreen has grown steadily over the years — morphing into a full-time organization. Produced a major coup on the star front last year by landing John Travolta + Kelly Preston. Picks the best of local while adding eclectic films from around the country. Strong educational panels.

Website: http://www.sunscreenfilmfestival.com/

7.  Motion Film Festival (1st year)

Dates: Friday, May 1st- Saturday, May 2nd

Location: TBD

The skinny: The newbie in the Bay area. Festival's mission statement puts the focus on "short films of less than 25 minutes from around the country." Unfortunate choice to begin during more established Sunscreen Film Festival; Organizers should consider a switch of dates.

Website: http://www.motion813.com/