The Blair Witch Project (1999): A Horror Classic Returns to the Big Screen

Runtime: 1 hour 21 minutes
Rated: R
Genres: Horror, Mystery

Head into the woods for a screening of The Blair Witch Project, the groundbreaking found-footage horror film that changed the genre forever!

Back in 1993, filmmakers Dan Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, a student at the University of Central Florida, came up with the legend of the Blair Witch and a chilling story about three film students who disappear while exploring the woods in search of evidence of the mysterious witch. Inspired by the idea that paranormal documentaries could be even scarier than traditional horror movies, they developed a short screenplay designed to leave plenty of room for improvised dialogue.

The three actors cast for the film soon discovered that they'd be shooting most of the footage themselves using handheld cameras. Each day, they received clues about their scenes without knowing what their fellow cast members were planning. The result? A week in the woods that pushed the boundaries of filmmaking and blurred the line between fiction and reality.

After years of preparation and eight months of editing, Myrick and Sánchez submitted their final cut to the Sundance Film Festival, hoping the movie might eventually find its way to cable TV. Instead, The Blair Witch Project became a massive success, earning nearly $250 million worldwide and cementing its place as one of the most profitable independent films ever made.

Tampa Theatre was proud to debut the film in 1999 and even hosted a special discussion with the filmmakers. Now, as the historic theatre celebrates its 100th year, this influential horror classic returns to the big screen - ready to spark conversations and send another audience deep into the woods.

🎬 Screening Details

• Seating: Open seating; no advance seat selection required

• Part of: A Nightmare on Franklin Street - Tampa Theatre's 2026 horror film series

Love found-footage horror or want to experience this iconic thriller on the big screen? Don't miss the chance to revisit the film that made audiences question what might be lurking in the woods.

Check out the full 2026 A Nightmare on Franklin Street lineup for more spooky screenings!