An Opening Night Gala
For over a decade, the Sarasota Film Festival has been making a splash on the worldwide festival scene, with a hand-picked program of some 160 independent, international and short films in competition.
In 2007, the Sarasota Film Festival Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature went to "Canvas," directed by Joseph Greco. "Circus Rosaire," directed by Robyn Bliley, received the award for Best Documentary Feature. In recent years, the festival has attracted filmmakers and actors such as mainstream Hollywood's Richard Dreyfuss, Alan Alda and Steve Buscemi, along with indie darlings William H. Macy and Todd Haynes.
The festival runs for 10 days each spring, typically in late March/early April at the Hollywood 20 theaters on Main Street, as well as at other locations throughout downtown Sarasota.
In recent years, admissions topped 50,000 for film screenings and related events.
A New Direction
Tom Hall, the full-time director of programming for the Sarasota Film Festival, told the online journal Film Festival Today, "I want SFF to become a showcase for engaging work. Jody Kielbasa, the Board of Directors and his staff have built an impressive, popular, nationally acclaimed event. I intend to pursue what I consider to be good work – stories that challenge the viewer, are engaging and inspire real feelings and critical reactions. Hopefully, we can make a few real discoveries along the way."
In addition to a variety of films, the festival gives film buffs a chance to attend seminars, receptions and a Filmmakers Tribute Dinner, where the hoi polloi can rub shoulders with industry insiders and garner knowledge of the processes involved in filmmaking.
Past speakers have included Sydney Pollack, who brought a reel of his prodigious works and his wry wit and warmth to an explanation of his directorial choices and lyrical style.
For Kids – And Kids at Heart
Almost since its inception, the Sarasota Film Festival has placed an emphasis on educating festival-goers, and this concept extends to children's programs as well. These programs bring innovative year-round events and activities to children, students and film lovers of all ages.
As the signature family event for the annual Sarasota Film Festival, KidsFest BigNight Out is an evening of free fun for kids of all ages. The evening, which features live music, games and food, will culminate with an interactive filmscreening.
Children who participate in the festival's new after-school program for at-risk youth will be invited to attend screenings and meet filmmakers.
For more information on the Sarasota Film Festival, visit www.sarasotafilmfestival.com or call 941-364-9514.
