Editor

There is magic in the air! The 10th Anniversary of the Sarasota Film Festival is upon us and it promises to be one of the best years yet! Take a leap to the West Coast of Florida April 4th – April 13nd, 2008 and dive into the films, symposiums and of course, the parties. SFF draws filmmakers and celebrities from near and far. Familiar faces who have walked the red carpet include Robert Altman, William H. Macy, Felicity Huffman, Norman Jewison, Werner Herzog, Marcia Gay Harden, Joe Pantoliano Billy Crystal, Sydney Pollack, Gena Rowlands, Richard Dreyfuss, Chevy Chase, Woody Harrelson, Kevin Bacon, Paula Wagner, Gene Simmons, Jon Voight, Alan Alda, Patrick Stewart, Michael Stipe, Tom Selleck, Christian Slater, Jon Favreau, Danny Aiello, Rod Steiger, Brook Shields, Jill Clayburgh, Michael York, and Shirley Jones, as well as such musical guests as Brazilian Girls, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, the B’52s, Tom Scott, David Johansson and Of Montreal. The upcoming Anniversary is sure to attract even more captivating guests.

10 Days Celebrating the Best in Independent Film
Over 160 Independent Features, Studio Films, Shorts, Documentaries and Student Films
Some of the highlights include…

4.4 Fri. Opening Night Film and Gala: Following the screening of our Opening Night Film, the historic
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art will be transformed into a whimsical wonderland.
Cutting-edge performance troupe CIRC X will dazzle from platforms within the crowd, granting
you unrestricted access to the artists’ exotic performances. Jmcproductions will continue the
night’s interactive theme with revolutionary video DJing, while Latin band Lotus Fire entertains
the crowd with electro-acoustic styling. Enjoy a decadent array of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and
cocktails. Sarasota has never seen a night like this!

4.5 Sat. The Reel Experience at Lake Club: SFF invites you to an intimate poolside cocktail party held
at the lavish Lake Club Grande Clubhouse in Lakewood Ranch. Delicious cocktail in hand,
recline on Jason Champion’s innovative outdoor furniture while enjoying upscale entertainment
provided by DJ Plush. The classy act Lounge Cats will transport you to the Rat Pack era and
Michael’s On East will dazzle your taste buds with its signature cuisine. The night will provide a
haven of relaxation in a chic atmosphere, offering soothing sounds, and scintillating company.

KidsFest Big Night Out: An evening of FREE fun for kids of any age (or even the young at
heart.) Featuring a variety of activities including live music, games and food, the evening will
culminate with an outdoor, interactive family film in Payne Park.

4.9 Wed. World Cinema Celebration: The World Cinema Celebration takes over downtown with an
international feast that delights the palate and dazzling performances that cross cultural
boundaries! Sarasota’s best eclectic restaurants present their finest international fare at this
bustling street festival. Eastern European folk-punk band Golem Israel, lauded by The New
Yorker for its “wild edgy approach with a reverance for Old World tradition,” headlines the
procession of African drummers, Pong Lai Lion dancers, mariachis, hula-hoopers, and fire
blowers.


Luncheon Under the Banyans: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens provides the lush tropical
setting where SFF presents an exclusive lunch menu and wine selection for this elegant, fresh-air
afternoon. In this bayfront oasis, applaud SFF honorees while enjoying the Florida sunshine!

4.10 Thur. Center Stage Live: MelEcho Productions and the Sarasota Film Festival team up to bring
guests one of the most vibrant parties of the season. Saxophone phenomenon Eric Darius, R & B
band Bus Stop, Latin band Lotus Fire, jazz and R & B artist Ywada Pitts and Lady DJ will keep
the crowd dancing with a mix of soulful jazz, neo-soul, and Flamenco music. Of course, do not
forget the food: delectable hors d’oeuvres will be served as well.

Hyatt Event: Watch the breath-taking Siesta Key sunset in style at this sand-between-your-toes
event! Check your business shoes with the footwear valet, slip on the complimentary pair of
comfortable flip flops, sip a refreshing cocktail, enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and remember why
Florida is paradise on earth. As you watch the sun set, roast marshmallows to gooey perfection
over the open fire pit. “Camp” in style in this pitch-perfect Sunshine State event!

4.11 Fri. Night of A Thousand Stars: The Sarasota Film Festival dabbles in the black arts this star filled
night. Michael’s on East dims the lights in its expansive ballroom as glow-in-the-dark performers
take center stage. Rub elbows with Fest celebrities as hot New York DJ Johnny Stuart spins and
Freight Train Annie belts out the tunes. Black magic has never been so fun!

4.12 Sat. Closing Night Film: This final screening of the Festival showcases one of the highlights from our Festival program.

10th Anniversary Ball: The Filmmaker’s Tribute Dinner has transformed into the new and
imaginative 10th Anniversary Ball! Guests will walk through a magical crystal ball into our
beautiful anniversary tent. Swing musicians Big Z Band will make it impossible to sit down, so
bring your dancing shoes. Enjoy a refreshing drink at the Cocktail Reception on the breath-
taking grounds. A delicious and impeccable four-course dinner will follow drinks, and a multi-
media presentation in honor of our distinguished honorees will be shown. Expect an inventive
and informative retrospective of 10 Years of Magic at the Sarasota Film Festival.

Late Night Wrap Party: As the curtain goes down on the 10th Anniversary Ball, the fun is just
beginning at the Late Night Wrap Party. Guests let down their hair and untuck their shirts for this
hot dance party. New York DJ Johnny Stuart keeps the party hopping with music that will keep
you dancing late into the night. The Longboat Key Club and Resort’s talented chefs provide
mouth-watering food and tasty cocktails to keep the energy up!

The Sarasota Film Festival offers many opportunities to interact with visiting filmmakers and industry guests during the run of the festival. This includes “In Conversation With…” At The Historic Asolo Theater, America’s only 18th century European theater, you can get up close and personal with our most exceptional guests in the luxurious Historic Asolo Theater for a profound discussion about their current and previous work. The SFF Filmmaker Panels is a series of moderated discussions exploring the work of our attending filmmakers and of the art of film in general. Each with a different theme discussed by panel of expert guests.

On the heals of generous grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2007, the 10th Annual Sarasota Film Festival's Outreach and Education Program continues to reach children of all ages with inspiring messages, stories from around the world and opportunities to stimulate learning. KidsFest features film selections from countries worldwide. Parents are encouraged to make the most of this rare opportunity and see these exceptional films with their children and then meet the extraordinary filmmakers dedicated to creating great films that challenge us at any age to envision a better world.

The Kids Jury: SFF helps inform young cineastes how to properly study works of film and has them participate in discussions and interviews, introduce films, and present the Kids Jury award for “Best Short Family Film.” Filmmakers in the Classroom: Visiting filmmakers travel to area high school and college classrooms to talk with students about the entertainment industry. Kids Trip: Each weekday morning, students visit the Festival to view short films and interact with visiting filmmakers. Young Filmmakers Showcase: A short film program featuring exceptional works by students in grades 8-12. College scholarships are awarded to the top young filmmakers. The Youth Screenwriting Program teaches academically at-risk students to express their personal stories by learning the craft of writing a short screenplay.

Community Partnerships: The Sarasota Film Festival continues to develop relationships with institutions that reach all facets of the community. Specific year round programs target independent and student filmmakers, at-risk and underserved youth, arts organizations in a variety of disciplines and social service agencies.

Beyond these 10 days of film and festivities, the Sarasota Film Festival is definitely a year-round organization. The most prominent of SFF’s yearly activities is Moonlight Movies, a series of free outdoor film screening. Introduced in 2007 to our yearly activities, SFF has partnered with the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art to present Monday Night Movies, a series of film screenings at the newly restored Historic Asolo Theatre. Other off-season Festival events include the outdoor live presentations of the annual Academy Awards and events to honor visiting stars such as Gena Rowlands, Tom Selleck and Kevin Bacon. As well as The Screen Writers’ Circle, an open monthly group for writers of every level wanting to network with others and expand upon their craft.