Sarasota Film Festival

OPENING NIGHT FILM & GALA

Friday, March 27 – Film 7:00pm / Gala 9:00pm
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Price: Film $20 / Gala $100
Attire: Cocktail

Let’s get the party started – it’s Opening Night! The 2009 Sarasota Film Festival lays the red carpet out for its first arrivals at Sarasota’s most distinctive of venues, the exquisite Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Don’t miss the first film screening of the Festival or the opportunity to mingle with the cast and other luminaries at the Opening Night Gala. Share and enjoy a magical evening filled with music, cocktails and fabulous hors d’oeuvres catered by Michael’s on East, while Sarasota Bay provides the stunning backdrop for dancing under the stars and other spectacular surprises.
youthFEST HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS
STUDENT CINEMA SHOWCASE

Sunday, March 29 – 5:00pm - 8:30pm**
Films, Performances, Awards, and more!
Whole Foods Market
1451 1st St, Sarasota
Price: Adults - $10; Students - $5
(Minors must be accompanied by an adult.)
Attire: Party

A celebration of the start of the 11th Annual Sarasota Film Festival starring community students, this is a classic night complete with screenings, red carpet award ceremonies, in-the-spotlight paparazzi photography, hor’devours, and glamorous entertainment! The night kicks-off with screenings of the selections for the Young Filmmakers Showcase, Kids Reel Life Studio, Reel Life Studio: SARASOTA, and Kids Jury Best Family Short Film, followed by Youth Screenwriters Circle performances, awards ceremonies, and an unbeatable party! Don't miss the glitz and glamour of the Sarasota Film Festival's first annual all-inclusive young filmmaker celebration!
**Please be advised that the PG rated program will run from 5:00pm - 6:00pm while the PG-13 rated program will run from 7:00pm - 8:30pm
WORLD CINEMA CELEBRATION

Wednesday, April 1 – 8:00pm to 11:00pm
Island Park by the Bayfront
1 Marina Plaza, Bayfront Drive, Sarasota
Price: $50
Attire: Smart Casual

Join the Sarasota Film Festival down by the bay this year for a breezy Caribbean-inspired evening. Soak up the swaying palm trees and gentle ocean air while sampling the taste of tropical-style cuisine. Enjoy the festivities and lively party atmosphere as you kick back, relax and mingle – or you can cha-cha and mambo the night away! Don’t miss this much-anticipated event!
LUNCHEON UNDER THE BANYANS

Friday, April 3 – 12:00 Noon
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
811 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota
Price: $100 (Reserved Seating)
Attire: Luncheon Chic

The lush, tropical beauty of the idyllic Marie Selby Botanical Gardens sets the stage for the Sarasota Film Festival to showcase the life and work of our selected honorees. Enjoy an exquisite lunch paired with excellent wines at this bayfront oasis – making it a perfect day and a perfect way to pay homage to the most distinguished artists of this day and age.
NIGHT OF A THOUSAND STARS

Friday, April 3 – 9:30pm
Michael’s on East
1212 East Avenue South, Sarasota
Price: $100
Attire: Cocktail / Disco

When the lights go down in the Michael’s on East ballroom, the disco ball goes up! Join the Sarasota Film Festival for a star-studded evening at this favorite high-energy festival event. Dance, disco, dine and mingle with the stars and filmmakers and help celebrate the Festival’s cinematic delights. With several open bars featuring classic Michael’s cocktails and delicious fare – better grab your dancing shoes and be prepared for a fantastic night!
FILMMAKER'S TRIBUTE

Saturday, April 4 - Doors open at 6pm / Curtain at 7pm
Sarasota Opera House
61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota
Price: Starting at $35 to $225 VIP
Attire: Cocktail / Night at the Theatre

Each year, the Sarasota Film Festival honors cinema’s greatest stars at The Filmmaker’s Tribute Event, the centerpiece of our annual Festival. This year, The Sarasota Opera House plays host as we hand out the awards to our winning filmmakers, celebrate the work of Luke Wilson (2009 Humanitarian Award for Environmental Work) before, as the evening’s centerpiece, we honor the life of the great Hal Ashby, one of the Hollywood’s most gifted directors. The evening features a cocktail party for our special guests, followed by an evening of entertainment, film and conversation that is not to be missed.
LATE NIGHT WRAP PARTY

Saturday, April 4 – 11:37pm
Ceviche
1216 First Street, Sarasota
Price: $75 / $125 VIP
Attire: Cocktail

Keep the energy going strong for one last party at the Sarasota Film Festival! After an evening of filmmaker tributes and awards, celebrate another successful year of one of Florida’s – and the nation’s – premier film festivals. Join the stars one last time to enjoy tasty tapas, cocktails and dancing into the night. Make the most out of your festival experience with this exclusive end event – for lasting memories until next year!