Film Fest Blog: Survival 101

I’m Mallory Gnaegy, the Longboat Observer’s Community Editor. I am a loud-talking, fun-loving Midwest gal who enjoys friendly competition, black coffee, singing in the shower and watching baseball (Go Cards!). I have a sidekick named Cash (Johnny Trouble Cash, to be specific) a chocolate-colored rescued mutt who is a close-talker, loves to eat shoes and kiss strangers. We are a cultured pair and love indie films, talented musicians and artists and eating lots and lots of local food. I had to stop taking Cash places after the belly-rub incident — he had one too many. But I’ll still be around town checking out all the local scenes.

The Sarasota Film Festival features more than 200 films during a 10-day stretch. I decided the easiest way to tackle this festie feat would be to see 20 films every day. That’s doable, right?

I sat down and read the brochure, circling the films I wanted to see — at one point I selected every film on a page. I need help.

For fear of being completely overwhelmed, I talked to some well-seasoned SFF goers after the opening-night film to get some advice.

Here’s what they have to say:

Debra Clark and Barbara Pugliese go to the festival every year. They are planning to see “Alps” and are attending two conversations. They suggest buying tickets early, get to the theater early enough to get good seats and to think outside of the box.

Becky Pomponio says, “Read up!” She has attended SFF the past four years and is seeing 11 films this go-around. Pomponio is looking forward to “Ethel” and “The Queen of Versailles.” She suggests reading information given by the film festival because it helps you pick some winning films.

Joshua Little is a local screenwriter who will be airing his short, “Text Message,” Thursday, April 19 and Sunday, April 22 in Shorts 9. He gave me some great advice: “Broaden your horizons, and see something you thought you would never see before.”

Local film producer, Jamal M. Badra, was standing nearby. He gave the best advice of all: “Enjoy the festival!”

Check YourObserver.com this week for more blogs about the Sarasota Film Festival.

Contact Mallory Gnaegy at [email protected].