PREEN & CHIC: The big screen!

When my editor handed me the opportunity to attend one of the first parties of this year's Sarasota Film Festival, I had to say YES. Over the past 15 years, the annual celebration of film is one of the most sought-after arts events in town. Mark Famiglio, President of the Board of Directors, and an amazing staff continue to ensure that the festival gets the recognition and reputation it so deserves---all while putting on plenty of fabulous parties for locals, international visitors and invited celebrities to enjoy.

Read on to find out what it was like to be PREEN & CHIC at the kick-off ...Soon after arriving at the glorious surroundings of our beloved Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, I already know this will be a fun-filled evening. As I walk down the pathway that leads to the party, ladies serving cocktails greet each guest in attendance ... my kind of party! Sure, I enjoy a cold beverage as much as everyone else does, but the detail does not go unnoticed; from previous experience it is a good sign for a great time. I join a sea of fashionably-dressed filmmakers, media members and their guests chatting (and hopefully exchanging hot festival tips) as I step into the main event. My friend Adam Schiffman and I quickly join in and mingle, with the Sarasota Bay lending itself as the beautiful backdrop to this outdoor event. We are lucky to have this natural cinematic experience every day.I first encounter KT Curran (Director of The Source Productions). KT and I have worked in multiple projects together, and I am excited to learn that her short film Boost is an Official Selection for this year's festival. Her contagious smile never ceases during our conversation for all the right reasons. KT's award-winning work in our community brings controversial, youth-oriented topics to the main stage, and The Source Productions was the main focus for Planned Parenthood's annual gala.

My conversation gets (quite pleasantly) interrupted by the multiple bites being passed around. Having Libby's Cafe + Bar as the culinary sponsor makes for one delicious party! I go over to speak with Joe Seidensticker, co-owner of Libby's, as I know he's excited to open up his family's new restaurant, Louies Modern, along with the first catering ballroom in downtown Sarasota. Soon after, I speak with Jennie Famiglio about her husband's hard work on this festival and our mutual excitement for the many films and amazing events occurring from April 5 through April 14. Her two daughters always by her side remind me about the youthFEST during this year's festival, with an array of kid-friendly films to be screened throughout, all free for kids 12 and under.Mark Famiglio and festival staff members announce to attendees that this year the festival will show 233 films from 30 countries, and will bring in over 100 international artists to Sarasota. They also highlight Blackfish, a provocative documentary and conversation-starter, as this year's Opening Film, presented at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on April 5 at 7 p.m.; and Noah Baumbach’s Frances Ha, to screen as the Closing Night Film on April 13 at the Sarasota Opera House.

After the announcements I get to meet Ashley Bonn and Allison Morton, a pair of Ringling College students who directed Lay Me in the River. The young directors tell me their short film is part of Shorts 7: SRQ Shorts (a showcase of films by Sarasota film makers). Their film tells the story of a small Southern town with heavy religious faith, seen through the eyes of the young preacher's daughter.

Others in attendance were: Jane Bennett, founder and owner of Be Creative Studios; Eri Vincent, SFF Marketing Assistant and national makeup artist, with her husband Mitch; Michael Kremple, owner and stylist of Michael Urban Hair Studio, with his boyfriend Paul Marville; interior and furniture design firm owner Christopher Roy McConnell, designer of Why Not Bespoke; Roz Goldberg, President of the Israel Film Festival presented by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, opening March 17; independent filmmaker and TWIS contributor Anthony Paull; and Nadja Koch from SRQ Media Group.

To see the amazing line-up of films, plus the fun events and activities occuring April 5 through 14 during the 15th annual Sarasota Film Festival, please visit sarasotafilmfestival.com.