Sarasota Film Festival announces films

Sarasota Film Festival executives announced the 2014 films tonight at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Sarasota Film Festival takes place from April 4 through April 13. You can pick up a copy of the film guide in this week's edition of The Observer.

In addition to the opening and closing night films, two centerpiece films and seven spotlight films, there are more than 101 additional films and 15 shorts programs. There’s also film series from Sarasota Film Festival partnerships: Through Women’s Eyes, Legacy of Valor, The Jewish Federation and Florida On Film. Along with the film screenings, SFF has an educational program that gives students the opportunity to see and review films, and even produce their own. There’s also screenings specifically for children youthFEST.

Here are some of the festival’s highlights:

Opening Night Film:
“Last Days in Vietnam”
When: 6 p.m. Friday, April 4
Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
Cost: Tickets $25 to $55
Call: 366-6200
Directed by Rory Kennedy this documentary of the final weeks of Vietnam contains 1975 footage from Saigon and contemporary interviews with those who were there. Watch the trailer below: 

Closing Night Film:
“The One I Love”
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
Cost: $25 to $55
Info: Call 366-6200
This is Charlie McDowell’s directorial debut film. The romantic comedy with sci-fi elements features Elisabeth Moss and Ted Danson as a couple in therapy trying to figure out their relationship. Here’s a scene from the film:

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Centerpiece films:

“God’s Pocket”
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 11.
Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
It’s Philip Seymour Hoffman’s final film co-written and directed by John Slattery (Mad Men). It’s about a working-class community in Philadelphia. Outsider Mickey Scarpato (Hoffman) and his family faces dealing with the “accident” of his crazy stepson.
Here’s a Vanity Fair interview with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Christina Hendricks on God’s Pocket:

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“Ivory Tower”
When: 5:45 p.m. Thursday, April 10
Where: Regal Cinemas Hollywood 20
This documentary directed by Andrew Rossi examines the rising cost of college tuition and questions the cost of higher education. Is the rising cost of college tuition sustainable?
Here’s a trailer from the film:

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Spotlight Films:
Dom Hemingway
Frank
The Great Invisible
The Last of Robin Hood
Obvious Child
Road to Paloma
Words and Pictures

Events worth mentioning:
Opening Night Party
The Opening Night Film and Party is a red-carpet event with filmmakers and actors; music, cocktails and appetizers.
When: 9 p.m. Friday, April 4
Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
Cost: Tickets $95 to $150.
Info: Call 366-6200.

Cinema Tropicale
This celebration of the festival takes place on the final Friday. It features filmmakers and actors; a high end fashion show, music, cocktails and appetizers.
When: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, April 11
Where: Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd.
Cost: $150
Call: 366-6200

The Sarasota Film Festival box office opens at 11 a.m. March 14 and is located in the lobby at Regal Hollywood 20 Theater, 1993 Main St., Sarasota.

Box office hours: 

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Fri March 14 to March 30 / Noon to 5 p.m. Sat-Sun
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily March 31 to April 4
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily April 5 to April 13