- November 24, 2024
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The time is upon us — kicking off this Friday, the Sarasota Film Festival is back. We know the schedule of events can be a bit overwhelming, so we put together a guide to the best films, parties, events and other goings on this year.
EVENTS:
+ Opening Night Film — takes place at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, at the Sarasota Opera House. $24 to $60. Cocktail attire.
The festival's opening night films are typically thought-provoking, and this year is no exception. Especially relevant to Sarasota, this year's festival kicks off with Oren Moverman's "Time Out of Mind," starring Richard Gere as a homeless man in New York, struggling to find stability and restore his relationship with his estranged daughter.
+ Opening Night Party — takes place at 9 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House. Red carpet before the film at 5:30 p.m. $100 ($80 for members) $150 for VIP ($120 for members). Cocktail attire.
Enjoy live music by the Hip Nauticals and DJ Imminent, as well as complimentary hors d'oeuvres by The Francis and free festival themed cocktails, with cash purchases also available.
+ TriForce Pictures Film Festival Soirée — takes place at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at Darwin's on 4th. Free.
Simply RSVP on Facebook to secure your place on the guest list.
Event includes live DJ music, a light show and Darwin's regular menu and drink offerings.
+ Cinema Tropicale — takes place at 9 p.m. Friday, April 17, at Michael's On East. $150 ($120 for members) $300 for VIP ($240 for members). Carribean cocktail attire.
Normally held at the Sarasota Yacht Club, this popular event has a new home this year at Michael's On East. Sip cocktails and enjoy food from Michael's On East while models strut the runway wo music by DJ Mondo, Gypsy Band Coq Au vin, Funktastic Soul and Stolen Fruit.
+ 1137 Unwrap Party — takes place at 11:37 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Starlite Room, 1001 Cocoanut Ave. $45. Hollywood chic attire.
Known for its surprise guests, this party offers limited tickets, which include limited free cocktails, as well as cash bar and appetizer options.
MUST-SEE MOVIES:
Directed by James Ponsoldt, this film stars Jason Segel and Jesse Eisenberg as "Infinite Jest" author David Foster Wallace and Rolling Stone writer David Lipsky, respectively. Lipsky joins Wallace's on his book tour for an in-depth profile story.
+ Cartel Land — takes place at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, April 16 at Hollywood 20 and at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at Hollywood 20. $20 ($18 for members)
Normally shrouded in mystery, the film's access reveals the stories of two vigilante movements, on either side of the border, working against the cartels, which have long lived above the law.
+ Finders Keepers — takes place at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at Hollywood 20. $20 ($18 for members)
Perhaps the most bizarre film in this year's lineup, "Finders Keepers" is a documentary that follows John Wood, an amputee seeking possession of his amputated leg from Shannon Whisnant, a man who found the leg in a used auction grill and hopes to take advantage of the surrounding hype.
+ Bloodsucking Bastards — takes place at 10
Who can't relate to a film about the soul-killing nature of work?
As the name implies, this film uses vampires as a metaphor for the drain of corporate life. Protagonist Evan fights to put an end to the evil changes ravaging his coworkers before it's too late.
+ Paradise, Fl — takes place at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Sarasota Opera House and at 7:45
Filmed in Sarasota, this film tells the story of an oyster fisherman struggling to take care of his friend's children after their mother's suicide attempt.
Addiction and other complications play into the mix in this tale of self discovery, shot with six Asolo Conservatory actors and a group of Ringling grads.
