'Mistura' and 'The Librarians' win top jury prizes at Sarasota Film Festival

As the Sarasota Film Festival wrapped on April 13 after 10 days of diverse films in new venues, any bad vibes about misleading maps and political agendas seemed to recede like a Gulf of (fill in the blank) tide. 

Presiding over it all was an iconic pink flamingo mascot, which got a last-minute call to grace the cover of a reprinted festival program after the original image fanned flames of controversy with a reference to the 51st state and other jokes that didn't land.

Hey, that's showbiz! You never know when the understudy will go on.

The opening night of the 27th Sarasota Film Festival put attendees in a foodie frame of mind with "Marcella," about the famed Italian chef and author Marcella Hazan, who spent the last part of her life on Longboat Key.

The food theme carried over to the awards ceremony, where Ricardo de Montreuil's "Mistura" took this year's Narrative Feature Jury Prize. The film about a recently divorced woman carving out a new identity as a restaurateur also was cited by jury members for the "extraordinary" performance by lead actress Barbara Mori.

Kim A. Snyder's "Librarians" received the Documentary Feature Jury Prize. In an interview during the festival, Snyder said she found it ironic that the film about librarians under fire screened at New College, where gender diversity books were removed from library shelves in 2024 and ended up in a trash bin. 

The documentary began shooting in Texas but expanded to Florida to capture the tales of book banning and library employees facing criminal charges as they resist the removal of books.

Announcing the award, the SFF jury said in a statement, "In a moment of capitulation of universities, law firms, tech platforms, and newsrooms, these improbable first responders are defenders of democracy and the freedom to read."

The documentary feature jury also gave a special mention to Sasha Wortzel's "River of Grass." The eco-oriented doc weaves together the story of environmentalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas and present-day activist Betty Osceola of the Miccosukee Tribe as it tells the history of Everglades National Park and the threat of climate change.

Audience awards were given to Jessica Palud's "Being Maria" for Best Narrative and Miles Larsen's "The Light They Cast" for Best Documentary. "Being Maria" is based on actress Maria Schneider's harrowing experience on the set of "Last Tango in Paris," in which she co-starred with Marlon Brando. Festgoers were surprised to see Matt Dillon as Brando in the French production. 

"The Light They Cast" follows former prisoners in Florida as they try to make new lives for themselves.

"My Guardian Angel," directed by Booker High School student Nya Chambless, won the award for Best Narrative Short and "Tigers of the Sky," helmed by Edward Meir, was awarded Best Documentary Short.

During the festival, Chris Brancato ("Godfather of Harlem," "Hotel Cocaine") was honored with the Innovation in Television Award. "Godfather of Harlem" star Rome Flynn received the Rising Star Award while artist and filmmaker Harmony Korine was honored with the Trailblazer Award. Korine's experimental thriller "Baby Invasion" screened during the festival.

“I’m honored to help close out the 27th anniversary of the Sarasota Film Festival by celebrating the outstanding and diverse films showcased this year. Congratulations to our award winners and the incredibly talented filmmakers behind these works,” said Mark Famiglio, president and chairman of the board of the Sarasota Film Festival, in a statement.

He added: “At its heart, the Sarasota Film Festival exists for the community — to champion the right of individuals from all backgrounds to express themselves through cinema. Film is a powerful tool for sharing perspectives, ideas and beliefs, and we are proud to be part of that conversation. Thank you to all of our supporters and everyone who helps bring this festival to life each year.”

Taylor McFadden's "Lovers," about two women who return to their hometown for the funeral of a friend who died by suicide, was the closing night film of the SFF. They find solace and community at a local bar. The screening was followed by a performance by singer-songwriter Nathaniel Rateliff, the film's executive producer.