SARASOTA, Fla. — The red carpet is rolling out as the Sarasota Film Festival kicks off tonight. For the next nine days, local and student filmmakers will get the chance to meet up with professionals and established talent in the film industry.
Organizers said for many independent filmmakers, the festival is an opportunity to get their work in front of key players, philanthropists, and investors and possibly onto the big screen.
"This year we have a grouping of Ringling College Film School students who have done some amazing work," Mark Famiglio, CEO and founder of the Sarasota Film Festival, said.
Among the works showcasing at the 26th annual Sarasota Film Festival are 64 feature films and 81 documentaries, including narrative shorts.
"It's taking a space in the film festival roster internationally that it has been very significant for the city of Sarasota, the entire West Coast region. The state of Florida has recognized us as well," Famiglio said.
The festival opens with the East Coast Premiere of Lynn Dow's "Bull Street" which stars Tinsel Town veteran Loretta Devine and Academy Award nominee Amy Madigan. Bull Street tells the story of a multi-generational South Carolina household facing eviction.
"It's focused on the determination of heirs and it really has a lot of love and family. It's layered very deep with a storyline that can.. that is very good for everyone," Wendy Tucker Tannock, the executive producer of Bull Street, said.
Tannock says the festival gives the community insight into the artistry, talent and work that goes into bringing projects to light.
"From their history, what they've given back to the community with the specialized films that so many people, especially independent companies make, and it's great to get it out there into the public," Tannock said.
On Monday, the festival will host the world premiere screening of "Into The Spotlight: The Jake Ilardi Story."
That film is a documentary made by and about Osprey native Jake Ilardi who is an Olympic skateboard athlete.
Festival goers can also get a chance to see the showcasing of all five live-action short films nominated in this year's Academy Awards.
"They are all noteworthy and we're so happy to have them, you have no idea. You've really got to see them. They are really amazing and well worth sitting through. You are going to love them," Famiglio said.
The festival begins at 6 p.m. Friday with showings at the Regal Cinema on Main Street and at CineBistro in the Siesta Key Mall on U.S. 41 in Sarasota.