Sarasota Film Festival Announces Stellar Lineup for 27th Annual Edition
The Sarasota Film Festival (SFF) is back for its 27th year, and cinephiles are in for a treat! Running from April 4 through April 13, 2025, the festival is set to showcase an impressive lineup of 37 feature films, including four world premieres and ten Florida premieres, along with 41 short films. With a mix of powerful storytelling, star-studded events, and a celebration of the best in independent and mainstream cinema, SFF is solidifying itself as a must-attend event for filmmakers and film lovers alike.
A Grand Opening with MARCELLA
The festival kicks off on April 4 with the much-anticipated film MARCELLA, directed by Peter Miller. The film explores the legacy of Marcella Hazan, a woman who transformed the way Americans experience and cook Italian food. Her story is one of passion, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to Italian tradition. Given that Hazan spent her later years in Longboat Key, this screening is sure to be a special one for Sarasota audiences. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear directly from Victor Hazan and Giuliano Hazan, who will be present alongside director Peter Miller for a post-screening discussion.
Closing Night with LOVERS and a Special Performance
On April 13, the festival concludes with the Florida premiere of LOVERS, directed by Taylor McFadden. The poignant drama follows two women returning to their hometown for the funeral of a friend who tragically took his own life. Their reconnection with their past, through a dive bar music venue, becomes a journey of healing and rediscovery. McFadden will be in attendance for a Q&A session, and as a special treat, executive producer and renowned singer-songwriter Nathaniel Rateliff will perform an exclusive acoustic set following the screening.
Spotlight on Television: GODFATHER OF HARLEM Season 4 Premiere
For television enthusiasts, SFF has something truly special—the world premiere of Season 4 of MGM+’s hit series GODFATHER OF HARLEM. Starring Forest Whitaker as the legendary Bumpy Johnson and Rome Flynn as gangster Frank Lucas, the new season promises to bring even more intensity and drama.
Creator Chris Brancato (known for his work on Narcos and Hotel Cocaine) will be honored with the Innovation in Television Award, while Rome Flynn will be recognized with the Rising Star Award on April 12. With Hollywood’s increased interest in Florida’s film industry, SFF’s recognition of industry leaders like Brancato and Flynn highlights the festival’s growing importance on the national stage.
Spotlight Films & Special Presentations
This year’s lineup includes an exciting mix of documentaries, biopics, comedies, and classic restorations. Some of the festival’s must-watch films include:
- ANXIETY CLUB (Florida Premiere) – A humorous yet insightful look at anxiety through the lens of comedians, featuring Sarasota’s own Tiffany Jenkins.
- BEING MARIA – A moving portrait of Maria Schneider, the French actress who rose to fame with Last Tango in Paris.
- BEYOND THE GAZE: JULE CAMPBELL’S SWIMSUIT ISSUE (Florida Premiere) – A documentary chronicling the rise of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, with supermodels Christie Brinkley, Cheryl Tiegs, and Roshumba Williams attending.
- LONG SHADOWS – A gripping Western revenge tale starring Dermot Mulroney and Jacqueline Bisset.
- ONE TO ONE: JOHN AND YOKO – An exploration of the transformative 18 months John Lennon and Yoko Ono spent in Greenwich Village in the early 1970s.
- THE SUMMER BOOK – Glenn Close stars in this touching adaptation of Tove Jansson’s novel about an intergenerational summer of change.
- THE WEDDING BANQUET – A heartwarming and hilarious LGBTQ+ romantic comedy.
- UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (4K Restoration) – A visually stunning classic starring Catherine Deneuve, considered one of the most beautiful and romantic films ever made.
A Growing Film Hub in Florida
Festival Chairman Mark Famiglio expressed his excitement about this year’s lineup, emphasizing Florida’s rising profile in the film industry. With new production incentives attracting Hollywood’s attention, Sarasota is becoming an emerging destination for filmmakers.
“We’re honored to welcome Rome Flynn, a rising star whose work spans multiple acclaimed television shows, and this year’s Innovation in Television Award recipient Chris Brancato to our vibrant community,” Famiglio said. “With more filmmakers setting their sights on Florida, it’s clear our state is becoming a destination for storytelling, innovation, and opportunity.”
SFF’s continued partnership with New College of Florida also reinforces the festival’s commitment to film education and fostering creative talent.
Get Ready for SFF 2025!
With its powerful lineup of films, special guests, world premieres, and industry recognitions, the 27th Sarasota Film Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of cinema. Whether you’re a longtime festival-goer or a first-time attendee, this year’s edition offers something for everyone—from groundbreaking indie films to classic cinematic gems.
Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the magic of film in Sarasota from April 4 to April 13, 2025.
🎟️ Tickets and schedule details will be available soon! Stay tuned for more updates.
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