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Lights, Camera, Sarasota: A Week of Cinematic Magic Unfolds at the Sarasota Film Festival

The 27th annual Sarasota Film Festival (SFF) is set to captivate audiences from April 4 to April 13, 2025, showcasing a diverse array of cinematic talent. This year’s festival boasts an impressive lineup of 37 feature films, including 4 world premieres and 10 Florida premieres, along with 41 short films.

The festival will open with “Marcella,” a documentary about renowned chef Marcella Hazan, who spent her final years on Longboat Key. The closing night will feature “Lovers,” directed by Taylor McFadden, exploring themes of friendship and music.

SFF continues to emphasize community engagement, offering accessible ticket prices and discount packages to ensure widespread participation. The festival aims to spark discussions and build community dialogue around important stories.

This year’s program includes a range of thought-provoking films, from documentaries on mental health and anxiety to explorations of iconic figures like John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The festival also highlights environmental themes and celebrates independent filmmaking.

As one of the largest regional film festivals globally, SFF remains committed to celebrating the art of filmmaking while contributing to the economic, educational, and cultural growth of the Sarasota community. With its diverse selection of films and events, the 2025 Sarasota Film Festival promises to be an enriching experience for cinephiles and casual moviegoers alike.

What are the standout films in the Sarasota Film Festival lineup?

The 2025 Sarasota Film Festival, running from April 4 to April 13, features several standout films in its impressive lineup:

  1. “Marcella” – The opening night film, directed by Peter Miller, explores the legacy of renowned chef Marcella Hazan.

  2. “Lovers” – The closing night feature, directed by Taylor McFadden, follows two women returning to their hometown for a friend’s funeral

  3. “Godfather of Harlem” Season 4 – The world premiere of the hit MGM+ series starring Forest Whitaker.

  4. “Anxiety Club” – A Florida premiere that humorously explores anxiety through comedians’ perspectives.

  5. “Being Maria” – A portrait of French actress Maria Schneider

  6. “Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue” – A documentary about the rise of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

  7. “Long Shadows” – A Western revenge tale starring Dermot Mulroney and Jacqueline Bisset.

  8. “One to One: John and Yoko” – An exploration of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s time in Greenwich Village

  9. “The Summer Book” – Starring Glenn Close, adapted from Tove Jansson’s novel

  10. “Umbrellas of Cherbourg” – A 4K restoration of the classic romantic film

The festival also includes several Sundance 2025 premieres and a selection of Oscar-nominated animated short films. With 37 feature films, including 4 world premieres and 10 Florida premieres, along with 41 short films, the 2025 Sarasota Film Festival offers a diverse and exciting lineup for cinephiles.

If You Go:

See full film descriptions here

Buy Tickets Here]

When? Film Festival begins April 4 – 13

Where? The Sarasota Film Festival films are screened at multiple locations, including the Regal Hollywood Theater in downtown Sarasota and CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key, with some events also taking place around the Ringling College of Art and Design campus. 

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Andrea Martone
Andrea Martone is a former Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Sarasota Observer Newspaper Group, as well as a former Editor-in-Chief of a Long Island (New York) newspaper chain. She moved to Sarasota 14 years ago after working as an executive in NYC in public relations and marketing. She currently is a Public relations & marketing consultant and President of Insightful PR. She lives and breathes all things art, culture, music food and wine and is proud to be the Executive Editor of Sarasota Events Calendar.
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