Film, Film, Everywhere Film

[Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist]

If you’re a film buff like I am, you’re going to be in heaven for the next twelve days. Beginning today with the Sarasota Fringe Festival and culminating with the ten-day Sarasota Film Festival, which also runs in part simultaneously with the Fringe beginning on Friday, it’s going to be films and parties galore, and you rarely have to leave the block. I suggest, however, that you venture off course to the Sarasota Fairgrounds on Sunday for more than a bite to eat at the Sarasota Chili Cook-off. Elise Lipoff has been working hard to make this first-time event a reality.

Make sure to go out and support local filmmaker Patrick Nagle’s efforts with the Fringe. You may recognize your doctor in his film. His documentary Idol Fever features local doctors by day who thrive on playing music by night. So it’s only befitting that Dr. Feelgood is the opening night band, along with Twinkle. But that isn’t the only music you’ll hear at the Fringe. Bands are playing all night every night – and I mean all night. On Saturday (or rather Sunday), there’s music and films playing until 6.a.m. I definitely see some dancing in my future. Parts of Sarasota Main Plaza has been transformed into a theater and party venue for the five day festival. Make sure and check out Lori Frary’s art gallery (established just for the occasion) while you’re there.

Friday is the long-awaited (for me anyway) opening of the Twelfth Annual Sarasota Film Festival. Every year, I start looking forward to it on the day the last festival ends. I will be forever grateful to founder Dr. John Welch for siring what in my mind is the best Sarasota has to offer. This year’s opening night film The Extra Man features Kevin Kline in the flesh. He’s been a favorite since starring in one of my all-time favorite movies, The Big Chill. There will also be an “In Conversation” with Kevin Kline. Both events are sold out, but word has it that rush tickets will be available. I can’t believe I have to wait until tomorrow to see if my press packet includes my requested tickets. Even if you don’t see the film, you might just catch a glimpse of Kevin at Opening Night’s Dessert Soiree or Late Night Party.

Tom Hall and Holly Herrick know how to pick out films, so there will be sure to be some really great films in the ten day line-up of the Sarasota Film Festival. Kim watched the screener for The Hooping Life last night (a documentary about the hula hoop phenomenon) and loved it. Hearing fiImmakers answer questions after their films is one of the best experiences of the festival so make sure to take advantage of it. If I get the memo of which filmmakers will be available, I’ll let you know.

But the Sarasota Film Festival isn’t just about film. (A girl’s got to come out of the dark theater at some point.) Traditionally, the events are some of the best of the year. The venues and concepts for several of the parties have been changed or disappeared altogether. It seems that only the notorious Night of a Thousand Stars remains the same. But I’m still expecting a good time – after all, it’s one of the things the festival is known for doing. I’m really looking forward to next Wednesday’s Cinema Tropicale Celebration at the Sarasota Yacht Club. And the breaking news is that legendary rocker Patti Smith will be performing at the Late Night After Party.

Another great treat and once in a lifetime opportunity is the “In Conversation” series. In addition to Kevin Kline, this year you have the chance to hear unscripted conversations with Patricia Clarkson, Vincent D’Onofrio and Don Hahn. This year’s Filmmaker Tribute recognizes John Landis.

I’m definitely going to be trotting back and forth between the Fringe at Main Plaza and the Sarasota Film Festival at the Hollywood 20 over the week-end. And of course, it wouldn’t be Film Fest time without stops at the block’s restaurants, especially the Main Street Oyster Bar (formerly Zoria) who remains a host of the Film Fest in my heart.

If you really must work, combine your work with play at the Sarasota’s Chamber of Commerce Hob Knob this Thursday night. But whatever you do, don't miss the opportunity to see films and meet some of the filmmakers over the next twelve days. Just be sure and save me a seat!