Sarasota Film Critics Considered Savvy

The Film Forecast focus group which was held in Sarasota on Saturday has also been held in a few other select cities. And Sarasota made its mark! After our evaluations were read, Sarasota’s film critics for a day were proclaimed as some of the best! That certainly was music to my ears, especially since I had spent the day questioning my abilities. In spite of my lack of confidence as an official first-time film critic, spending a day in the Historic Asolo Theater watching films, writing anonymous evaluations, and discussing the film with the filmmakers themselves is a day any film enthusiast couldn’t help but love.

Moderated by Fred Linch, a renowned film critic and lecturer, we were told to consider ourselves as “part of the industry” with the potential to change the course of the movies we saw. The filmmakers weren’t interested in evaluation forms which were simply checked; they wanted our thoughts. Thoughts that I won’t be allowed to share here since the first order of the day was to sign a confidentiality agreement. Sounds official, doesn’t it?

The first movie we saw was “Adopt a Sailor”, produced by Kim Waltrip who also produced the evening’s premiere of “Expecting Mary”. Kim was on hand for our discussion. Next on the agenda was a short film “The Fifth World” represented by writer/director Jeremy Culver. Actress Charlene Chlosshey was also present and served as the Official Spokesperson and Managing Director for the day’s events. The last film was one of those films that’s difficult to watch but needs to be watched “Tapestries of Hope” – a documentary about men in Zimbabwe seeking to cure AIDS by molesting young girls. Filmmaker Michaelene Cristini Risely, who was imprisoned during the filming, spoke with our rather stunned group by phone.

Craig Prater, who also happens to be the former Executive Director of both the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Bangkok International Film Festival and a close of alliance of the late Sonny Bono, was pivotal in making the day’s events a success in his role as Executive Director. Hopefully, our community will be seeing more of Craig. Thanks to Jennifer Chlossey, President/CEO of Touching Tomorrow, for adding yet another opportunity for film-lovers to our community. And especially for recognizing Dr. John Welch, founder of the Sarasota Film Festival, at the evening’s premiere with the Florida Film Legend award. It’s always good to see recognition finally given where recognition is due.

Word has it that the success of The Film Forecast focus group may lead to more groups being planned in Sarasota. One can only hope!

*To read more about the weekend's film events, read my post "A Producer to Admire, A Day to Remember".

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