Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist's Blog (229)

Those of you who saw Sarasota’s premiere of Expecting Mary will be pleased to know that the film won the Audience Award at the California Independent Film Festival last week. For those of you who didn’t see Sarasota’s premiere, let the award inspire you to see this very entertaining movie when it is released. Congratulations to Kim Waltrip, producer and member of WQ…

Much to my dismay, I wasn’t able to see all of the films at the Sarasota Film Festival, but I did see two or three films a day. Keeping in mind that there were plenty of good films that I wasn’t able to see, here are my top picks:…

The Colonel’s Bride had its first premiere at the Sarasota Film Festival. I spoke with the Nashville-based filmmakers, executive producer Jeff Williams, producers Brooke Bernard and Ryan Zacarias, and writer/director Brent Stewart. Their film tells a simple story about a retired military colonel who is down and out…

Whether in relationship or in life, strive to eliminate “I don’t care” from your vocabulary. Although it may not be the intention, when these words are uttered, the impact is often felt by the listener as “you don’t care about how I feel,” “you don’t care about what I think or want,” and ultimately “you don’t care about me.” Therefore, these words can be very hurtful…

Vivacious, funny, and svelte with personality plus, Patricia Clarkson engaged the audience at Sarasota Film Festival’s “In Conversation with Patricia Clarkson.” She conversed on stage with Elvis Mitchell, former NY Times film critic and host of the radio show The Treatment.…

Volcanic ash may have prevented Sarasota Film Festival’s guest of honor, renowned director John Landis, from attending the Filmmaker Tribute, but as they say, “The show must go on.” In spite of cancelled flights due to weather conditions, today’s technology enabled Landis to…

On a beautiful Sarasota evening, after walking the half-block from my office to the intimate setting of the Florida Studio Gompertz Theater, sitting only feet away from five brilliant actors reading Oren Moverman’s screenplay Queer, I couldn’t help but think, “I must be in heaven.” Directed and produced by Steve Buscemi who read the lead role, Buscemi was joined by Ben…

The whole time I was watching The New Year, I couldn’t stop thinking “This can’t be the same director I spoke with who made his film for only $8000.” But it was! Director, writer and producer Brett Haley indeed made this poignant, well-made film for next to nothing. Making the film in his hometown of Pensacola enabled Haley to do what he wouldn’t have been able to do in New…

Prior to screening the film The Hooping Life, I was totally unaware of the hooping phenomenon. It turns out the toy I used to play with growing up is changing lives. The documentary gives a look at one-time troubled youngsters who found a new path through the joy and art of hula hooping.…

Film buffs, filmmakers and party lovers galore came out in droves for the Sarasota Film Festival’s Cinema Tropicale Celebration at the Sarasota Yacht Club.

The newly transformed Sarasota Yacht Club was the perfect venue with its expansive beautiful new clubhouse and…

It was announced at Sarasota Film Festival’s screening of The Joneses that the film has been signed to return to the Hollywood 20. Director and writer Derrick Borte was in Sarasota for Sunday’s screening of the film. Borte’s directorial film debut is quite impressive. His prior experience directing commercials was reflected in the commercialism in this film about a “family”…

One evening with Kevin Kline isn’t enough, so I showed up for his “In Conversation” with Tom Hall on Saturday. And I’m so glad I did! There’s just nothing like sitting in an intimate audience listening to someone you’ve admired on screen in the flesh. For over an hour, Kline chatted with artistic director of the Sarasota Film Festival Tom Hall about his work, his films,…

The 12^th Annual Sarasota Film Festival opened with a huge crowd and a huge star. Kevin Kline received a warm welcome to Sarasota with a sold-out audience. In Sarasota for a premiere of The Extra Man, Kline was accompanied by husband and wife directing team,…

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…

Being relational isn’t something we are taught in school. Although we learn foreign languages, our vocabulary is limited when it comes to love. To be relational means to make your words and actions respectful and cherishing of the relationship between you, even in its worst moments.…