10th anniversary of the Sarasota Film Festival

Please note that April 2008 marks the 10th anniversary of the Sarasota Film Festival. What began as a 3 day festival with 8 films and 3 events has grown into one of the leading film festivals in North America. The Sarasota Film Festival now boasts a 10 day program, with over 200 films, countless events and an attendance of over 50,000 people in 2007.

The rolling white-sand beaches and crystalline waters of Sarasota combine with world-class cinema, star-studded parties and high-profile events to make this Festival the destination for industry, discerning film buffs and travelers alike. Presented by Mercedes-Benz, the Sarasota Film Festival will take place April 4th – 13th, 2008.

From the Opening Night Gala at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art to the Late Night Wrap Party, the Sarasota Film Festival offers films, parties, panels and events for all ages.

Other Festival highlights include: The Reel Experience at the lush Lake Club at Lakewood Ranch. The Lake Club at Lakewood Ranch is set amidst 1,500 acres of unrivaled beauty and coveted luxury. The Filmmakers Tribute Dinner, hosted by the award-winning Longboat Key Club and Resort. Previous honorees include Norman Jewison, William H. Macy, Felicity Huffman, Robert Altman, Sydney Pollack, Robert Towne, Richard Dreyfuss, Paula Wagner, Robert Benton, Leslie Caron, Jon Voight and Alan Alda. The World Cinema Celebration in downtown Sarasota, a fresh-air summit of Sarasota's hottest restaurants, live-bands and street performers.

“As the Sarasota Film Festival heads into our 10th year, it's been amazing to see the growth and development of the festival into one of the largest events in the country,” states Tom Hall, Director of Programming. “It's been a great decade, and we're so grateful that we've been able to bring together artists, whose work continues to surprise and amaze us, with an appreciative audience who know and love the art of cinema.”