Sarasota Film Festival Runs Through April 10

SARASOTA, FL — The Sarasota Film Festival, which runs through April 10, kicks off Friday evening with a screening of M. Cahill’s “Porcupine,” starring Jena Malone, who will also receive the Sarasota Film Festival Excellence in Acting Award.

The opening night event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium at 801 N. Tamiami Trail. Following the screening of “Porcupine,” there will be a Q&A with Malone.

Movie lovers can catch dozens of films both in person and by screening them virtually. Learn more about this year’s films and how to watch them here.

Highlights of this year’s festival include the closing night screening of “Loren & Rose,” directed by Russell Brown and starring Jacqueline Bisset. She will be honored with the Sarasota Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award.

Spotlight films include “After Yang,” “Calendar Girls” and “Master of Light,” all making their Florida premieres, as well as “The Divide,” making its U.S. premiere. Other spotlight films include “Oleg” and “We Feed People.”

Centerpiece films screening during the festival include “Montana Story” and “Listening to Kenny G.” The musician will also be in attendance to accept the Sarasota Maestro Award.

A number of films will be making their world premiers at the Sarasota Film Festival, as well, including “Listen,” “Long Island Gus,” “Out of Breath,” “The Brightest Moment: A History of One Exceptional Elementary School,” “The Fabulous Ohs: The Marriage and the Music,” and “The Smell of Money.”