The Sarasota Film Festival has unveiled the lineup for its 28th annual edition, set for April 10-19 in Sarasota, Florida. The festival opens with Renny Harlin’s 'Deep Water' and closes with Julian Schnabel’s 'In The Hand of Dante'. It includes 47 feature films and 39 shorts, with special guests and events.
The Sarasota Film Festival's 28th edition will run from April 10 to 19, featuring 47 feature films and 39 short films. It kicks off on April 10 with a screening of Deep Water, directed by Renny Harlin, at the Sainer Courtyard at New College in Sarasota, Florida. Director Renny Harlin and producer Gene Simmons will attend, followed by an opening night party at the Bayfront at New College. The festival closes on April 18 with In The Hand of Dante, directed by Julian Schnabel and starring Oscar Isaac, Gal Gadot, Al Pacino, and Martin Scorsese. Schnabel will receive the Achievement in Directing Award in conjunction with the screening. Spotlight presentations include Carolina Caroline starring Samara Weaving, Gregg Araki’s I Want Your Sex, Late Fame with Willem Dafoe, John Early’s Maddie’s Secret, Trishul Thejasvi’s Mala, Ari Selinger’s On the End, Everywhere Man: the Lives and Times of Peter Asher, Steal This Story, Please!, and Rory Kennedy’s The Trial of Alec Baldwin. Special events feature the SFF Sports Program with a Business of Sports Panel, the short comedy Ski Dawgs, and Victory starring Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, and Pelé. Mark Famiglio, president of the Sarasota Film Festival, stated: “Each year, the Sarasota Film Festival celebrates the transformative power of storytelling and the strength of our creative community. Our 2026 festival brings together visionary artists, timely conversations, and meaningful community events that reflect the cultural energy of Sarasota. We’re proud to continue showcasing a festival that honors bold filmmaking while creating unforgettable experiences for audiences and filmmakers alike.” For more details on screenings, visit sarasotafilmfestival.com.
