Sarasota Film Festival sponsors and patrons, along with media members, attended the fest kickoff party Wednesday night at Selby Gardens, where announcements were made about the films, stars and events that will highlight this year’s festival (taking place April 10-19).

The opening night film, Time Out of Mind, starring Richard Gere as a homeless man, had already been announced (with hints that Gere could possibly be in attendance), as had the closing night movie, I’ll See You in My Dreams, starring Blythe Danner, who will also attend. And a luncheon welcoming actresses Jane Seymour and Cloris Leachman had also been made public previously.

But among newer announcements: two Centerpiece Films, James Ponsoldt’s The End of the Tour, starring Jason Segel as writer David Foster Wallace and Jesse Eisenberg as a reporter; and Brand: A Second Coming, a documentary about the comedian turned social/political commentator. Also: In Conversation With…guests Seymour and Leachman, director Tom Browne (with special guest Rachel Weisz), and director Oren Moverman.

There will be an opening night party (at the Sarasota Opera House, a new venue for that event), the popular Cinema Tropicale party (now at Michael’s on East after several years at the Sarasota Yacht Club), and a Tea by the Sea Lunch and Conversation with Danner as well.

Complete information can be found at the festival website, sarasotafilmfestival.com; the festival film guide is also now out in print. For more information you can also call 366-6200 or stop by the box office at Regal Cinemas Hollywood 20 starting Friday, March 27.