April is almost upon us—and that means the Sarasota Film Festival is, too. Festival organizers are beginning to share tidbits about what film buffs can expect.

First up: the opening night film on April 10. This year, it's Deep Water directed by Renny Harlin and produced by Gene Simmons (yes, that Gene Simmons from the band KISS). Starring Aaron Eckhart, Sir Ben Kingsley, Molly Belle Wright, Angus Sampson and Kelly Gale, it's the story of what happens when a flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai crashes in the middle of the Pacific Ocean—and how the survivors navigate the shark-infested ocean.

“We made this movie to be experienced with an audience; to feel the tension, the spectacle, and the humanity together in a theater," Harlin said in a statement. "There’s something especially fitting about sharing an ocean survival story in a beautiful city by the sea."

"This is the kind of movie I love," Simmons added. "Grab your popcorn, sit back and fasten your safety belts. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.”

Harlin is known for his work on classic films like Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, The Long Kiss Goodnight and Deep Blue Sea; his recent projects include The Misfits, The Bricklayer and the relaunch of the Strangers franchise. Harlin and Simmons are both set to attend the festival in person.

For its closing night film, the festival will screen In the Hand of Dante, directed by Julian Schnabel (Basquiat, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Before Night Falls), who will also be honored with the festival's Achievement in Directing Award. The film stars Oscar Isaac; Gal Gadot, Gerard Butler and John Malkovich.

Other festival highlights include panel discussions, including a fireside chat with stunt coordinator Jayson Dumenigo exploring iconic Hollywood action sequences; a conversation at Ringling College of Art and Design about AI's role in animation; and a family-friendly "sports and business" panel at New College of Florida featuring a youth soccer clinic led by athletes and an outdoor film screening celebrating Florida's role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A full lineup and additional honorees will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for the festival will be available for purchase beginning Friday, March 20, online and at SFF's in-person box office at 332 Coconaut Ave. in downtown Sarasota on the corner of Cocoanut Avenue and Fourth Street. For more information, go to sarasotafilmfestival.com.