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Sarasota Magazine

Television & Film

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

From live theater and waterfront music to classic cars, sailing, comedy and a Jimmy Buffett tribute, here’s what to do around Sarasota and Manatee this long Labor Day week.

09/03/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Laugh a Little

The Hit British Series 'Taskmaster' Returns on Thursday

The hit British series ‘Taskmaster’ gave me the shot of joy I needed during a tough time. It returns tomorrow night.

09/02/2026 By Megan McDonald

Miss Manners

‘Ladies of London’ Star Myka Meier Got Her Start Right Here in Sarasota

Meier, who’s been called “the picture of grace” by Vogue and “America’s Queen of Good Manners” by The Times magazine, was once Sarasota High School’s prom queen.

07/06/2026 By Kendall Southworth

The New New College

John Oliver Takes Aim at New College of Florida

"It's not going great," the late-night host said of the political takeover and institutional upheaval that have transformed New College's campus since 2023.

06/08/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Just Keep Swimming

Renny Harlin and Gene Simmons Bring Their Action Flick 'Deep Water' to the Sarasota Film Festival

“I want viewers to feel the best feeling I can describe, which is when you walk out of the theater and feel like you’re a foot off the ground," Harlin says of the film, which will get a theatrical release May 1.

04/14/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Lost Shaker of Salt

Norbert Putnam Produced Six Jimmy Buffett Albums. Catch Him in a Sarasota Film Festival Documentary Next Week.

"We’d get a six pack of beer, crank the diesel, pull her out and get her into the wind, tie her off and crank the stereo."

04/09/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Movie Talk

Here's the Full Lineup for the 28th Annual Sarasota Film Festival

There's a movie for everyone, whether it's a big-budget action thriller, a thoughtful documentary or a locally produced student work.

03/19/2026 By Staff

Screen Time

Sarasota Film Festival Announces Opening Night Film, an Ocean Survival Story Starring Aaron Eckhart and Sir Ben Kinglsey

Plus, Julian Schnabel will receive the festival's Achievement in Directing Award and more of this year's festivities.

03/18/2026 By Megan McDonald

Reel Access

The Creative Empowerment Programs Offers Aspiring Filmmakers Real-Deal Industry Access

At a handful of events last week, working filmmakers and actress Heather Graham offered students and supporters a clearer path into the business.

03/16/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Flashback

Photo: Betty Hutton Filming 'The Greatest Show on Earth,' March 1951

This month marks the 75th anniversary of the Academy Award-winning film, which was shot right here in Sarasota.

03/02/2026 By Megan McDonald

Popular Content

    What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

    The Hit British Series 'Taskmaster' Returns on Thursday

    How Cinderella’s Castle Became the Latest Battleground in the Culture Wars

    A Conversation With Chef Erin French, Star of The Lost Kitchen

    John Oliver Takes Aim at New College of Florida

    Pee-wee Herman, Paul Reubens and Sarasota

Tides and Teeth

Filmmaker Wilson McCourtney Takes on Sharks, Red Tide and Florida’s Water Crisis in His Latest Documentary

"Fighting for Florida" will screen at the 2026 Sarasota Film Festival.

02/16/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Reel Education

​​Hollywood Producer Adam Hendricks Brings Lessons in Film to Sarasota Students

Hendricks—known for his partnership with horror movie whisperer Jason Blum and his breakout hit "M3GAN"—offered real-world advice to the next generation of creatives.

11/11/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Local Success

Pine View Grad Chandler Baker's Star Keeps Rising

Baker, who moved to Sarasota when she was 10, has written several best-selling novels, the upcoming Christmas movie 'Oh. What. Fun.,' starring Michelle Pfeiffer, and is now working on a Paramount+ TV series starring Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning.

10/29/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Homegrown Vision

Sarasota Filmmaker Shaun Greenspan Brings His Star-Studded Opioid Drama to Burns Court

His latest film project, "What We Hide," filmed in Tampa Bay and stars McKenna Grace, Dacre Montgomery and Jesse Williams dealing with the aftermath of their mother's overdose.

08/20/2025 By Kim Doleatto

I Know You Are, But What am I?

A New Documentary Examines the Life of Paul Reubens, Creator of Pee-Wee Herman

"Pee-Wee as Himself" is now streaming on HBO Max.

05/27/2025 By Megan McDonald

Memories of Marcella

An Afternoon With Marcella Hazan

Ahead of the national release of a new documentary about Hazan, writer Ruth Lando recounts an unforgettable lunch with the renowned Italian chef and longtime Longboat Key resident.

05/07/2025 By Ruth Lando

Harlem Nights

The Sarasota Film Festival Honors the Creator and Star of 'Godfather of Harlem'

Show runner Chris Brancato and new cast member Rome Flynn are coming to town; we talked with them about the MGM+ show.

04/09/2025 By Kay Kipling

Silent Bob Talks

Kevin Smith Brings Laughter to Sarasota at 'KillRoy Was Here' Film Premiere

Smith inspired a packed house at the Sarasota premiere of "KillRoy Was Here," reminding the audience that art is for anyone who's willing to take the first step.

03/27/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Lights, Camera, Action

Marcella Hazan Documentary Will Open 2025 Sarasota Film Festival

This year's lineup also includes 37 feature films, four world premieres, 10 Florida premieres and 41 short films.

03/19/2025 By Staff

At the Movies

Flashback: 'Honky Tonk Freeway' Set, 1980

A critical and box office failure at the time of its 1981 release, the comedy "Honky Tonk Freeway," which was partly filmed in Sarasota, is due for reappraisal.

03/06/2025 By Cooper Levey-Baker

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September-October 2026

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