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

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

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

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

Creative and Candid

Actress Heather Graham Shares Candid Insights on Filmmaking, Perseverance and Female Representation

The "Boogie Nights" actress talked with students and film lovers about the creative grind, industry challenges and the personal journey behind her latest film, "Chosen Family."

02/25/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Editors' Picks

Our Editors' Favorite Holiday Movies

It's a Wonderful Life, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Bad Santa... the gang's all here.

12/23/2024 By Sarasota Magazine Staff

Preview

The New Movie 'Guy Friends,' by Longtime Sarasotan Jonathan Smith, Heads to Burns Court

The film was shot in New York and arrives here on May 31.

05/16/2024 By Kay Kipling

Let's Get Together

Filmmaker Damon Gameau Headlines a Sarasota Conference on Nature and the Environment

December's EcoSummit and Green Living Expo will stimulate audiences with a wide range of speakers and activities, including talks by Gameau and novelist Carl Hiaasen.

10/17/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Q & A

Stephen Root on HBO's Barry, the Coen Brothers and Why He Always Wanted to Be a Character Actor

The Sarasota-born actor has played nearly 300 film and television roles.

05/04/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Lights, Camera, Action

The Sarasota Opera House Has Announced the Lineup for Its Summer Classic Movies Series

The Friday-night series opens with 2001: A Space Odyssey on May 12 and continues through October.

05/01/2023 By Staff

Preview

The Sarasota Film Festival Is Celebrating Its 25th Anniversary This Year

The 10-day event will feature celebrity glitterati and a slate of films from March 25-April 2. Tickets will be available March 14.

03/10/2023 By Staff

History Lesson

The Short Film Spare Me Reveals Sarasota's History as a Sundown Town

Local film student and director Will Mauricette touches on the history of racism in Sarasota through a father-son relationship in his latest film.

03/03/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Path of the Panther

A New Film Highlights the Plight of the Florida Panther

Wildlife photographer Carlton Ward Jr. produced the movie, which will receive a statewide theatrical release this month.

02/17/2023 By Staff

Film Screening

'Outta The Muck,' a Documentary About Black Life in Florida, Screens Tuesday Night at Fogartyville

This Florida narrative of love and power celebrates community, family and a unique history of Black achievement.

11/14/2022 By Yasi Bahmanabadi

Film

'Ask Me to Dance' Is a Bitcoin-Funded Film Inspired by Sarasota's Terrible Dating Scene

It premiered at the Hollywood 11 last Friday.

10/18/2022 By Isaac Eger

The Need for Speed

Sarasota Native Helped Make Top Gun: Maverick the Real Deal

Former Navy Captain Brian Ferguson consulted with the crew and trained the stars of the movie for accuracy, safety—and just keeping it real. He even made it into a few scenes.

06/13/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Film News

Summer Movie Series at Sarasota Opera Will Begin May 22

Both series will feature classic films and filmed performances of operas and ballets on Friday nights and Sunday matinees.

04/26/2022 By staff

Women in Film

The Ultimate Movie Night: Stream Films from the 'Through Women's Eyes' Film Festival

This year's fest features 37 international and domestic films ranging from two to 96 minutes in length.

03/09/2022 By Chloé Cuyler

Black History Month

Cinematographer Sean Presley Shares Power of Film with the Black Community

Sean Presley Projects highlights local Black-owned businesses and creates diverse films.

02/11/2022 By Allison Forsyth

On Screen

The Historic Asolo Theater Is Celebrating Black History Month With a New Film Series

Beginning Thursday, Feb. 3, the theater will be presenting a mix of documentaries and feature films.

01/21/2022 By Chloé Cuyler

Sarasota Magazine