Sarasota Film Festival anounces lineup

Tonight at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota Film Festival executives will announce the lineup for this year's festival, which takes place April 4 through 13. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 14.

In addition to the opening and closing night films, two centerpiece films and seven spotlight films, there are more than 100 additional films and 15 shorts programs. There are also film series from Sarasota Film Festival partnerships: Through Women’s Eyes, Legacy of Valor, The Jewish Federation and Florida On Film.

Along with the film screenings, SFF has an educational program that gives students the opportunity to see and review films, and even produce their own. There’s also screenings specifically for children youthFEST.

Here are some of the festival’s highlights:

Opening Night Film:

“Last Days in Vietnam”

When: 6 p.m. Friday, April 4

Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail

Cost: Tickets $25 to $55.

Call: 366-6200

Directed by Rory Kennedy, this documentary of the final weeks of Vietnam contains 1975 footage from Saigon and contemporary interviews with those who were there.

Closing Night Film:

“The One I Love”

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, April 12

Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.

Cost: $25 to $55.

Call: 366-6200.

This is Charlie McDowell’s directorial debut film. The romantic comedy with sci-fi elements features Elisabeth Moss and Ted Danson as a couple in therapy trying to figure out their relationship. Here’s a scene from the film:

Centerpiece Films:

“God’s Pocket”

When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 11.

Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.

Call: 366-6200.

It’s Philip Seymour Hoffman’s final film, co-written and directed by John Slattery (Mad Men). It’s about a working-class community in Philadelphia. Outsider Mickey Scarpato (Hoffman) and his family faces dealing with the “accident” of his crazy stepson.

“Ivory Tower”

When: 5:45 p.m. Thursday, April 10

Where: Regal Cinemas Hollywood 20

This documentary, directed by Andrew Rossi, examines the rising cost of college tuition and questions the cost of higher education. Is the rising cost of college tuition sustainable?

Spotlight Films:

Dom Hemingway

Frank

The Great Invisible

The Last of Robin Hood

Obvious Child

Road to Paloma

Words and Pictures

Events worth mentioning:

Opening Night Party: A red carpet event with filmmakers and actors; music, cocktails and appetizers

When: 9 p.m. Friday, April 4

Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail

Cost: Tickets $95 to $150.

Call 366-6200.

Cinema Tropicale: This celebration of the festival takes place on the final Friday. It features filmmakers and actors; a high end fashion show, music, cocktails and appetizers.

When: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, April 11

Where: Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd.

Cost: $150

Call: 366-6200.

Box office hours:

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday March 14 to March 30 / Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily March 31 to April 4

10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily April 5 to April 13