Category Archives: Festivals

Sarasota Film Festival – The US Premier of An Encounter with Simone Weil

At the Sarasota Film Festival, we had the opportunity to speak with Julia Haslett, director of the documentary An Encounter with Simone Weil.  This film is the result of Julia’s six year journey exploring the life and philosophy of Simone Weil, a French philosopher and social activist.  Julia approached the project in an unusual way – with an actress who immersed herself in the writings and life of the subject.

Her own alarm over the economic and political conditions of millions of world citizens was an inspiration for this work.  The documentary asks critical questions about human suffering.  See the trailer here:

See more at the film website.

Sarasota Florida Bikini Content

As part of the Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix in Sarasota, Florida – there was a bikini contest to crown “Miss Super Boat Grand Prix”.  The contestants modeled and danced for an enthusiastic crowd.  The event was part of the 27th Annual Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children.

Florida Mountain Boys play at Noise Ordinance 2 in Sarasota

The Florida Mountain boys play bluegrass – lots of pickin’ and strummin’ with great harmony thrown in.  The Noise Ordinance festival showcases all kinds of local bands from rock to folk.  They played a variety of music straight from a bluegrass festival.  Find more about them on their website.

Sarasota bands play at Noise Ordinance

Noise Ordinance 2 was held at the Cock and Bull pub on April 23.  Sarasota does support the arts, but usually it is established groups and organizations that get the most attention.  This all day/night event promoted the amazing indie musical talent here in Sarasota.  39 bands played a range of styles to a crowd  of young and old.  One popular alternative band was Igor.  As you can see from the video below, they rocked the stage.

Sarasota Film Festival Interview with Tamar Kummel

Tamar Kummel has written and starred in a film just accepted at Cannes Film Festival.  But this week she was excited to be at the Sarasota Film Festival to talk about her role in How To Ride A Train – a very short comedy written by Katie and Patricia Dillon.

Beautiful Lady Productions has posted the 6 minute film here:

Sarasota Film Festival – One Smart Indian

Take a minuscule budget and 24 hours spread over three days in NYC…and you get Craig Butta’s One Smart Indian.  This story of an aging writer trying for a last ditch comeback plays at Sarasota Film Festival as part of the Midnight Shorts program.  If you missed the earlier screening, you can see it again on Wednesday, April 13th at 10:15 PM.
Craig talks about making the film in this interview.

See the One Smart Indian trailer.

Sarasota Film Festival – Beautiful Noise Actors Interview

Sarasota Film Festival goers have embraced the movie Beautiful Noise wholeheartedly.  Actress Danielle White was cast in Beautiful Noise while she was still a student in the drama program at Booker High School here in Sarasota.  So almost immediately upon moving to California, she found herself returning to Sarasota to work on this film.
Jay White is a both an experienced actor and a very well known musical performer in Las Vegas where he lives.
See an interview with the actors.

See an interview with the director, Steve Tatone.

Sarasota Film Festival – Beautiful Noise by Steve Tatone

Film lovers in Sarasota have anxiously anticipated Beautiful Noise, a film directed by Sarasota local – Steve Tatone.  And it has sold out numerous showings in the Sarasota Film Festival.  Steve spoke with us about film making in Sarasota.

Next time you’re on Siesta Key Beach, look for Steve – he often walks the beach for inspiration.  See the Beautiful Noise trailer here: