Better This World was written, directed and produced by Katie Galloway and Kelly Duane de la Vega. It is the story of David McKay and Bradley Crowder, two young political activists. While under the influence of an older charismatic revolutionary, the two were arrested for domestic terrorism during the 2008 Republican Convention. The movie looks at what happened between the three men. Accepted as an Official Selection in over 20 film festivals, Better This World won three “Best Documentary” awards in Sarasota and San Francisco. This interview with the filmmakers was conducted during the Sarasota Film Festival.
The movie examines how the “war on terror” after 9/11 has impacted civil liberties and political dissent in the US. Better This World will also be broadcast on P.O.V. on PBS on September 6th.
Tag Archives: Sarasota
Sarasota hosts Jackie Evancho
The Ringling Museum in Sarasota was the location selected for filming a PBS Great Performances episode starring Jackie Evancho called Dream With Me in Concert. Check out the video below as she performs Sarah McLachlan’s song “Angel” in the Ringling courtyard. You can check the PBS website for broadcast times.
Sarasota Payne Skate Park
The Sarasota Payne Park skating facility is now operated by Sk8skool. In 2010, they took over operation of the skate park from the city of Sarasota. Sk8skool operates it as a not-for-profit organization. Sofia Maldonado is a New York muralist and a skater. Recently she designed a mural and worked with students from Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, Booker High School and Southeast High School to execute the design in the Payne Skate Park bowl. This new mural is a vibrant addition to a park that already has skater inspired art. Extended hours and lower rates draw local skaters. And if you’re vacationing in Sarasota, add the skateboarding at the park to your list of things to do.
Sarasota Downtown Friday Night
Live Downtown, It’s Friday Night! The 1st Friday night each month, you should be downtown Sarasota for live music, dancing, gallery shows and shopping. This is a free event that attracts locals and visitors to browse our wonderful art galleries to the accompaniment of a wide range of entertainment. On this Friday, you could hear an incredible local string duo Bard and Mustache – Erin Murphy (the Equines) and Greg Bortnichak (Sparta Philharmonic). Just down the street, you could see the Sarasota Ballet’s students at Studio 20. In the mood for something Latin? The exciting Duente duo of Joe Matsagos and Dean Johanesen offered flamenco while Wilsons DanceSport dancers entertained the crowd. And, just for fun, Ollie and the Garbage Men, local teenagers who play instruments made from garbage and recycled materials. I’d say there was something for everyone!
Sarasota Hispanic Latino Festival
The Sarasota Hispanic Latino Festival featured Charityn and Yovany and many other well known musicians. Sponsored by The Academy of Latin Arts and Science, the event offered food, music, dancing and family friendly activities for children. Mostly a family crowd, the biggest excitement was when Charityn, who has been called the Latin Oprah, appeared onstage. She took the time to meet and take photos with her fans individually and seemed to sincerely enjoy this.
Sarasota TV Pilot Worker’s Comp
While shooting their TV pilot in downtown Sarasota, Castille Landon and Harrison Sanborn gave us this exclusive interview about the story behind Worker’s Comp. These 19 year old co-creators have enlisted the likes of Morgan Fairchild and Robert Carridine to star in the project. Castille also stars in the show which Harrison is directing. This independent television pilot is a produced of VADAR Corp. and Sanborn Studios – both local companies.
Siesta Fiesta 2011 in Siesta Key Village Sarasota
Siesta Fiesta is a 2 day event with lots of things to do and see – art, crafts, food, drinks and music. Saturday and Sunday, the main village street is shut down and filled with brightly colored paintings, sculpture, hand made clothing and jewelry. It’s a shoppers dream. Or you can just sit back with a cold drink and your choice of fiesta food and watch the people go by. This festival draws mainlanders and vacationers to the key in big numbers, so you’ll see island residents walking or riding their bikes to avoid the traffic. Held each year in April or May, check the date and come on out and enjoy Siesta Fiesta!
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.
Elysian Sex Drive at Noise Ordinance 2 in Sarasota
They describe their music as “acoustic funkalicious soul rock” on facebook. I may not know how to classify it, but I know I loved their show at Noise Ordinance. Now renamed We Are Waking Giants. You can keep up with this unique band 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.