Outreach & Education

The Sarasota Film Festival's Outreach and Education (O&E) Department's mission is to inspire, educate, and entertain students by promoting creativity, collaboration, and community involvement.  Since it's inception, O&E has been the recipient of three grants from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (aka the OSCARS®) and the reach of the department continues to grow.

O&E is distinguished by its commitment to providing each of its programs and screenings at no cost to the thousands of participating students.  We are incredibly proud of this distinction and aim to continue serving our local and regional community in this meaningful way.  

Operating both in and out of the area's classrooms, O&E reaches more than 4,500 students through free filmmaking, film review, screenwriting, and movie screening programs.  Students from elementary school through college participate in programs designed to deliver a rich cinematic experience.  Programs include :

• *New* Kids Reel Life Studio : A filmmaking program for elementary students with focuses ranging from documentary production to stop-motion animation
• *New* Reel Life Studio Sarasota : A documentary, narrative, and special interest filmmaking program for high school students 
• Junior Jury : A film screening and critique program with film jury training for high school students
• *New* Classroom Critic : A film screening and written review program for middle school students
• Youth Screenwriters Circle : An introductory screenwriting course and workshop for high school and middle school students
• *New* Youth Screenwriting Workshop : A one-day workshop for middle school and high school students for their existing screenplays-in-progress
• Kids VIP Trip : A film screening program that facilitates weekday field trips to the theatre for students in all grade levels
• Filmmaker Spotlight : A film screening, lecture, and Q&A program that provides college and high school students access to visiting filmmakers
• Young Filmmakers Showcase : A film competition for students age 18 and under that showcases their short film productions

Finally, the annual Hollywood Nights Student Cinema Showcase welcomes students and families from all over Florida to celebrate the art of film and the accomplishments of all of our program participants.   This highly anticipated annual youth party features film screenings, performances, award ceremonies, hors d'oeuvres, live music, and special guest stars!

Learn more about the 2010 youthFEST here!

‘YOUNG AT HEART’ PROGRAM

In order to bring the Sarasota Film Festival to those who may be unable to attend in person, festival-related student programs and various film series will travel to local retirement communities and assisted living centers.

VIRTUAL CANNES

SFF members, students, and the Sarasota community can be a part of this year's Cannes Film Festival with this interactive exhibit. Showcased in local venues, the 24-hour all-access satellite coverage from Virtual Cannes will include daily workshops, panels, press conferences, photo calls, and Red Carpet screenings. While the program is underway in Sarasota, a handful of lucky student interns will be hosted at the festival in France.

FLORIDA FILM CONSORTIUM

The Outreach and Education Program continues its expansion into the community with the formation of The Florida Film Consortium. The FFC’s mission is to both appreciate and advance independent film and filmmaking through the fortification of the budding statewide film community. The Consortium seeks to reinforce Florida's commitment to involvement, exploration, and education in the Arts. Some of the organization’s many offerings include: yearlong community partnerships, event sponsorships, programs and workshops, youth, senior and special needs outreach, and project development support.