A year ago SFF director Tom Hall strolled up to me at our Selby Gardens press launch event and said, "I have a prediction for you: Christopher Plummer, Best Supporting Actor Oscar-win for Beginners in 2012." And if you watched the presentation on Sunday, you know he nailed it!

Christopher Plummer made a lasting impression at SFF with his wit and candor, his air of both old Hollywood and new. Most impressive of all was his stunningly heartfelt performance as a man who delivers two startling revelations to his son: first that he is dying of cancer and second that he is gay. The performance earned Mr. Plummer not only an Oscar, but also a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award (the British Academy Award) as well as wins and nominations from a host of film critics awards, the Screen Actors Guild, the GLAAD Media Awards, the Independent Spirit Awards and so many more. Now you can see this movie again and even take it home. It is currently available on DVD, Blu-ray, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and many other platforms!

Here is a special treat for you loyal readers. The complete video of Christopher Plummer's In Conversation With interview from SFF 2011!

2011 youthFEST favorite The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore also triumphed at the Academy Awards taking home the prize for Best Animated Short Feature! Huge props to filmmakers William Joyce (award-winning childrens book author and illustrator) and Brandon Oldenburg (who has worked on films such as Robots and Spy Kids

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SFF's first Town Hall was held Wednesday, February 8 at the Selby Library. The turnout was amazing and we were thrilled by the passion and enthusiasm of all who attended. Thank you. A recap of the event follows. But first, if you have questions for the festival, send them to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Your questions will be answered here on our blog.

The evening began with a presentation by SFF Director Tom Hall detailing the history and current state of the festival on a number of fronts including our financial status. The importance of community and education was highly stressed, as was accessibility and our desire to hear your feedback. "We want to provide information that empowers you to make the most of your festival experience."

SFF's sterling reputation as a filmmaker-friendly showcase and high-ranking position among national and international festivals (not to mention reviews such as Variety calling us "the acme of regional film festivals") was also touched upon. "Artists who attend SFF send their work again because they want to come back." Tom attributed the response of filmmakers and national journalists who return time and again to you, our loyal audience and supporters, "a  community filled with great supporters of the arts and of film".

Allison Koehler, Director of Education, discussed our wonderful array of free educational programs for students eighteen and under. These include our Young Filmmakers Showcase, Reel Life Studio, Kids VIP Trip, and the

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If you're reading these words, then you've seen the stunningly beautiful original art adorning our brand spanking new website. This image will also serve as the visual centerpiece of SFF 2012's marketing campaign. We chatted — via these here interwebs — with amazing artist Vince Fraser from his home in J.O.E. (that would be Jolly Ole England) about his inspiration for this incredible work.

"Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others," Vince tells us. "In keeping with this year's festival theme [See Things Differently], I wanted to create something instantly recognizable and memorable but also very different from last year's campaign. I feel I have achieved another visually stunning piece which celebrates the art of filmmaking."

When asked to tell us more about his process for creating this outstanding piece, he replies, "When I was approached to create an image for this year's festival I knew exactly which direction to take. I wanted to create an image that was softer, more fluid and ethereal than the past images. For the color palette I took inspiration from the brilliance of Sarasota, the blues of the beautiful clear waters, combined with the drama of sunsets. Once I had the basic composition and color palette I then started to add elements evocative of the artistry of film. I wanted the final piece to mimic film's mystical ability to spirit the viewer away on a flight of imagination and fantasy... To where? That depends on the individual."

And how do

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We certainly think you could be. To know for sure, we need you to come one, come all to our inaugural Town Hall from 5:30 to 7:30pm. on Wed., Feb. 8 at the Selby Public Library (1331 First St., downtown Sarasota). Let your voice be heard. If you have a question about SFF, ask it! If you've got an opinion, raise it! Heck, if you've got some rabble, rouse it!

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