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 See Jane program (in conjunction with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media), to name just a few. YouthFest also provides a competition for Florida students featuring scholarship prizes and awards plus an out-of-state competition open nationally to students. Allison announced a brand new online digital showcase for young filmmakers and informed the audience that she is currently accepting applications for a wide array of programs. Click here to learn more and apply now!

Statistics were given regarding the criminally low percentages of women directors, producers, writers, cinematographers and crew in filmmaking today and SFF's hope to shine a light on the talents and achievements of women filmmakers with programs such as SFF Women, Through Women's Eyes, Side by Side Symposium, the Impact Award and tribute.

Special thanks were given to our army of several hundred volunteers who work the festival each year.

A vigorous Q&A followed with Tom moderating a panel including Kathy Jordan, Managing Director, Veronica Pastore, Associate Director of Marketing and Magida Diouri, Programmer (along with Tom). The following topics were addressed:

Q: Will the ticketing system be the same this year?

A: No. This year SFF will be using Agile Ticketing and our confidence in this new system is very high.

Q: When do tickets go on sale this year?

A: Members and sponsors will be allowed to purchase tickets on March 22nd. We are attempting to devise a method for allowing members and sponsors to make online purchases that day, possibly with a special code through our new ticketing system. Tickets will be available to the general public on March 23rd both online and at the Regal.

Q: Will there be rush lines again this year?

A: Yes. Tom tells us, "I just experienced my first rush line at Sundance this year. I waited two and a half hours. But I got in!" A certain percentage of seats are always reserved for our pass holders. If pass holders do not arrive to claim those seats by a certain time we then release those tickets to individuals waiting in the rush lines. We hope to eliminate the cash only requirement this year.

Q: When will the film line-up be announced?

A: The complete line-up will be announced to the press on March 20th.

Q: Why is the festival later this year?

A: So that we could avoid scheduling the festival during Easter or Passover.

Q: How does SFF show appreciation to the volunteers?

A: Volunteers are given the chance to earn film tickets. They get to attend certain events and sometimes meet talent and celebrities. We also provide volunteer appreciation tee-shirts and special events to thank our volunteers. 

Q: What is the percentage of American films versus foreign films?

A: There is no set quota for either. We strive to find the overall best movies to serve the community. Last year 42 countries were represented and probably 90% of our films were American. We have a competition for American independent films and a separate one for world cinema. We try to keep it balanced.

Q: What are the hard costs of bringing these films to Sarasota?

A: Well over six figures are spent every year in the projection booth alone. Most of the theaters at the Regal Hollywood 20 are "DCP" (digital cinema projection). There are no 35mm projectors or prints involved. They download movies from a server to a hard drive into a projector and punch in a passcode to show it. Independent filmmakers and foreign filmmakers generally provide 35mm prints converted to HD cam tape prints. We bring in special equipment to integrate with the theater's projectors. Filmmakers and festival goers are consistently thrilled with the quality of the showings. We also have to spend well over six figures on programming to bring in these films. "If we didn't have sponsors at the festival, each screening would lose money even if it sold out. We need sponsorship and grants to offset the costs."

Q: How can the community best support the festival?

A: Buy tickets and come to the movies. If we had full theaters for every screening it would be an epic turnaround for us financially. Also...

* Tell your friends. Share our guide and personal recommendations.

* We are always seeking sponsorship and we can customize what we provide to fit a sponsor's needs. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

* Become a member. The cost is $35 and you will receive discounts on film tickets and events, the ability to order tickets in advance, invitations to member-only screenings and more. Click here to learn more and to become a member.  

* Buy SFF gift certificates. They are available now by clicking here. 

* We are seeking housing for filmmakers and staff who come here from out of town. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

"Community support and tourism are priorities for us. We're really here for Sarasota and we want to showcase Sarasota and to make sure that everyone has a great time at the festival."

Q: What are the plans for this year's screenwash and trailer?

A: Last year we partnered with Ringling and allowed student filmmakers to compete online for the chance to see their work screen in theaters before our films. This year we are also interested in an approach with a local/educational aspect.

Q: Is it true that the festival will be establishing a greater presence in Manatee County?

A: Details are not final but we are working hard to bring our films, filmmakers and programs to Manatee County.

In summation, here is a testimonial from a loyal SFF attendee: "I go to pretty much every major film festival out there... For film fans, this is the best one by miles because I can see 40-45 films at SFF. I couldn't possibly do that at any other festival. Plus there is an intimacy and openness with the filmmakers because they are here to present not sell. That is amazing."

Tom Hall Photo by Wildman Photography