The 2012 Sarasota Film Festival opens tonight and I’m going. This is the 14th year of the festival and the there will be everything from Feature Films to Documentaries, Shorts, and even some kid-friendly film opportunities. The total of events and screenings will be more than 260.
While most of the festival content will be screened at the Regal Hollywood Stadium 20 (despite the high-falutin’ name – it’s really just a huge movie cineplex) on Main Street in downtown Sarasota, tonight’s Festival Opener will be screened at the beautiful, state-of-the-art, bay-front facility – The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
This post is just the lead story from me so you can get a glimpse of what films I’ll be covering.
The Opening Night Feature will be Robot & Frank. [Quoting from the festival's own film guide -->] Set in the near future, ROBOT & FRANK is the story of Frank (Frank Langella), a retired thief living alone and resigned to longing for the local librarian (Susan Sarandon). Concerned about his father’s health, Frank’s son brings him a new caretaker; a state of the art robot with a perfect memory and an inexhaustible desire to make Frank’s life better. Initially reluctant to accept help, Frank soon recognizes the benefits of his robot, treating his electronic helper like a true friend. So, when Frank decides to get back in business, who else to turn to but his newfound companion?ROBOT & FRANK is a Samuel Goldwyn Films and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions release. Director Jake Schrier and star Frank Langella will be in attendance. A small clip from the film is below
On Sunday, April 15th, I will take in the French Film, The Big Picture. [Again, quoting from the festival's own film guide] Paul Exben (Romain Duris, THE BEAT THAT MY HEART SKIPPED) is a successful lawyer who has it all; a beautiful wife and family, handsome good looks and an enviable position at one of Paris’ top law firms. But when Paul uncovers his wife’s secret transgressions, it sets into motion a series of tragic events that will change their lives forever. Driven by Duris’ haunted performance as Paul, Eric Lartigau’s THE BIG PICTURE is a taut thriller of life on the run from the law, changes of identity and paying the consequences for a fatal mistake.
