๐ŸŽฌ The 28th Annual Sarasota Film Festival is coming April 10–19, 2026  |  ๐ŸŽŸ Buy 2026 Passes 

About Sarasota Film Festival

Sarasota Film Festival

About Sarasota Film Festival

Celebrating the art of filmmaking and independent cinema on Florida's Gulf Coast

The Sarasota Film Festival, founded in 1998, is an international film festival hosted in Sarasota, Florida and viewable from around the world. The festival is typically held each April, in support of its mission: to celebrate the art of filmmaking and the contribution of filmmakers by hosting an international film festival and developing year-long programs for the economic, educational, and cultural benefit of our community.

Staff & Leadership

Mark Famiglio

President, Board of Directors

Paul Ratner

Managing Director

Petra Ratner

Director of Development & Marketing

Brian Gordon

Senior Programmer

Christina Rullan

Production Manager

Grace Halligan

Shorts Programmer / Education Coordinator

View the full team โ†’

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the 2026 Sarasota Film Festival?

The 28th Annual Sarasota Film Festival runs April 10โ€“19, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. Screenings and events take place at multiple venues throughout downtown Sarasota.

How do I buy tickets?

Tickets are available through our online box office via Eventive. You can purchase individual screening tickets or save with a festival pass. Members receive priority access and discounts.

What are the ticket prices?

Regular screenings: $22 (public) / $16 (members). Matinee screenings: $15 (public) / $11 (members). Spotlight/Centerpiece events: $30 (public) / $22 (members). Children 12 and under attend all youthFEST films for FREE (tickets required, available at the box office).

What are Day-Of tickets?

Films close to selling out go into 'Day Of' mode, with some tickets reserved for pass-holders and filmmakers. Remaining general public tickets are sold at the Day Of price on the day of the show. To avoid higher prices, we recommend purchasing a festival membership for early access and exclusive discounts.

What is a festival pass/membership?

Festival passes grant you priority ticket access before the general public, exclusive discounts on all screenings, and additional perks throughout the festival. Passes are available in several tiers to fit different budgets and attendance plans.

Where can I find the festival schedule?

The full 2026 festival schedule is live now! Browse films and screening times at /festival/2026/schedule.

Can children attend the festival?

Yes! The SFF youthFEST program presents films appropriate for younger audiences. Children 12 and under may attend all youthFEST films for FREE. Tickets are required and may be obtained at the SFF Box Office.

How do I submit a film for future festivals?

Film submissions for future festivals are accepted through FilmFreeway. Follow our social media and sign up for our newsletter to be notified when submissions open.

How can I volunteer?

Volunteers are the heart of the Sarasota Film Festival! We welcome enthusiastic film lovers to help with everything from box office to venue management. Visit our Volunteer page to apply.

Is parking available near festival venues?

Yes, several parking garages and surface lots are located near festival venues in downtown Sarasota. We recommend arriving early, especially for evening screenings and special events.

How can I contact the festival?

For general inquiries, email info@sarasotafilmfestival.com. For box office questions, contact boxoffice@sarasotafilmfestival.com. Our offices are located at 332 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236.

Have More Questions?

Our team is happy to help with any questions about the festival.