Community Engagement
Outreach & Community Programs
Outside of our 10-day celebration of independent film, SFF strives to create meaningful and lasting relationships with non-profit, corporate and cultural organizations in our region year-round.
SFF in the Community
Sarasota has long been celebrated for its commitment to a rich and diverse artistic culture, and the Sarasota Film Festival shares that mission. These education and outreach initiatives are woven into our mission statement: “developing year-long programs for the economic, educational and cultural benefit of our community.”
Diverse Voices
The Sarasota Film Festival is committed to providing a platform for diverse voices from around the world. We partner with organizations including:
- Sarasota African-American Film Festival
- Through Women's Eyes film festival
- Cinesah Festival (Cameroon)
- Czech That Film screening series
Together, we bring an excellent program of different perspectives to SFF, enriching our community's cultural landscape.
Build-On / Building Schools
In partnership with Build-On Foundation and Pine View school, SFF helps local students build schools in impoverished parts of Africa and Nepal.
We screen films as part of fundraising events and host panels where student participants share how the experience changed them. We're working to expand this program to other local schools.
Film Conversations
We partner with various organizations to bring film professionals and industry celebrities for an ongoing series of evenings where they share their experiences and show excerpts of their work. These intimate conversations provide unique insights into the filmmaking process and career paths in the industry.
Partner Organizations
We're proud to collaborate with organizations throughout the region, including:
Fabulous Independent Film Festival
The Hermitage Artist Retreat
NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Project Rebirth
Road Scholar
Transition Sarasota
Partner With Us
We know that powerful new voices in filmmaking are waiting to be heard right here in our backyard, and we're thrilled to nurture and guide our community's emerging talents. This is only made possible thanks to local and national partnerships, a network of local film buffs, dedicated volunteers and benefactors of arts education.
If you're interested in working with the Sarasota Film Festival:
Contact Our Education Team