Every spring, Sarasota lights up with the Sarasota Film Festival. It’s a big deal: over 200 films, loads of special events, and a real energy that pulls in movie lovers from all over. You get everything: features, documentaries, shorts, and even stuff for kids.
Mark your calendar: the 28th annual festival runs April 10–19, 2026. The lineup’s shaping up to be as bold and wide-ranging as ever, with a spotlight on independent films, international stories, and documentaries that dig into both local and global issues. This time around, they’re leaning into themes of diversity and the environment.
Here’s a peek at what’s coming in 2026. Opening night brings a mix of docs and narratives like “Deadly Deception at Sobibor,” a gripping history piece; “Ain’t No Back To a Merry-Go-Round,” which explores the African-American experience; and “Speak,” a fresh coming-of-age story. Environmental issues get their moment too, with films like “River of Grass” and “On the Frontlines of Hunger.” And don’t miss the Fantastical Street Party or the Q&As with filmmakers; these events always pack out and bring the festival to life.
Tickets? The annual Holiday Pass Sale kicked off in December 2025, and passes are 25–30% off. If you’re thinking of going, now’s the time to grab one.
Filmmakers, take note: submissions are open for 2026. The programmers sift through thousands of entries to build a lineup that’s genuinely diverse, often spotlighting talent from the Southeast alongside international voices.
A little context: Sarasota Film Festival stands tall among Southeastern film events, drawing crowds of over 50,000. It’s known for pulling some of the year’s “Best Of” picks from Sundance and elsewhere, giving local audiences a shot at films that usually play only in bigger cities. The festival also teams up with places like Ringling College of Art and Design, opening doors for students to get a taste of the industry.
If you’re into movies, or just looking for something unforgettable, Sarasota in April is the place to be.
