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Sarasota News Leader March 29, 2013 Page 69 and have a conversation about the art of cin- THE FILMS ema, which I think is important." This year's opening night film, Blackfish, diAsked about his favorite aspect of organizing rected by Gabriela Cowperthwaite and filmed the festival, Hall explained it is the connec- partially in Florida, is an American documention the SFF helps to nurture among audienc- tary about orcas, or "killer whales," that live es, films and filmmakers. "It's when you go in captivity in parks such as Sea World in the into the theater and walk a filmmaker in and United States and other countries. The film there's an audience there that is engaged in examines the dissonance between the lives of the film and wants to talk about it and have the captive whales and those they are meant a dialogue –– a real conversation about what to live as social, intelligent beings at the top the movie's about –– and really get into the of the food chain in their natural habitats. It meat and potatoes of the story and the pro- investigates the problems that can arise from this incompatibility. cess," Hall replied. "Every time filmmakers come here they leave The film will be screened on Friday, April 5, at with an appreciation for the audience, and I 7 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, think that's what keeps us able to bring back with a "red carpet" ceremony preceding the film at 6 p.m. and a party following the film at the films that we want to bring," Hall contin9 p.m. at the same location. ued. "We've built a reputation over the years that our festival is an audience-driven festival The festival's closing night film, Frances Ha, and that filmmakers have a real home here." directed by Noah Baumbach, is an American Attendees indulge in catered hors d'oeuvre and beverages at the Sarasota Film Festival Sponsor and Press Kick Off Party on the bayfront grounds of Selby Botanical Gardens on March 13.