Finch House Records a lot

“The indie showcase that started last spring as an underground alternative for rejected filmmakers has evolved into a mainstream draw. More than 4,000 patrons are expected to flock this year, and critics are heralding the homegrown selections in the 200-movie lineup.”

-Abby Weingarten, Sarasota Herald Tribune

I was first introduced to the Sarasota Film Festival with the campy 1963 film Bloodfeast. That was in 2004, and I think it was director Hershell Gordon Lewis that briefed the audience on the horror we were about to witness. Hooray for the Sarasota Film Festival, my 17 year old self thought.

Fast forward to 2009, when I’m back from college, and there are plenty of films Erin & I are dying to see. SFF really picked things up when we weren’t looking. For another year, the organizers face tough decisions in realizing their vision: enter the Fringe Film Festival.

So there are some strong feelings with each party. Squabbling aside, it’s undeniably a good thing that we have an event take place that is large enough to spawn satellites.  Whether or not the SFF recognizes that, Finch House found the offer of directly participating in the festival much more tempting than an unpaid “internship.” If I have to host the proceedings in my neighborhood, I want to play ball. Art Basel, anyone? Anyhow, we’ll still go to both events that are essentially in the same area…

The visual art contribution to Fringe Festival kicks off Wednesday, April 7th with the Fringe Gallery opening at 6 PM in the Main Street Plaza next to Hollywood 20.  The free event features work from resident artists including George Box,Jack Dowd, Giovanni Lunardi, Lori Frary, Francesco Agresti, Greg Ferris, and many more.