Sarasota hits its valentine stride

Sarasota earned some love from New York, at least when it comes to film festivals.

That was the word from Joe Neumaier, a film writer and critic with the New York Daily News. Neumaier was a juror for the narrative film competition at the Sarasota Film Festival last month. He wrote effusive praise of the festival and the city on his blog.

“There was a sense of seeing this 13-year-old festival coming into its own,” writes Neumaier. “The incredible Florida Gulf climate adds a palpable sense of personality, of course, as does the walkable streets and easily accessed theaters; but just as much as this warm, welcoming city and its citizens, the festival's offerings and discoveries give off a never-want-it-to-end vibe.”

Neumaier favorably compared the Sarasota festival to the popular Tribeca Film Festival in New York. Writes Neumaier: “Like Tribeca, Sarasota is that perfect mix of atmosphere, dazzle and artistry, a valentine to moviemaking and the communal experience of films.”