The Sarasota Film Festival Wrap-Up

By Gus Mollasis | July/August 2021

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I don’t like sequels.

In my opinion, only one film is as good as the original and that’s The Godfather II.

Plus, it’s safe to say that no one wants a sequel to the year that was COVID-19. 

Coming out of this dark chapter in our collective story, it felt wonderful to again set foot in a theater and watch a film on the big screen, complete with popcorn and that other vital ingredient—people.

Cinema changes with a live audience. The laughs land. So do the tears. The silence of a packed theatre is palpable. As veteran actor Sam Elliot and frequent Sarasota Film Festival attendee once told me in his distinctive voice, “I know a film is working when I hear the silence.” 

The 23rd Annual Sarasota Film Festival inspired us with the full spectrum of emotions that a big screen experience provides—joy, sadness, and yes, the silence. I’ve been blessed to attend this wonderful event every year as either a patron, filmmaker, or as a reporter. It’s been a great joy.

Plus, once again I get the pleasure of awarding my annual “Gussies” to the best films of the Sarasota Film Festival. 

Okay, the Gussie is not an Oscar—but it’s not chopped liver either.

To win a Gussie, the rules are simple. The film has to move me in a fundamental way. It has to make me laugh, cry, or think deeply on the subject. If it accomplishes all three—forget the Gussie, it deserves an Irving Thalberg Award. 

Most years I watch between 75 and 100 films at the festival. This year, I didn’t see quite as many films, yet strangely perhaps, I appreciated them more.

At one screening, I bumped into a young man I met years ago when he made a student documentary about Newtown that premiered at the Sarasota Opera House. Today, Sam Curtis is an LA producer who found time to come home to Sarasota and premier the film Summertime, on which he’s an associate producer. I love stories like that.   

As the festival wrapped this year, I was left feeling a little melancholy. First, at the passing of Norman Lloyd (Saboteur, Dead Poet’s Society, St. Elsewhere), with whom I’d spent a memorable four hours on Longboat Key along with my dearly departed friend and film expert Jake Jacobson. Lloyd’s film, “Who is Norman Lloyd?” from 2007 premiered at the SFF and I enjoyed speaking with him about Chaplin, Welles and Hitchcock and other legends he knew.   

Second, I was saddened by the passing of fellow Greek and Oscar winning actress, the great Olympia Dukakis. I remember her warmth and generosity. At one interview, with my own big fat Greek family sitting close by—she grabbed my face and gave me a kiss on the cheek—much like an aunt would after not seeing me for a while. It was a Moonstruck moment for sure. When my Aunt Mary (Thea Maria in Greek), who had no filter, walked into our shot during the live interview, Olympia looked at me and gave me an understanding wink.

Amid all the pandemic’s challenges, the 23rd Sarasota Film Festival proved unique and memorable. Kudos to Mark Famiglio and his entire staff for pivoting and pulling this off so magnificently. So glad they did. CineBistro was a gracious host and served as a wonderful venue. 

Finally, thank you to all the filmmakers and dreamers out there who dug deep into their souls to find the courage to tell their story. I can’t wait to discover what gems I’ll see and people I will meet at next year’s festival.

I guess I was wrong. I do like sequels after all.

The 2021 “Gussie” Awards

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It
Director Mariem Perez Riera

I’ve seen 23 opening night films and this is my favorite of all at the SFF. Why? I must confess, I have a crush on Rita. But who doesn’t? This documentary is entertaining, engaging and spicy like the film’s protagonist, who as she says, “is one Puerto Rican broad that wouldn’t give up.” This EGOT winner can now add a Gussie to her awards shelf that already features an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

My Octopus Teacher
Directors Pippa Ehrlich & James Reed

I know this documentary is on Netflix. But if you ever get a chance to see it on the big screen, I beg you to drive there safely and quickly and take a bunch of people that you love to see it with you. You’ll thank me later. A masterpiece! A film that will make you a better person.

State of Rodeo
Director Scott Barnett

From the department of “I didn’t know that,” this documentary film tells about the significant role the sunshine state has played for over 500 years in keeping the rodeo tradition alive. It also explores what binds generations of Floridians—from Native American cow keepers to pioneer cracker families. Fascinating!

Best Summer Ever
Directors Lauren Smitelli & Michael Parks Randa

A high school football player and a gal he met at summer camp cross paths back at high school. This musical sounds a little like Travolta and Olivia’s Grease, but goes big on heart and originality. See it and be surprised.

Original Splendor
Director Allen Clements; Producers Sean Greenspan & Karen Rushing

From the category of “Thanks for restoring this treasure,” the Gussie proudly goes to this documentary film that not only covers the restoration of fabulous historic Sarasota County Courthouse, it allows us to pause and think as development hits overdrive and ask the question: “What other treasures can we save before it’s too late?” Bravo!  

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Director Tony Ahedo

A heartwarming personal story of a boyfriend and his girlfriend confronting the complexities of young love. When a surprise pregnancy complicates their carefree youth, the drama reaches new heights in this honest and real coming of age film. Ahedo’s direction is restrained and sensitive and Parker Padget and Devon Hales are a joy to watch on screen. A glimpse into the future and what surely will be great film careers for all three.

Dangerous Ladies
Directors & Producers Charles Clapsaddle & Kate Alexander

Sadly, it took women years to earn the right to vote. This wonderfully informative documentary reveals the treacherous path and the painstaking effort it took to get here. Stories are masterfully woven together from informative interviews, readings, songs, poetry and wonderfully acted scenes by some of the area’s greatest actors. The result is an engaging, entertaining, and educational film experience. When someone asks you what a suffragist is—don’t google it. I vote for you to show them this film instead.   

Centigrade
Director Brendan Walsh with Genesis Rodriguez & Vincent Piazza

Just the kind of film that festivals were made for. Original, challenging, and raw. Some viewers will see it as a satisfying and innovative experiment in filmmaking. Others will find the narrative of a husband and his pregnant wife trapped in a car after a monumental snowstorm, too claustrophobic and too intense. Whatever your take, it’s a compelling tale of survival accompanied by great acting. It leaves the viewer to ponder what they would do if placed in the protagonists’ shoes or in this case—their car.

Raw Honey
Director James Berry

A short and sweet documentary whose main ingredients include the perseverance and passion of a young Sarasota beekeeper named Rye, who will make you see bees and honey in a whole new light. A must-see film for all those seeking their own path in life. Inspirational. Eye opening and like honey itself—a film that’s good for you.

G’s Southern Kitchen
Director Colin Reid

We all know how hard the restaurant business is. Try succeeding when the golf course where your soul food joint lives closes. Chef Gordon Gregory takes on these challenges and others with a likeable attitude that will have you pulling for him. Your mouth will water at the sight of his signature chicken sandwich—leaving no doubt his bird will give big chicken joints a run for their money. His special ingredient? Soul.       

Dream Horse
Director Euros Lyn

I love horse movies. Period. I’ve seen three in recent years at the Sarasota Film Festival that I consider minor classics: The Rider, Lean on Pete, and Mustang. This year’s entry, Dream Horse, will steal your heart. You’ll pull for Toni Collette and Damian Lewis and an eclectic and eccentric cast of Welch characters in this true and inspirational story of a horse named Dream Alliance. You will laugh, might even cry, and will definitely finish in the money. A feel-good film at a time we need it most.