On Friday, March 7, local nonprofit Through Women’s Eyes will produce the 26th edition of the Reel Equals International Film Festival. The festival, which features 30 films from 10 different countries, is designed to highlight diverse voices within the media, giving a platform for women and non-traditional filmmakers alike.

“The filmmakers all come from very different backgrounds and bring an array of perspectives to their work,” says Festival Chair E. Scott Osbourne. “The topics covered in these films are just as diverse. We have films on Zumba dancers, a boy with autism, the war in Ukraine, encounters with whales and the environment in Alabama. Our topics are very far flung, but we like to bring perspectives that aren’t typically in mainstream media to the forefront.”

This past year the festival, which received roughly 400 submissions from filmmakers across the world, put out a call for films centered around environmental issues. One of the features of this year’s festival will be The Green Room, a screening of a collection of films that explore concerns around climate change, followed by a panel discussion about local Florida water resources hosted by USF professor Dr. Heather O’Leary.

A more localized perspective can be seen through a screening of Culture War, a short film from Ringling College of Art and Design graduate Celi Mitidieri that interrogates the overhauling of New College’s core curriculum and faculty in 2024 in the wake of Senate Bill 266 going into effect in mid-2023. The film, which features New College students and faculty, will also be followed by a panel discussion.

Reel Equals also looks to feature the voices of future filmmakers. The festival works with Sarasota’s NewGate Montessori school to help rank the films and select one of the award winners.

“We typically work with NewGate’s middle and high school students. We give them select films that are student appropriate and they use it as a real world learning experience to discuss what's on screen, perhaps see countries they've never been exposed to,” says Osbourne. “They develop criteria to rank the film by and then they will come and speak at our award ceremony when they hand out their winner.”

Reel Equals Film Festival, virtual streaming and on-demand March 6 to 11. In theater showings March 7 to 9. Opening reception Friday, March 7 at 5:00 p.m. at the Ringling College of Art and Design. 

Production still from What If The War Ends Tomorrow, directed by Martyna Wojciechowska and Hanna Jewsiewicka. Provided photo.

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Art lovers, collectors, and creative spirits, get ready! The Lakewood Ranch Festival of the Arts is set to transform Main Street into an immersive, open-air art experience on Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.paragonfestivals.com, and follow us on social media for artist spotlights and event updates.

Each year, Florida Studio Theatre (FST) recognizes an individual or couple who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership through philanthropic support, stewardship, or service. This year, FST is proud to present the 32nd Annual Spelman Award to Jack and Priscilla Schlegel, in recognition of their unwavering generosity and dedication to the theatre. To reserve tickets or become a sponsor, contact Kristin Hartnett, Development Associate, at KHartnett@FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9017 ext. 316.  

 Florida Studio Theatre (FST) concludes its 2024-25 Winter Mainstage Series with the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical Jersey Boys. Written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe, this electrifying production chronicles the rise and fall of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, one of the most legendary groups in music history. Praised as “exasperatingly infectious” by The New York Times and “irresistible” by The Washington Post, Jersey Boys will run in FST’s Gompertz Theatre, located in the Hegner Theatre Wing, with previews beginning March 26 and an official opening on March 28. 

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Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents classical violinist/fiddler Tessa Lark on April 8 at First Congregational United Church of Christ. This Ernie Kretzmer Memorial Concert is preceded by a special reception with Lark at Michael’s Wine Cellar. French Connection – rescheduled from October – is April 15 at First Congregational United Church of Christ. The final soirée concerts of the season, Power Couple, take place April 20 and 21 at the Fischer/Weisenborne residence. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or call (941) 306-1202. 

After more than 150 electrifying performances, Florida Studio Theatre’s (FST) Winter Cabaret Series hit Off the Charts is back for a limited engagement. Called “off the wall with great music” and a “timeless tribute” by the Venice Gondolier Sun, this high-energy musical revue takes audiences on a journey through the biggest pop hits of the 20th century, celebrating the Billboard Top 100 songs that shaped music history from the ‘50s through the ‘90s. Created by Rebecca Hopkins, Richard Hopkins, and Sarah Durham, with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser, Off the Charts is now playing through March 15 in FST’s Keating Theatre. Tickets range from $37-$42 and are on sale now at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.