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Sarasota Film Festival 2026 to Close with Julian Schnabel’s In the Hand of Dante

| Sande Caplin |

The 2026 Sarasota Film Festival will close in grand style with a special screening of In the Hand of Dante, the newest film from acclaimed director Julian Schnabel. The highly anticipated movie, which premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, features a star-studded cast including Oscar Isaac, Gal Gadot, Al Pacino, and Martin Scorsese.

Following the closing night screening, Schnabel will participate in a moderated discussion with festival attendees, offering insight into the film and his decades-long career as one of cinema’s most distinctive storytellers.

A Story Bridging Two Worlds

In the Hand of Dante follows a disillusioned writer who becomes entangled in a dangerous underworld mission to authenticate a manuscript believed to be the original version of Dante Alighieri’s “The Divine Comedy.” The story moves between 14th-century Italy and modern-day settings, weaving together themes of love, faith, obsession, and literary history.

The film’s sweeping narrative and powerful performances make it a fitting finale for the 28th annual Sarasota Film Festival, one of the largest film festivals in North America.

Julian Schnabel to Receive Achievement in Directing Award

As part of the closing festivities, the festival will present Julian Schnabel with the Achievement in Directing Award, recognizing his groundbreaking work as both a filmmaker and visual artist.

Schnabel’s celebrated films include:

  • Basquiat
  • Before Night Falls
  • The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly received four Academy Award nominations, and Schnabel’s career has earned numerous honors including Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival, a Golden Globe Award, and the César Award for Best Director.

“To be able to celebrate Julian Schnabel’s work is an exciting moment for the Sarasota Film Festival,” said Mark Famiglio, Chairman of the Sarasota Film Festival and President of its Board. “His innovative and fearless approach to storytelling continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.”

Special Screening and Retrospective Event

On Friday, April 17, the festival will host a retrospective screening of Schnabel’s acclaimed film Before Night Falls. The event will feature select original artwork on display and a cocktail reception before the screening, celebrating the director’s contributions to both cinema and visual art.

Sarasota Film Festival 2026

Panels and Special Events During the Festival

Beyond its film lineup, the 2026 Sarasota Film Festival will present several engaging discussions and community events that explore the future of filmmaking and storytelling.

Inside Hollywood’s Stunt World – New College of Florida

A special fireside chat will spotlight the art of stunt coordination, a craft recently recognized by the Academy as an award-worthy discipline. Featured guest Jayson Dumenigo, fire specialist stunt coordinator and performer for the upcoming film Ballerina, will provide an inside look at the precision, creativity, and risk involved in action filmmaking—from high-speed car chases to complex fire stunts.

Animation & AI Panel – Ringling College of Art and Design

Ringling College of Art and Design, one of the world’s top creative institutions, will host a panel exploring the growing role of artificial intelligence in animation and storytelling. The discussion will examine how AI is changing creative workflows while raising important questions about the future of human storytelling in the film industry.

World Cup Celebration and Community Soccer Event

In partnership with New College, the festival will also host a free public soccer celebration inspired by the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event will include a youth soccer clinic led by notable athletes, internationally themed food trucks, and an outdoor film screening.

With seven World Cup matches scheduled for Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, Florida will be at the center of global soccer excitement this summer, and the Sarasota Film Festival plans to join in the celebration with a day designed for film lovers, sports fans, and families alike.

Tickets and Festival Information

Additional programming and honorees for the 28th annual Sarasota Film Festival will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets go on sale March 20 online and at the festival’s in-person box office located at 332 Cocoanut Avenue in downtown Sarasota, open daily from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. until the festival begins.

For tickets and the full schedule, visit: www.sarasotafilmfestival.com

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Photo courtesy of Sarasota Film Festival

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