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The Sarasota Film Festival showcases an array of independent films each year that prominently feature LGBTQ characters or themes. SarasotaOUT.com is proud to present the 9th Annual Official Gay Guide to the Sarasota Film Festival. We'll see you at the festival, April 4th - 13th!
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A statement on the SFF artwork
The original 2025 artwork released by the Sarasota Film Festival and has been labeled as "satire" may not reflect the values or views of SarasotaOUT.com, our advertisers, or community partners.
At SarasotaOUT.com, our mission with this Gay Guide to the SFF is to celebrate and spotlight LGBTQ+ stories, filmmakers, and artists within the festival. We believe it’s important to continue showcasing the powerful LGBTQ+ programming included in this year’s lineup and to support the creators whose work deserves to be seen and celebrated.
We have heard that the original artwork has been revoked and that new artwork is expected to debut during the festival. While the Sarasota Film Festival has not released a public statement at this time, we hope they will address the concerns of the community with transparency and care.
In the meantime, SarasotaOUT.com remains committed to uplifting queer voices and honoring the artistic contributions that make the Sarasota Film Festival an important platform for diverse storytelling.
- Joshua Beadle
Founder, SarasotaOUT.com
What to Watch:
Feature Films
Feature Films
Sally
Documentary (Feature), LGBTQ+
"An inspiring tale of a woman breaking one of the tallest glass ceilings for her field but feels immensely tragic"
- RogerEbert.com
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Sally Ride became the first American woman to blast off into space, but beneath her unflappable composure was a secret. Sally’s life partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, reveals their hidden romance and the sacrifices that accompanied their 27 years together. Cristina Costantini’s rich portrait of astronaut Sally brings a fullness to her life that goes beyond the headlines of her trailblazing voyage past Earth’s atmosphere. Costantini skillfully weaves together the dual threads of Ride’s story: the private romance she shared with her partner and the professional trajectory of her time in the space program that saw her contend with overt sexism and homophobia, prompting her secrecy. Rare archival footage brings the viewer behind the scenes to witness NASA training and missions, while press appearances reflect the media frenzy Ride was subjected to both before and after her historic first flight. O’Shaughnessy takes a fitting central role in recounting her beloved Ride’s story and the legacy she left behind that inspires countless women and girls to dream for the stars.
April 9, 6:30 pm New College of Florida/Sainer Pavilion |
WATCH TRAILER
The Wedding Banquet
Comedy, LGBTQ+, Narrative Feature
"A crowd pleaser. An old-school rom-com with a fresh touch"
- Collider
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From Director Andrew Ahn comes a joyful comedy of errors about a chosen family navigating cultural identity, queerness, and family expectations. Frustrated with his commitment-phobic boyfriend Chris and running out of time, Min makes a proposal: a green-card marriage with their friend Angela in exchange for her partner Lee’s expensive IVF. Elopement plans are upended, however, when Min’s grandmother surprises them with an extravagant Korean wedding banquet. Starring Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-chan, Joan Chen, and Youn Yuh-jung, The Wedding Banquet is a poignant and heartfelt reminder that being part of a family means learning to both accept and forgive.
April 12, 6:00 pm Cinebistro |
Get to Know the Filmmaker, Andrew AhnAndrew Ahn is an acclaimed filmmaker known for creating emotionally rich, culturally insightful stories that deeply resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences. From his Sundance debut with the powerful short Dol (First Birthday) in 2012 to his breakout feature Spa Night and the groundbreaking series This Close, Ahn consistently explores queer identity, family, and cultural traditions. His latest film, The Wedding Banquet—a fresh, personal reimagining of Ang Lee’s classic—is inspired by Ahn’s own experiences navigating love, marriage, and cultural expectations as a gay Korean American. Through warmth, humor, and authenticity, Ahn continues to affirm the beauty and complexity of chosen families and queer relationships on screen.
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WATCH TRAILER
Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore
Disability, Documentary (Feature), Jewish
SarasotaOUT.com Note: This film is not labeled as LGBTQ by the Sarasota Film Festival. We are featuring it because Marlee Matlin notably portrayed a lesbian character in the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ series The L Word, earning admiration and respect within the queer community.
"On the surface, Not Alone Anymore is a solid, sweet-natured celebration of a unique artist, but it gradually provides a deeper perspective"
- Screen
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Marlee Matlin, the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award, reflects candidly on her trailblazing life, groundbreaking career, and advocacy journey in this intimate documentary by director Shoshanna Stern. Beyond her historic win for Children of a Lesser God and powerful advocacy for deaf visibility, Matlin has long been celebrated as an ally and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using her public platform to champion inclusion and representation across intersecting communities. Through personal revelations and authentic storytelling, the film explores how Matlin’s courageous battles against discrimination, violence, and marginalization should deeply resonate with LGBTQ+ experiences of overcoming adversity, reclaiming personal narratives, and championing equality in Hollywood and beyond.
April 8, 6:30 pm New College of Florida/Sainer Pavilion |
You Might Have Seen Marlee Matlin in The L Word
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Marlee Matlin portrayed Jodi Lerner, a confident and outspoken lesbian artist who became a fan-favorite character on Showtime’s groundbreaking LGBTQ+ series The L Word. Matlin has shared how deeply she enjoyed exploring LGBTQ+ culture through the role, praising the show’s authentic representation and inclusive storytelling. Her compelling performance resonated widely, further cementing her status as a beloved figure within the queer community.
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WATCH THIS
What to Watch:
Short Films
Don't Cry For Me All You Drag Queens“Don’t Cry For Me All You Drag Queens” pays homage to the legendary Mother Cavallucci by weaving together the present and past to provide a striking portrait of belonging and memory. Joseph “Josie” Cavallucci (aka Mother Cavallucci) is a legendary New Hope drag queen that would host annual wedding celebrations in the 70s and 80s that served as fundraisers and a community party.
April 8, 2:30 pm New College of Florida/Sainer Pavilion |
A Leap of Truth
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Where to Go:
The SFF Parties
The SFF Parties
The Sarasota Film Festival is not only a celebration of independent cinema but also a vibrant gathering of spirited soirees that beautifully complement the cinematic experience. These parties, glittering with creativity and inclusivity, serve as a perfect backdrop for the LGBTQ+ community to shine, express themselves freely, and connect with like-minded individuals and allies. Attending these events is not just about enjoying the festivities; it's about being seen, heard, and celebrated for who you are in an environment that champions diversity and inclusion at every turn.
Opening Night PartyFriday, April 4th, 8:00 - 10:30 PM Sarasota Modern 1290 Boulevard Of The Arts, Sarasota |
The Opening Night Party is being hosted at the stunning Sarasota Modern, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. This event promises an unforgettable evening under the stars. Gather by the pool in an ambiance of elegance, with a DJ setting the mood and a selection of drinks to toast the commencement of the festival. It's the perfect kickoff to a celebration of film, offering a night of sophistication and fun in one of Sarasota's most chic venues.
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Friday Night Street PartyFriday, April 11th, 7:30 - 11:00 PM 322 Cocoanut 332 Cocoanut Ave, SRQ |
Get ready for a night of music, magic, and unforgettable vibes as this year’s street party honors the iconic Godfather of Harlem theme. Expect special live performances, an awesome DJ spinning all night, and a block full of energy. Sip on cocktails, grab bites from your favorite food trucks, and dance under the stars with Sarasota’s most vibrant crowd. This isn’t just a party—it’s a festival tradition you don’t want to miss.
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