The 28th Annual Sarasota Film Festival is set to kick off April 10th with a splash, announcing a star-studded lineup of celebrity guests including legendary filmmaker Renny Harlin and rock icon Gene Simmons. The festival, running from April 10-19, will open with the premiere of Harlin’s new shark thriller, “Deep Water,” a survival story set after a commercial flight crashes into the Pacific Ocean. The event promises a dynamic blend of cinematic experiences and industry insights for film enthusiasts.
“Deep Water,” starring Aaron Eckhart and Sir Ben Kingsley, follows the harrowing ordeal of passengers stranded in shark-infested waters after a plane crash. Produced by Simmons, known globally as the frontman for KISS, the film is expected to deliver a gripping and suspenseful experience. The Sarasota Film Festival’s selection of “Deep Water” as its opening night film underscores its commitment to showcasing high-quality action thrillers and attracting prominent figures from the entertainment industry.
“Deep Water” Brings Hollywood Heavyweights to Sarasota
Both Harlin and Simmons are scheduled to attend the premiere, marking a return to the festival for Simmons who previously participated in a 2006 opening night party. Harlin, a prolific director known for action blockbusters like “Die Hard 2,” “Cliffhanger,” and the cult classic “Deep Blue Sea,” brings a wealth of experience to the project. His recent work includes “The Misfits” (2021), “The Bricklayer” (2023), and the ongoing “The Strangers” franchise, with the third installment slated for release in 2026. According to Harlin, “We made this movie to be experienced with an audience. to feel the tension, the spectacle, and the humanity together in a theater.”
Simmons echoed this sentiment, describing “Deep Water” as a “terrific action thriller” and expressing his enthusiasm for the project. “Directed by Renny Harlin. This represents the kind of movie I love. Grab your popcorn, sit back, and fasten your safety belts. It’s going to be a bumpy ride,” he stated. The film also features Molly Belle Wright, Angus Sampson, and Kelly Gale alongside Eckhart and Kingsley.
Closing Night Features Oscar-Nominated Director Julian Schnabel
The festival will also close with a screening of “In the Hand of Dante,” based on the 2002 novel by Nick Tosches. This film boasts an impressive cast including Oscar Isaac, Gal Gadot, Gerard Butler, John Malkovich, and Jason Momoa, and is directed by Julian Schnabel, a filmmaker and painter who received an Academy Award nomination for Best Director for 2007’s “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.” Schnabel will participate in a moderated discussion following the screening and will receive an Achievement in Directing Award. A retrospective screening of his earlier work, “Before Night Falls,” will also be held, accompanied by a display of original artwork.
Beyond the headline films, the Sarasota Film Festival will offer a diverse range of events. These include a conversation with stunt coordinator Jayson Dumenigo, exploring the intricacies of the craft, and a discussion at Ringling College of Art and Design examining the evolving role of artificial intelligence in animation. A free sports and business panel at New College will feature a youth soccer clinic, internationally themed food trucks, and an outdoor film screening celebrating Florida’s involvement in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Tickets for the 2026 Sarasota Film Festival will be available for purchase beginning March 20th. A full festival lineup and a complete list of honorees will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit sarastofafilmfestival.com.
The Sarasota Film Festival continues to solidify its position as a significant cultural event, attracting both established industry professionals and emerging talent. With a diverse program and a commitment to showcasing compelling storytelling, the festival promises a memorable experience for film lovers and a valuable platform for cinematic innovation. Stay tuned for further announcements regarding the full festival schedule and additional guest appearances.
What are you most looking forward to seeing at the Sarasota Film Festival?
