BRADENTON -- The Sarasota Film Festival announced earlier this month that for the first time in its 14-year history screenings and events will be held in the Bradenton area.

A partnership with State College of Florida, dubbed "SFF@SCF," brings movies and conversations to the campus' Neel Performing Arts Center April 20-22.

The Sarasota Film Festival Manatee Kick Off Party, which is free and open to the public, takes place 5:30-7 p.m. today at Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar, 801 Riverside Drive E., Bradenton.

Attendees are invited to learn more about the festival and pick up tickets to all SFF films and events while enjoying appetizers, giveaways and a cash bar.

Wade Tatangelo, features writer/columnist, can be reached at 941-745-7057. Follow Twitter.com/wtatangelo.