Stars seemed to be the theme of Friday night’s Sarasota Film Festival opening night. The evening started with a game of “spot the celebrity” on the red carpet at the Van Wezel and ended up with a gala under the stars along Sarasota Bay.
The military-themed film, “The Messenger,” opened the festival and stars Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster and Jena Malone, along with director Oren Moverman, were in town for the fun. But the real stars at the screening were the hundreds of soldiers who were honored guests for the night.
Following the movie, the party cranked up in the Van Wezel’s Grand Foyer and spilled onto the lawn. An impressive display of fireworks added some sparkle and Harrelson’s daughter, Deni, pushed the button that launched the rockets.
The current economic belt-tightening was evident in the scaled-down festivities. But while the party lacked a bit in glitz and glitter, guests seemed to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and chatted more. Even Foster and Moverman spent much of the evening mingling with the guests, rather than staying in the roped-off VIP area. The party kicked off the hectic week for festival event planner Jaymie Carter. But she was well-supported by a group of close friends, including Dr. Brian and Lisa Hoban, Betsy Ridenour and Mark Green.
Georgann Nugent, new Manatee County Boys and Girls Club special events whiz, was spotted checking out the fun. And festival founder John Welch and self-styled “Grand Poobah” Mark Famiglio breathed a sigh of relief that the festival is finally under way.
See you at the movies!
Susan Wilcox, a Florida native, has lived in Bradenton for more than 20 years. She has been active in many local organizations as a volunteer or an employee.
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