Film fest on a beer budget

SARASOTA - With money tight, the first film festival event of the season was more weenie roast than extravagant gala.

The Sarasota Film Festival served hot dogs, popcorn and nachos at swanky Michael's on East Wednesday night, the first concession to a shrinking budget as organizers try to put on the 10-day festival with half as much money as last year.

"It's fine to have glamour," film festival board president Mark Famiglio said. "But the festival is a business."

More than 200 film fest sponsors and supporters attended the invitation-only event, dubbed "Reel Changes." It featured a giant screen showcasing photos from past festivals and an antique camera display by the Florida Motion Picture & Television Association.

The 2009 festival runs from March 27 to April 5.

One new element festival organizers hope to jump start is an education program for residents interested in film studies.

"The goal of the consortium is to run programs and lectures year-round," said University of Tampa film professor Tom Garrett. Manatee Community College, the University of Central Florida and other schools will participate in the program, he said.

Festival supporter Delia Smith-Orth said the blue-collar fare was the last thing on her mind: "It's not all about the food and booze. It's about the films."