Sarasota Film Festival 2026 to Close with Julian Schnabel's New Film

The festival will feature the premiere of Schnabel's latest movie 'In the Hand of Dante' starring an all-star cast.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering gold sequins and glittering disco ball fragments, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to create a luxurious, high-fashion aesthetic that evokes the glamour and excitement of the Sarasota Film Festival's closing night event.The Sarasota Film Festival's closing night celebration will shine with the glamour of Julian Schnabel's latest cinematic masterpiece.Sarasota Today

The 2026 Sarasota Film Festival is set to conclude with a special screening of the new film 'In the Hand of Dante' directed by acclaimed filmmaker Julian Schnabel. The movie features an all-star cast including Oscar Isaac, Gal Gadot, Al Pacino, and Martin Scorsese.

Why it matters

The Sarasota Film Festival is one of the most prestigious regional film festivals in the country, drawing cinephiles and industry insiders from across Florida and beyond. Schnabel's involvement as the closing night film is a major coup for the festival, further cementing its reputation as a must-attend event for movie lovers.

The details

In the Hand of Dante is Schnabel's latest directorial effort, a sweeping drama that explores the life and work of the legendary Italian poet Dante Alighieri. The film has generated significant buzz on the festival circuit for its ambitious scope and performances from the acclaimed cast.

  • The 2026 Sarasota Film Festival will take place from April 1-11.
  • The closing night screening of In the Hand of Dante is scheduled for April 11, 2026.

The players

Julian Schnabel

An acclaimed American filmmaker known for movies like The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and At Eternity's Gate.

Oscar Isaac

A renowned actor who has starred in films such as Ex Machina, Inside Llewyn Davis, and the Star Wars sequel trilogy.

Gal Gadot

An Israeli actress best known for playing the title role in the Wonder Woman films.

Al Pacino

A legendary American actor with an illustrious career spanning decades, including iconic roles in The Godfather and Scarface.

Martin Scorsese

One of the most renowned and influential filmmakers of all time, known for classics like Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, and The Irishman.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to have Julian Schnabel and his incredible new film as the centerpiece of our festival's closing night. It's a true honor to showcase his talent and the amazing cast he's assembled.”

— Samantha Glickstein, Artistic Director, Sarasota Film Festival

“Dante's work has always fascinated me, and I'm excited to bring his story to life on the big screen with such a talented ensemble of actors.”

— Julian Schnabel, Director, In the Hand of Dante

What’s next

Tickets for the closing night screening of In the Hand of Dante are expected to sell out quickly, so festival-goers are encouraged to purchase them in advance through the Sarasota Film Festival website.

The takeaway

The Sarasota Film Festival's decision to close out its 2026 edition with Julian Schnabel's highly anticipated new film is a testament to the festival's status as a premier destination for cinephiles in Florida and beyond. The star-studded cast and Schnabel's acclaimed directorial vision are sure to make this a must-see event for movie lovers.