After a lengthy and roundabout trip, thanks to American Airlines cancellations all day Wednesday, I finally made it to Sarasota that night. I've been engulfed in the 10th annual Sarasota Film Festival, serving on the Documentary Jury with Liesl Copland of Red Envelope/Netflix and filmmaker AJ Schnack. But there are plenty more familiar faces. Within the first 36 hours, I've run into SXSW 2008 alumni galore, including the crews from The Pleasure of Being Robbed, Medicine For Melancholy, Throw Down Your Heart, Of All The Things, Woodpecker, and more are on their way this weekend. It's kinda like a SXSW 2008 reunion, only one month later.

Then, there's the bevy of industry guests who have been soaking up the sun and cinema of Sarasota. The lineup is great, the festival is gracious, and the weather has been beautiful. Of course, the irony of festivals in locales such as this is the fact that you're surrounded by natural beauty yet confined to dark theaters most of the day. Most of the day.