Home / Arts and Entertainment / Film Fest Celebrates Director Julian Schnabel
Film Fest Celebrates Director Julian Schnabel
6 Mar
Summary
- Film festival to honor Julian Schnabel with directing award.
- A new film follows a quest for Dante Alighieri's manuscript.
- Schnabel's past works include 'Basquiat' and 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly'.
The Sarasota Film Festival will present Julian Schnabel with its Achievement in Directing Award during the 2026 festival. This accolade follows Schnabel's recent induction into the Austin Film Society's Texas Film Hall of Fame. His upbringing in Brownsville, Texas, significantly influenced his artistic and filmmaking endeavors. Schnabel's notable directorial works include 'Basquiat,' 'Before Night Falls,' and 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly,' which garnered four Oscar nominations. The festival will feature a retrospective screening of 'Before Night Falls' on Friday, April 17, 2026, accompanied by original artwork and a reception.
A new film, featuring a cast including Oscar Isaac and Gal Gadot, centers on a disillusioned author's journey into a dangerous underworld. The quest involves authenticating a manuscript believed to be Dante Alighieri's original 'Divine Comedy.' The narrative intertwines scenes from 14th-century Italy with modern-day settings, delving into themes of divinity, obsession, and love. Following the screening of this film, Schnabel is scheduled to participate in a moderated discussion.
