PHOTOS: Geena Davis, Christopher Plummer at Sarasota Film Festival

Geena Davis on red carpet.

So, I just got back from Sarasota Film Festival Filmmaker Tribute (public), dinner (private) and after party at Ceviche (public). Here's my story running on front page of today's Bradenton Herald:

Geena Davis dazzled throngs of fans as she strolled down the red carpet outside the Sarasota Opera House.
Recent Academy Award nominee Christopher Plummer -- who played Captain Von Trapp in the classic film “The Sound of Music” -- had a similar affect.
Super producer Sarah Green joined Davis and Plummer for the Sarasota Film Festival’s Filmmaker Tribute at the opulent opera house, which seats about 1,100 and appeared completely filled Saturday.

Read more: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/04/17/3119955/stars-light-up-sarasota.html#ixzz1Jl7503K4

And here are some more pics:

L to R: Christopher Plummer with Jennie Famiglio and husband/SFF prez Mark Famiglio

Geena Davis with husband Dr. Reza Jarrahy.

Geena Davis

And that's all for now. Must sleep. Attending Plummer event tomorrow.

All photos by Wade Tatangelo.

PHOTOS: Geena Davis partying at Sarasota Film Festival's 'Night Under a Thousand Stars - Beach Edition'

Geena Davis

Geena Davis radiating star power and charm Friday on the red carpet outside the Ritz-Carlton Member Beach Club on Lido Key. It was during the Sarasota Film Festival's "Night Under a Thousand Stars" bash.

Geena Davis

I spoke with Davis for a few moments —mostly about this interview we did and her luncheon appearance earlier that day — and then she reached out and shook my hand while flashing that tremendous, trademark smile of hers. Gotta admit, felt a bit starstruck.

Geena Davis with husband Dr. Reza Jarrahy.

L to R: Jennie Famiglio and husband/SFF prez Mark Famiglio with Geena Davis and Dr. Reza Jarrahy.

Geena Davis and husband Dr. Reza Jarrahy

Arriving early - 6:30 p.m.  - for the party.

Crowd shot by Bradenton Herald Features Editor Jana Morreale.

Woman in the bubble in the pool.

Bubbles surround woman in the bubble.

Sunset by Bradenton Herald Features Editor Jana Morreale.

Fireworks by Bradenton Herald Features Editor Jana Morreale

All photos by Wade Tatangelo except ones credited to Jana Morreale.

Geena Davis at Sarasota Film Festival: Gender equality activism makes Academy Award winner spot-on selection selection for SFF's first Impact Award

Geena Davis at the 2009 Tribeca Film Fest

Here's my column on the importance of Geena Davis attending the Sarasota Film Festival to receive its first Impact Award:

Sure, she has portrayed strong characters in films such as “Thelma & Louise” and the television show “Commander in Chief.”

But she also founded The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.

Since 2004, Davis’ organization has campaigned to expand roles for women and girls in film and television. It has also sought to eliminate gender stereotypes in media directed at children younger than 11.

Davis’ activism got her appointed to the California Commission on the Status of Women, and she is a partner with UN women, which aims to change the way media represent women and girls globally.

Continue reading.