Tom Hall has been nameddirector of programming for the 7th Annual Sarasota Film Festival (SFF), whichruns from Jan 28-Feb 6 2005.

Hall, who remains programmedirector at the Nantucket Film Festival held annually in June, will travel toToronto to scout for material for the SFF.

"We were determined to bringin a new programmer who would bring a fresh perspective, work enthusiasticallywith our staff, and help Sarasota garner even more consistently high-qualityfilms and intriguing artists," SFF executive director Jody Kielbasa said in astatement.

"Tom Hall has a proven eyeand vision and will bring his great skills to SFF's collective table."

Hall has previously heldpositions at the Hamptons Film Festival and Bravo Networks/IFC-TV.

"I want SFF to become ashowcase for engaging work," he said. "Jody Kielbasa, the board of directorsand his staff have built an impressive, popular, nationally acclaimed event.

"I intend to pursue what Iconsider to be good work - stories that challenge the viewer, are engaging, andinspire real feelings and critical reactions."

The SFF will include worldcinema, documentary, narrative feature and short categories, featuring titlesin and out of competition.