Let the movies begin

Singer-Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt poses for photographers as she arrives for the premiere of her new film, "If Only," on Friday night, January 23, 2004 at the Sarasota Film Festival.

Photo by Alex Diaz

SARASOTA, FL - Fans clamored for autographs and handed flowers to singer-actress Jennifer Love Hewitt as she walked down the red carpet Friday night before the world premiere of her film "If Only" at opening of the Sarasota Film Festival.

A January chill couldn't put a damper on the exciting atmosphere at the festival kickoff at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Events, films and parties continue for 10 days through Feb. 1.

"It's cool out here. It's really cool. I thought it was supposed to be warm," exclaimed Love Hewitt, clad in a little white knee-length dress, her hair swept up on her head and her bare shoulders exposed to the wind coming off Sarasota Bay.

"If Only" is considered a breakthrough film for Love Hewitt, who is also its producer. The actress, 24, is known for playing pretty faces in films that include "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and in the 1990s television drama "Party of Five."

Love Hewitt and director Gil Junger said they hope the film will establish Love Hewitt as a serious actress.

"This film is really, really close to my heart," said Love Hewitt as she introduced the film before about 1,300 fans. "It's rare to work on something you love that teaches you things. I hope it will stay with you, and you learn something from it, too."

The film, co-starring Paul Nichols, is the story of a self-absorbed man who doesn't show his girlfriend enough affection. When tragedy strikes, everything changes. The movie opens as a breezy love story, but evolves into a serious examination of a relationship.

"I wanted to show America the incredible range she has," Junger said. "Normally, she has roles that are charming and funny. But this is a real leading lady dramatic role."

Making an opening night speech, film festival executive director Jody Kielbasa hailed the 10-day event as one of "the premier cultural events on the west coast of Florida."

Other stars expected to attend the sixth annual festival include Patrick Stewart, Oscar-winner Louise Fletcher, Billy Crystal, Sam Elliott, Woody Harrelson and drive-in movie critic Joe Bob Briggs, among others.

Darren Fredericks of Bradenton stood near the red carpet and when Love Hewitt walked by him, she signed a poster of her film "I Know What You Did Last Summer."

"She's a good actress, and she's a nice-looking young woman," Fredericks said.

A bevy of teenage girls who idolize Love Hewitt also crowded around outside the Van Wezel.

Four Palomino sisters - Neliann, 13, Nerely, 24, Nelani, 21, and Nelinda, 19 - came from Bradenton to see the star.

"We admire her because there aren't many good actresses our age," Neliann said.

Some young men had other things on their mind. Ryan Hahn, 31, of Sarasota got Love Hewitt's autograph on a copy of the men's magazine "Maxim" with a photo of the actress on the cover.

"I've got a big picture of her on my wall at home," he said. "She's like the girl next door. She's one of my dream girls."

"If Only" will also be screened at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Regal Hollywood 20 Cinemas on Main Street.