“40 Days in Saratoga” Wins Documentary Short Award at Sarasota Film Festival

SARASOTA, Fla. — A film capturing the unique spirit of Saratoga Race Course has earned national recognition, as “40 Days in Saratoga” took home the documentary short category award at the 2026 Sarasota Film Festival.

The film screened as part of the festival’s Documentary Shorts program on April 17 at the New College of Florida’s Sainer Pavilion, one of several venues hosting the multi-day event.  The annual festival, founded in 1998, draws filmmakers from around the world and is regarded as one of the largest regional film festivals in the United States.

Directed by Samuel Centore, “40 Days in Saratoga” offers an immersive look at the famed summer meet in Saratoga Springs. Set against the backdrop of the historic Saratoga Race Course, the documentary “captures the rhythm, the ritual, and the people who make it all come alive,” according to festival promotional materials.  The film focuses on the traditions, characters, and atmosphere that define the 40-day racing season—widely considered one of the most iconic stretches in American horse racing.

The documentary highlights not just the races themselves, but the broader culture surrounding Saratoga, from longtime fans and horsemen to the everyday scenes that unfold across the track during the meet. Festival descriptions note that the film “immerses audiences in the rhythms of a historic summer meet,” emphasizing its observational, slice-of-life storytelling approach.

While full production credits have not been widely detailed in festival listings, Brookly-based Centore’s direction has drawn attention for its ability to translate a distinctly local tradition into a story with broader appeal. The project builds on Saratoga’s reputation as a destination where sport, community, and history intersect over the course of a condensed summer season.

The win at Sarasota marks a significant milestone for the film, positioning it for further exposure on the festival circuit. For Saratoga Springs, the recognition underscores the enduring fascination with its signature racing meet—and the stories that continue to emerge from it.