Area 23a and Sunflower Films have announced that THE GARDENER will bloom on the big screen at Regal Theaters and select locations throughout Florida beginning April 17. Fort Myers, Sarasota, Pembroke Pines, and Naples will be among the first cities to experience the film, with screenings expanding across the state, from Miami and Orlando to Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and beyond.
Photo Courtesy: Sunflower Films
After the loss of her husband and father, Sabena Weathers (Radha Mitchell) is fighting to hold on to her family’s cosmetics empire while fending off a hostile takeover. Exhausted and searching for solid ground, she retreats to a remote mountaintop garden cottage, where a chance encounter with a quiet gardener (William Miller) sets off something unexpected. Grounded in emotional honesty and quiet mystery, the film follows Sabena through grief, healing, and the hard work of figuring out who she is when the world stops telling her.
Florida is a fitting place to launch this story. As part of the release, Area 23a, Sunflower Films, and the filmmakers will connect with botanical gardens, florists, permaculture organizations, and women’s groups across the state, who have already responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, to host community events built around the film’s themes of renewal and growth.
The Gardener is the feature directorial debut of Dabney Day, who built her career in Hollywood working in film and television product placement. She studied under Academy Award–nominated cinematographer John Alonzo (Chinatown, Norma Rae) and worked alongside Joel Schumacher on A Time to Kill. Day wrote, produced, and directed the film.
“The Gardener is the right film for this moment. It’s driven by a powerful female lead, a story about renewal, connection, and what nature can do for the soul. We’re thrilled to bring it to Florida audiences through Regal” said Kirt Eftekhar, Owner, Area 23a.
