Officials of Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival recently announced the slate of films that will be appearing during the festival that runs from Mar. 4 through 13, as well as revealing the official poster for this year’s event.
Jaie Laplante, festival director, said he is grateful for the opportunity to work with the event for the past five years.
“Working on this festival has given me a chance to fight for cinema — to keep it alive and vital by programming only films that move the artform forward, and to fight for Miami as well — to make it an integral and critical place to make, see and share art,” Laplantesaid .
The 10-day annual event will be the 33rd edition of Miami’s own celebration of filmmaking, and the event takes place at the festival’s traditional home, the historic Olympia Theater in downtown Miami, plus six additional cinemas scattered arounmd the county. Scheduled are many screenings, stylish parties, panel discussions, spirited film competitions, awards ceremonies and immersive cultural exchange opportunities for filmmakers attending from across the globe.
This year’s festival showcases 129 films, including 100 feature films and documentaries and 29 short films produced and directed by both renowned and emerging talent from 40 countries. Forty six are directed or co-directed by women.
The festival has announced numerous important premieres: 12 World, 1 International, 16 North American and 13 US premieres, debuting in Miami.
“Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival is considered the preeminent film festival for showcasing Ibero-American cinema in the U.S. and a major launch pad for all international and documentary cinema,” Laplante said.
“The festival’s special focus on Ibero-American cinema has made the festival a natural gateway for the discovery of new talent from this diverse territory. The festival also offers unparalleled educational opportunities to film students and the community at large.”
Tickets are on sale now to the general public. For the schedule of screenings and events, membership opportunities or more information about the Miami International Film Festival, visit www.miamifilmfestival.com or call 305-237-FILM (3456).
