Miami-Dade College’s refurbished Tower Theater to host ‘MIFFecito’
Film aficionados who can’t wait for the 32nd edition of the Miami International Film Festival in 2015 can attend a preview sampling of key movies at what’s being called ‘MIFFecito,’ from Oct. 16 to 19.
Hosted by Miami-Dade College at its landmark 1926 movie house on SW Eighth Street, which recently reopened after extensive refurbishing, the preview event — a “taste” of things to come — takes its name from the mini coffee called “cafecito” and the fact that many of the preview films are Latin American entries.
“Following the overwhelming success of our 31st annual edition this past March, common refrains from Miami movie lovers were laments about the long wait until next year’s Miami International Film Festival,” said Jaie Laplante, film festival executive director who gave a special media presentation on Sept. 2 at the repaired theater.
“There have been a lot of structural improvements. There’s a brand new air conditioner, and we also installed Sony 4K projection systems that are state-of-the-art equipment, which provides a really different projection experience.”
The Tower Theater had been closed for several months to undergo much-needed repairs, which were made with the support of the City of Miami led by Commissioner Frank Carollo.
The opening night presentation is Behavior (Conducta), a film made in Cuba and directed by Ernesto Daranas. It will be followed by a party at the “Ball & Chain” nightclub across the street from the theater.
Other films slated for the mini-festival include The Blue Car, a joint German/Cuban project; Carmina and Amen (Spain); I Can Quit Whenever I Want (Italy); Lake Los Angeles (USA), Life Feels Good (Poland); Paradise (Mexico), Root (Chile), Spanish Affair (Spain), and Vara: A Blessing (Bhutan/Hong Kong).
The premieres will be accompanied with in-person appearances by visiting filmmakers and stars.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Sept. 18 for MIFFecito, with the opening night film and party costing $50 ($40 for members) and all other screenings costing $12 for adults (less for seniors, members and students). For tickets call 1- 844-565-6433 or go online at www.miamifilmfestival.com/MIFFecito.
