The Miami Short Film Festival (MsFF) firmly believes that today’s short films lead to tomorrow’s world-renowned filmmakers.

Since 2002, MsFF has been establishing a connection between studios, independent filmmakers, and the global creative community by remaining a dedicated contributor to the cultural arts, economy, and education by providing unique programs to theaters, classrooms, businesses, and organizations throughout Miami-Dade County, including a collaboration with the University of Miami’s School of Communications.

This October, the MsFF partnered with WLRN Television Studio to launch an 8-part half-hour series, Miami Short Film Showcase, hosted by MsFF founder William Vela and Ron Mangravite, a writer, producer and former University of Miami scriptwriting professor.

The Youth Outreach Program

Thanks to the Miami Short Film Festival’s Youth Outreach Program, public school students get an opportunity to observe the creative world of filmmaking by showcasing to them a selection of short films from around the world. The goal is to help young people look beyond their social boundaries so that they can face life with a more well-rounded and positive outlook.

The program includes 5 days of short film screenings and a workshop seminar. We seek to provide Miami’s disenfranchised youth with vocational media and filmmaking skills from basic camera and sound proficiency to script writing and editing; gaining insight into the filmmaking process and the film industry at a grass roots level. The project will also enable the participants to explore their diverse local environments in creative and exciting ways; developing personal skills, self confidence and team working abilities.

Tomorrow’s FilmMakers Today

As part of an outreach initiative designed for South Florida film schools and Miami-Dade County Public School film programs, MsFF hosts a special presentation of student films at the Miami Beach Cinematheque, which takes place on Sunday, November 13th.

Participating schools include Florida Film Institute, Miami Beach High School, Ai Miami, Miami-Dade College, Nova Southeastern, Miami Film School and University of Miami.