Movie buffs rejoice – Miami’s biggest celebration of cinema is here! The 32nd annual Miami International Film Festival returns for 10 days of over 100 films from around the world. Whether you’re a patron of the arts looking to enjoy international cinema, a filmmaker looking to learn and network, or just someone who enjoys a good party when they find one, MIFF has something for all. Here are our top picks for the most anticipated films and events (plus: ticket giveaways).
THE FILMS
BEING EVEL
Being Evel explores the life and legend of stuntman Evel Knievel and his undeniable influence on extreme sports, Jackass, and generations of risk taking daredevils.
KURT COBAIN: MONTAGE OF HECK
Executive produced by Frances Bean Cobain, Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck serves as the first fully authorized portrait of the grunge legend. Including never-before-seen home movies, music and art from Cobain’s personal collection interwoven with animation and candid interviews with his closest friends and family, this doc is an intimate new look at the tragic Nirvana frontman. More Information
SPRING
In Spring, what seemingly has all the makings of your standard Hollywood love story – boy spontaneously travels to Italy for adventure and falls for a beautiful local – takes a sharp turn into pure horror when he learns the object of his affections’ dark secret. With hints of Before Sunrise and Cronenberg, this well-crafted film manages to be as terrifying as it is romantic. More Information
SAND DOLLARS
A Harold & Maude tale for the new millennium – a young woman from the Dominican Republic finds herself involved in a love-for-money relationship with a wealthy older French woman for money. Sand Dollars portrays a powerful tale of love, sexuality, race, class, and exploitation in the Caribbean.
HOT GIRLS WANTED
Executive produced by Parks & Rec‘s Rashida Jones, this documentary takes an intimate looks at the lives of young women entering Miami’s amateur porn industry in search of fame, fortune, and adventure.
SAINT LAURENT
This controversial, unauthorized biopic takes a look at the life of French fashion icon Yves St. Laurent during the 60s and 70s and the mark he left on this era in fashion and beyond. Rich cinematography and stunning attention to detail makes Saint Laurent cinematic eye candy for Miami style junkies.
DAWG FIGHT
From the creators of Cocaine Cowboys and 30 for 30’s The U, this gritty documentary profiles backyard fighter, Dada 5000, and takes a looks at the illicit pastime in Perrine, Florida. Dawg Fight captures the humanity of these impoverished fighters and their quest to grapple their way out of the hood.
SWEET MICKY FOR PRESIDENT
Music and politics unexpectedly collide during Haiti’s 2010 presidential election. On the heels of the country’s devastating earthquake, The Fugees’ Pras Michel mobilizes the campaign of Haiti’s biggest pop star, Michel Martelly, better known as Sweet Micky. Along with Pras’ former bandmate, Wyclef Jean, these musicians face the odds to change Haiti’s future forever.
POSTHUMOUS
A struggling artist finally reaches fame after he is accidentally reported dead. He begins posing as his twin brother to keep the hype alive. Things take a turn when he befriends a witty reporter who figures out his ruse. The romantic comedy starring Boardwalk Empire’s Jack Huston and indie darling Brit Marling analyzes the true value of life, art and love.
LOS HONGOS
Said to be a love letter to the director’s hometown of Cali, Colombia, two street artists lead a group of alt youths on a heroic show of solidarity with the brave Egyptian women of the Arab Spring, half a world away. A perfect film for Wynwood mural artists and admirers alike.
THE PARTIES
Patrón Opening Night Party
MTV tr3s DJ Omar ‘Suave’ Paredes will provide the soundtrack to the Miami International Film Festival’s kickoff celebration. Following the screening of the 2015 Oscar nominated film Wild Tales, the party will commemorate the film with offerings from some of Miami’s top Argentine restaurants and feature a ridiculous, over-the-top wedding cake you have to see to believe. Toast to 10 days of world cinema with an endless flow of Patrón cocktails!
Hot Girls Wanted After-Party
Run into a porn star or two following the screening of Hot Girls Wanted. Join Stella Artois in the disco-glittered Basement at The Miami Beach Edition, a 21st century homage to Studio 54.
Every Character Under The Moon Celebrates ‘The Record Man & Florida Filmmakers’
Rub shoulders with Florida filmmakers as you revel in the presence of gypsies, belly dancers, and fortune teller. Toast to local creatives with Stella Artois on the rooftop of The Betsy Hotel. Presented by Knight Foundation.
THE CLASSES
DIY Digital Distribution Panel
Thought about what comes next after you complete your epic feature film? The producers of Cocaine Cowboys, Rakontur’s Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman, discuss the future of distribution in a world where Netflix is king.
A Conversation with Cheryl Boone Isaacs
Fresh from controversy over diversity in Oscar nominations, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences president joins MIFF for a discussion on her Hollywood career, the changes facing the motion picture industry and the Academy’s role in shaping the motion picture landscape in the 21st century.
Producing in Florida & Beyond 3
The 3rd edition of “Producing in Florida and Beyond” is crucial for filmmakers, both new and seasoned. Project development, legalese, and the future of storytelling in the 21st century will all be discussed. The panel ranges from entertainment lawyers to film commissioners to… the mom from Family Matters? Sure to be an important masterclass for the digital era of filmmaking.
