Every year, the Miami Film Festival transforms the Florida city into a hub of cultural exchange and discovery, welcoming filmmakers, industry professionals and enthusiastic audiences for a celebration of independent films that entertain as well as inspire conversation.
As Miami-Dade College gears up for its 41st edition of the festival, cinema aficionados can expect an array of films, discussions, Q&A sessions, special events, and awards ceremonies from
April 5-14.
With more than 165 films — including feature narratives, documentaries and shorts from more than 31 countries — the carefully curated fest sports one of its biggest lineups ever, says Lauren Cohen, director of programming.
The festival kicks off with “Thelma,” a comedy about a grandmother’s quest to reclaim her lost money, directed by Josh Margolin and featuring a cast including June Squibb, “White Lotus” alum Fred Hechinger and Parker Posey. Tony Goldwyn’s “Ezra,” starring Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Vera Farmiga and Robert De Niro, will close the fest. “Ezra” centers on a stand-up comedian navigating co-parenting of his autistic son.
“It’s a very powerful, dramatic and comic story, but at the same time, it’s a very important mirror that shows the way we look at ourselves and the way we look at those around us,” says Goldwyn, who will be present on April 13 for the screening and will receive the Art of Light Award.
Alison Brie, known for her work on TV series such as “Mad Men” and “Glow” in addition to starring and producing indie films, will also receive the Art of Light Award at the festival.
“It’s really exciting to think that they think that I’ve been putting out some unique works that are moving the needle forward in the film space,” says Brie of the recognition. The actor will also participate in an in-person discussion following a screening of her new Peacock miniseries, “Apples Never Fall.”
Variety will bestow honors upon Molly Ringwald and Tom Hiddleston for their career achievements at the festival. Ringwald will receive Variety’s Creative Vanguard Award on April 6, and Tom Hiddleston will receive Variety’s Virtuoso Award on April 9. Additionally, director Greg Kwedar will be presented with the Impact Award for his film “Sing Sing,” which illuminates the transformative power of art within the criminal justice system. There will also be a centerpiece screening of “The Idea of You,” directed by Michael Showalter and starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine.
The festival’s programming will highlight cultural diasporas, women in film, stories surrounding members of the LGBTQ+ community and people with special needs. It will also explore the rich cultural heritage of Cuban films with its Spotlight on Cuba, featuring films such as “Los Frikis.”
“It’s something that’s very important to Miami,” Cohen says about the Cuban story-based films.
Two “Drag Race” contestants will be on hand for the festival: Lady Camden, runner-up on Season 14, with their feature doc “Lady Like,” and Season 7 runner-up Ginger Minj with their short film “Stan Behavior.”
Also noteworthy: nearly 50% of the films in the feature lineup are directed by women.
“It just really speaks to how strong those films are, and our programming team honestly really gravitated towards so many of them, and that’s something we’re very proud of,” says Cohen.
Source Agencies
