Miami Film Festival Returns For Its 42nd Rendition
Cue the lights, roll the cameras and pass the popcorn—the Miami Film Festival is back for its 42nd installment.
The festival, which runs from April 3 through April 13, showcases 115 feature films and 100 shorts from more than 45 countries.
They will be screened at venues, such as the Olympia Theater and the Silverspot Cinema in downtown Miami, the Coral Gables Art Cinema, the Bill Cosford Cinema at the University of Miami, the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, the Koubek Center Theater and the Bandshell in Miami Beach.
Notable actors and filmmakers, who will participate in public talks and Q&A’s during the festival, include Paul Feig, Amanda Schull, Xander Robin, Melanie Lynskey, Mark Duplass and Roger Ross Williams.
“The most rewarding for me is seeing how excited the audience gets at some of these opportunities,” said Lauren Cohen, director of programming. “These are artists that mean so much to us…and I think it’s a rare opportunity to have people like that joining us. It takes work from a lot of people to make it happen.”
Opening night will take place at the Olympia Theater, 174 E. Flagler St., on April 3 at 7:30 p.m. with Meet the Barbarians, a French comedy directed by Julie Delpy, a French-American actress and screenwriter.
Set in Paimpont, France, it follows a community who prepares to welcome a Ukrainian refugee family, but is instead surprised with a Syrian family. The movie explores themes of acceptance, immigration and complex social issues.
On April 6 at 8:15 p.m., Another Simple Favor, a comedic thriller, will screen at Regal South Beach, 1120 Lincoln Road Mall. It stars Blake Lively and is directed by Paul Feig, an American film director who will be honored with the Precious Gem Award during the screening.
Another Simple Favor follows Stephanie Smothers, who reunites with Emily Nelson at her wedding in Capri, Italy. The movie takes a turn after a mysterious murder drags Stephanie into Emily’s dangerous web of secrets and lies.
Checkpoint Zoo, a documentary directed by Joshua Zeman, an American filmmaker known for his documentaries, will screen on April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at SilverSpot Cinema, 300 N.E. Third St.
It explores the story of a group of brave zookeepers who heroically rescued about 5,000 animals from a Ukrainian zoo during the Russian invasion.
The festival’s closing film On Swift Horses, a romantic film directed by Daniel Minahan, will be shown at the Olympia Theater on April 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Set in 1950s California, the story follows newlywed Muriel, who discovers her love for a woman. As the movie unfolds, Muriel’s brother-in-law Julius embarks on a secret gambling life.
Eight cash awards totaling $98K will also be presented on closing night.
Jury-selected awards include: Made in MIA Award, Marimbas Award, Documentary Achievement Award, Made in MIA Short Film Award, Miami International Short Film Award, Short Documentary Film Award, Cinemaslam Competition and the Jordan Ressler First Feature Award.
“I’m looking forward to people finding their new favorite film,” said James Woolley, the Miami Film Festival’s executive director. “I think it’s really wonderful when people discover something that they love and talk about for years to come.”
To purchase tickets or to see the full schedule of films, visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc657axk.
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