Monica Bellucci, Iciar Bollaín, Gavin Hood and Deepa Mehta
Monica Bellucci, Iciar Bollaín, Gavin Hood and Deepa Mehta will all receive tributes in a new Marquee Series to be presented at the 33rd edition of Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival scheduled for March 4 – 13, 2016, it was announced today. Additionally, Andrew Currie’s comedy The Steps, starring James Brolin, will receive its US premiere at the Festival as the Closing Night selection. The Festival is the only major film festival worldwide produced by a college or university.
The new announcements join Alex de la Iglesia’s My Big Night, previously announced as the Opening Night Selection, as the Festival’s major touchstones. The pop comedy My Big Night stars Spanish recording legend Raphael, who will open the Festival with a personal appearance at the March 4th screening. The 10-day annual event takes place at the Festival’s traditional home, the historic Olympia Theater in Downtown Miami, plus six additional cinemas scattered across the Magic City; and includes a plethora of screenings, stylish parties, thoughtful panel discussions, spirited film competitions, awards ceremonies and immersive cultural exchange opportunities for filmmakers attending from across the globe.
“This year’s lineup is like a prism that invites Miami to see the world with an illumination that only the cinema, and the artists that create the work, can provide,” says the Festival’s Executive Director and Director of Programming, Jaie Laplante. “The programmers have populated the program with films and events that are essential to the complex, dynamic, ever-changing Miami of the now.“
This year’s Festival showcases 129 films, including 100 feature films and documentaries and 29 short films produced and directed by both renowned and emerging talent from 40 countries. Forty-six are directed or co-directed by women. The Festival is pleased to announce numerous important premieres: 12 World, 1 International, 16 North American and 13 US premieres, debuting in Miami.
The Festival’s new Marquee Series category, dedicated to on-stage conversations with major film personalities of the moment, sharing a major new work, includes:
• Monica Bellucci in Conversation with Guy Edoin (Tuesday, March 8th). The Italian fashion beauty and screen star will discuss her career up to and including her brilliant new starring role in Edoin’s Ville-Marie, which will screen after the Conversation.
• Iciar Bollaín in Conversation (Sunday, March 6th). The double Goya Award-winning Spanish actress-director will speak about her career and her latest film, The Olive Tree, which will receive its World Premiere in Miami after the Conversation.
• Gavin Hood in Conversation (Saturday, March 5th). The Academy Award-winning South African filmmaker of Tsotsi will speak about his career and screen his new film, Eye In The Sky, starring Dame Helen Mirren and the late Alan Rickman.
• Deepa Mehta in Conversation (Wednesday, March 9th). The Academy Award-nominated Indo-Canadian filmmaker of Water will speak about her career in the context of the screening of her new film, Beeba Boys, described as “a desi Scarface”.
Additional films include:
CINEDWNTWN Opening Night Film presented by Miami Downtown Development Authority and Opening Night Party presented by The Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building and Tilia Events on Friday, March 4, 2016
• As previously announced, Álex de la Iglesia’s My Big Night (Spain), starring Spanish pop icon Raphael and an ensemble cast of many of the biggest stars in the Spanish film industry, opens the Festival. In a special treat for Miami audiences, Raphael will appear in person at the screening to officially inaugurate this year’s Festival.
• My Big Night turns into “My Big Party” after the film with an outstanding Opening Night party at the Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building. The party promises to ring in the new Festival with glitz and cheer, boasting rocking music, cuisine, cocktails, and dancing, all in the spirit of a glittering New Year’s Eve bash. The events kick off the Festival’s CINEDWNTWN series, sponsored by Miami’s Downtown Development Authority.
CINEDWNTWN Awards Night Film presented by Miami Downtown Development Authority and Pyrat Rum Awards Night Party sponsored by The Related Group on Saturday, March 12, 2016
• Following the presentation of the juried Awards, the US premiere of Andrew Currie’s The Steps (Canada) will close the Festival’s official premieres. Featuring a brilliant ensemble cast led by James Brolin and Oscar-winner Christine Lahti, this riotous comedy is about what happens when two already fraught families are forced to merge into one big dysfunctional clan. Also starring Jason Ritter and Emmanuelle Chriqui.
• After the screening, continue a glorious evening by walking up “the steps” to the beautiful outdoor plaza at The Related Group’s latest addition to the swanky Miami skyline, the newly-announced One Brickell property just “steps” away from Olympia Theater on the banks of the Miami River at 444 Brickell Ave. Feel what it means to project light in the Magic City through an imaginative collection of installations and entertainers, all courtesy of Pyrat Rum and Stella Artois.
CINEDWNTWN SCREENINGS presented by Miami Downtown Development Authority: Red carpet events featuring the year’s most compelling works be top-tier directors showcased at the historic Olympia Theater in Downtown Miami. New titles announced for major screenings in the Festival’s historic home for all 33 of its years:
• Queen of Thursdays (USA, directed by Orlando Rojas) *World Premiere A documentary about Rosario Suarez, Cuba’s famed, exiled prima ballerina now living in Miami.
• I’ve Never Not Been from Miami (USA, directed by Andrew Hevia, Joey Daoud, Jonathan David Kane, Monica Peña, Tabatha Mudra, Keisha Rae Witherspoon, Kenny Riches, Jacob Katel, Kareem Tabsch and Tina Francisco). Ten short films all directed by local filmmakers, about local artists. A Soiree Film paired with Behind the Curtain Onstage Party at Olympia Theater.
• “Who Is Lou Gehrig?” (USA, directed by Gil Green). A documentary short mixing illusion and reality about local basketball coach Jeff Fogel and his brave fight to stay positive. Featuring Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem.
These films join the previously announced CINEDWNTWN GALAS:
• Palm Trees in The Snow (Spain, directed by Fernando González Molina)
• The Rebound (USA, directed by Shaina Allen) *World Premiere – A Soiree Film paired with “Who Is Lou Gehrig?” (USA, directed by Gil Green) – Screenings paired with a Backlot Bash at Toejam Backlot (150 NW 21st St., Miami)
• Spanish Affair 2 (Ocho apellidos catalanes) (Spain, directed by Emilio Martinez Lazaro)
FESTIVAL COMPETITION CATEGORIES:
Knight Competition, presented by The John S. & James L. Knight Foundation: A mesmerizing variety of powerful works from around the world, directed by filmmakers who have directed at least one previous Official Selection (feature) of the Festival. Films are eligible for Achievement awards totaling $40,000 in cash. The 28 films (*indicates the title was previously announced) selected for this Competition are:
• *The Apostate (Spain, Uruguay, France, directed by Federico Veiroj)
• Argentina (Argentina, directed by Carlos Saura)
• Chronic (Mexico, France, directed by Michel Franco)
• The Companion (Cuba, Colombia, France, Panama, Venezuela, directed by Pavel Giroud)
• Dheepan (France, directed by Jacques Audiard)
• Eye in The Sky (UK, directed by Gavin Hood)
• *Happy 140 (Spain, directed by Gracia Querejeta)
• *Hearts of Palm (USA, directed by Monica Peña) *World Premiere
• I Promise You Anarchy (Mexico, Germany, directed by Julio Hernández Cordón)
• Incident Light (Argentina, France, Uruguay, directed by Ariel Rotter)
• *An Italian Name (Italy, directed by Francesca Archibugi)
• The Lobster (Ireland, UK, Greece, France, Netherlands, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos)
• The Memory of Water (Chile, Spain, Argentina, Germany, directed by Matias Bize)
• A Monster with A Thousand Heads (Mexico, directed by Rodrigo Plá)
• Mountains May Depart (China, France, Japan, directed by Zhang-ke Jia)
• Much Ado About Nothing (Chile, directed by Alejandro Fernandez-Almendras)
• The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble (USA, directed by Morgan Neville)
• *My Big Night (Spain, directed by Álex de la Iglesia)
• *Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper (USA, directed by Liz Garbus)
• The Olive Tree (Spain, Germany, directed by Iciar Bollaín) *World Premiere
• One Breath (Germany, Greece, directed by Christian Zübert)
• Paulina (Argentina, Brazil, France, directed by Santiago Mitre)
• *Spanish Affair 2 (Spain, directed by Emilio Martinez Lazaro)
• *Spy Time (Spain, directed by Javier Ruiz Caldera)
• Sunset Song (UK, Luxembourg, directed by Terence Davies)
• Tale of Tales (Italy, France, UK, directed by Mateo Garrone)
• *Trapped (USA, directed by Dawn Porter)
• *Truman (Spain, Argentina, directed by Cesc Gay)
Knight Documentary Achievement Award presented by The John S. & James L. Knight Foundation: Candid, thought-provoking feature-length documentaries examining social issues, diverse cultures and influential people compete for an audience-voted $10,000 cash achievement award. The 17 films (*indicates the title was previously announced) selected for this Competition are:
• Argentina (Argentina, directed by Carlos Saura)
• *Beyond My Grandfather Allende (Chile, Mexico, directed by Marcia Tambutti Allende)
• *Cameraperson (USA, directed by Kirsten Johnson)
• The Forbidden Shore (Canada, directed by Ron Chapman)
• Mapplethorpe: Look at The Pictures (USA, directed by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barnato)
• The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble (USA, directed by Morgan Neville)
• *Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You (USA, directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady)
• *Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper (USA, directed by Liz Garbus)
• Our Last Tango (Germany, Argentina, directed by German Kral)
• Queen of Thursdays (USA, directed by Orlando Rojas) *World Premiere
• Presenting Princess Shaw (Israel, directed by Ido Haar)
• *The Rebound (USA, directed by Shaina Allen) *World Premiere
• *Snacks, Bites of A Revolution (Spain, directed by Veronica Escuer and Cristina Jolonch)
• Thank You for Your Service (USA, directed by Tom Donahue)
• *Tocando la luz (Touch The Light) (USA, Cuba, directed by Jennifer Redfearn)
• *Trapped (USA, directed by Dawn Porter)
• *Weiner (USA, directed by Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg)
Lexus Ibero-American Feature Film Competition: Open to all Ibero-American films in the Official Selection, competing for a jury-selected cash Achievement Award of $10,000, courtesy of Lexus. The 35 films (*indicates the title was previously announced) selected for this Competition are:
• *Abzurdah (Argentina, directed by Daniela Goggi)
• *The Apostate (Spain, Uruguay, France, directed by Federico Veiroj)
• *The Bride (Spain, Germany, directed by Paula Ortiz)
• Cien años de perdon (Spain, directed by Daniel Calparsoro)
• The Companion (Cuba, Colombia, France, Panama, Venezuela, directed by Pavel Giroud)
• *Dark Glasses (Cuba, Spain, directed by Jessica Rodriguez)
• Dogs’ Night (Argentina, directed by Nacho Sesma)
• Elephant: The Horse (Chile, Colombia, Mexico, directed by Andrés Waissbluth) *World Premiere
• The Farm (Puerto Rico, directed by AngelManuel Soto)
• From Afar (Venezuela, Mexico, directed by Lorenzo Vigas)
• *Happy 140 (Spain, directed by Gracia Querejeta)
• The Heirs (Mexico, Norway, directed by Jorge Hernandez)
• I Promise You Anarchy (Mexico, Germany, directed by Julio Hernández Cordón)
• Incident Light (Argentina, France, Uruguay, directed by Ariel Rotter)
• *The King of Havana (Spain, Dominican Republic, directed by Agusti Villaronga)
• *Ma Ma (Spain, France, directed by Julio Medem)
• *Magallanes (Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Spain, directed by Salvador del Solar)
• The Memory of Water (Chile, Spain, Argentina, Germany, directed by Matias Bize)
• A Monster with A Thousand Heads (Mexico, directed by Rodrigo Plá)
• Much Ado About Nothing (Chile, directed by Alejandro Fernandez-Almendras)
• *My Big Night (Spain, directed by Álex de la Iglesia)
• *My Friend from The Park (Argentina, Uruguay, directed by Ana Katz)
• No Kids (Argentina, Spain, directed by Ariel Winograd)
• *Nothing in Return (Spain, directed by Daniel Guzmán)
• The Olive Tree (Spain, Germany, directed by Iciar Bollaín) *World Premiere
• *Palm Trees in The Snow (Spain, directed by Fernando González Molina)
• Panamerican Machinery (Mexico, directed by Joaquin del Paso)
• Paulina (Argentina, Brazil, France, directed by Santiago Mitre)
• *Restless Love (Brazil, directed by Vera Egito) *World Premiere
• *Siembra (Colombia, directed by Angela Maria Osorio Rojas and Santiago Lozano Alvarez)
• *Spanish Affair 2 (Spain, directed by Emilio Martinez Lazaro)
• *Spy Time (Spain, directed by Javier Ruiz Caldera)
• *Truman (Spain, Argentina, directed by Cesc Gay)
• Viaje (Costa Rica, directed by Paz Fabrega)
• *We Are Pregnant (Spain, directed by Juana Macías)
Jordan Alexander Ressler Foundation Screenwriting Prize: Screenwriters from all feature films in the Festival that have a first-produced feature screenwriter credited, compete for a jury-selected cash prize of $5,000, courtesy of the family of the late Jordan Alexander Ressler. The 11 screenwriters (*indicates the title was previously announced) eligible for this competition are:
• Beatbox (USA, written by Andrew Dresher)
• *Dark Glasses (Cuba, Spain, written by Jessica Rodriguez)
• Dogs’ Night (Argentina, written by Nacho Sesma)
• The Farm (Puerto Rico, written by Angel Manuel Soto)
• From Afar (Venezuela, Mexico, written by Lorenzo Vigas)
• *Magallanes (Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Spain, written by Salvador del Solar)
• *Mountain (Israel, written by Yaelle Kayam)
• *Nothing in Return (Spain, written by Daniel Guzmán)
• *Siembra (Colombia, written by Angela Maria Osorio Rojas and Santiago Lozano Alvarez)
• The Steps (Canada, written by Robyn Harding)
• The Wait (Italy, written by Giacomo Bendotti, Ilaria Macchia, Andrea Paolo Massara and Piero Messina)
Shorts Competition: The latest in films 30 minutes or less from around the globe, the jury-selected winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize. The competing films are:
• “The 100 Years Show” (USA, directed by Alison Klayman)
• “Doble 9” (USA, directed by Aisha Schliessler) *World Premiere
• “Glove” (USA, directed by Bernardo Britto)
• “If I Was God” (Canada, directed by Cordell Barker)
• “La Nube” (Cuba, directed by Marcel Beltrán)
• “Land Tides” (Chile, directed by Manuela Martelli and Amirah Tajdin)
• “The Lift” (Spain, directed by Javier Polo) *World Premiere
• “The Man of My Life” (France, directed by Melanie Delloye)
• “Memories of The Sea” (Brazil, USA, Peru, directed by Thais Drassinower)
• “Najmia” (USA, directed by Cristhian Andrews)
• “Party Girl” (Poland, Trinidad & Tobago, directed by Roma Zachemba)
• “This Modern Man Is Beat” (USA, directed by Alex Merkin)
FESTIVAL NON-COMPETITION CATEGORIES:
SOIREE Series: A memorable evening out, beginning with an inspiring and entertaining film, segueing into a fabulous social experience. Films included in this series are:
• The Idol (UK, Palestine, Qatar, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, directed by Hany Abu-Assad) – Screening paired with The Standard Affair at The Standard Spa (40 Island Ave., Miami Beach)
• Tale of Tales (Italy, directed by Matteo Garrone) – Screening paired with Desserts & Directors at The Temple House (1415 Euclid Ave., Miami Beach)
Cinema 360° presented by Viendomovies and XFINITY: A vibrant and dynamic selection of narrative works (*indicates previously announced title), from both accomplished and emerging filmmakers, including an international selection of dramas, comedies, suspense thrillers, and innovative docudramas.
• *4 Kings (Germany, directed by Theresa Von Eltz)
• Disorder (France, Belgium, directed by Alice Winocour)
• The Endless River (South Africa, France, directed by Oliver Hermanus)
• Gold Coast (Denmark, Ghana, Sweden, directed by Daniel Dencik)
• Highway to Hellas (Germany, directed by Aron Lehmann)
• Maggie’s Plan (USA, directed by Rebecca Miller)
• Mammal (Ireland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, directed by Rebecca Daly)
• The Measure of a Man (France, directed by Stéphane Brizé)
• The Meddler (USA, directed by Lorene Scafaria)
• *My King (France, directed by Maïwenn)
• *Our Loved Ones (Canada, directed by Anne Emond)
• *Parched (India, USA, UK, directed by Leena Yadav)
• The Promised Land (China, directed by He Ping)
• “Rocket Wars” (Greece, directed by Salomon Ligthelm)
• Standing Tall (France, directed by Emmanuelle Bercot)
• *Summertime (France, directed by Catherine Corsini)
• The Surprise (Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, directed by Mike Vam Diem)
• Two Friends (France, directed by Louis Garrell)
Lee Brian Schrager’s Culinary Cinema: Returning for a fourth mouthwatering year, the Culinary Cinema category has teamed up with catering and foodie event legend, Lee Brian Schrager, for a schedule of distinct film & culinary pairings. Premiere sponsor, Frederick Wildman & Sons, will pair its wines with the four meals during the Festival. Take your palette and mind on a culinary adventure with these delicious options:
• Crushed (Australia, directed by Megan Riakos) – Screening paired with a three-course meal prepared by Aussie native Chef Aaron Brooks at EDGE Steak & Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Miami (1435 Brickell Ave., Miami)
• My Bakery in Brooklyn (Spain, USA, directed by Gustavo Ron) – Screening paired with an exclusive three-course private dinner at the ultra hip Wynwood kosher bakery & café, Zak the Baker (405 NW 26th St., Miami)
• Snacks, Bites of A Revolution (Spain, directed by Veronica Escuer and Cristina Jolonch) – Screening paired with three-courses of Spanish experimental fare at Piripi Miami at The Shops at Merrick Park (320 San Lorenzo Ave., #1315, Coral Gables)
• Sweet Bean (Japan, France, Germany, directed by Naomi Kawase) – Screening paired with prepared Japanese delights, by Japanese restaurant, Katsuya, and hosted at the MDC’s Tower Theater (1508 SW 8th St., Miami)
• **PRE-FESTIVAL EVENT IN COLLABORATION WITH SOUTH BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL: Like Water for Chocolate (Mexico, 1992, directed by Alfonso Arau) – Sunday, February 28th at 6 p.m. / Following the screening, conversation with screenwriter, Laura Esquivel, at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Americana Lawn (1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach). The screening is paired with a dinner of authentic Mexican cuisine with James Beard Award-winning chef, Rick Bayless, at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, St. Moritz Lawn from 8 – 10 p.m.
Florida Focus: Showcasing films partially or wholly shot in the Sunshine State or by filmmakers who are native or current residents of Florida.
• “Hand Built Boat” (USA, directed by Ani Mercedes)
• Hearts of Palm (USA, directed by Monica Peña) *World Premiere
• I’ve Never Not Been from Miami (USA, directed by Andrew Hevia, Joey Daoud, Jonathan David Kane, Monica Peña, Tabatha Mudra, Keisha Rae Witherspoon, Kenny Riches, Jacob Katel, Kareem Tabsch and Tina Francisco)
• The Rebound (USA, directed by Shaina Allen) *World Premiere
• “Star Child” (USA, directed by Tommy Demos) *World Premiere
• “Stripper Wars” (USA, directed by Giancarlo Loffredo)
• Sweet Dillard (USA, directed by Jim Virga) *World Premiere
• “Swan Song of the Skunk Ape” (USA, directed by Brad Abrahams)
• “This Modern Man Is Beat” (USA, directed by Alex Merkin)
• “Tracks” (USA, directed by Logan Sandler)
• “Who Is Lou Gehrig?” (USA, directed by Gil Green)
Visions: Provocative and stirring, these three feature-length visual experiences are guaranteed to test the limits and take viewers to the extreme.
• Cemetery of Splendor (Thailand, UK, France, directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul)
• Hearts of Palm (USA, directed by Monica Peña) *World Premiere
• The King of Havana (Spain, Dominican Republic, directed by Agusti Villaronga)
REEL Music: Five films emanating the global power of music.
• Bazodee (Trinidad & Tobago, directed by Todd Kessler)
• Beatbox (USA, directed by Andrew Dresher)
• The Forbidden Shore (Canada, directed by Ron Chapman) *World Premiere
• The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble (USA, directed by Morgan Neville)
• Presenting Princess Shaw (Israel, directed by Ido Haar)
Miami Film 2016 Retrospective Screenings: These films come from the winners of the Latin American film market, Ventana Sur, who were a part of Miami Film 2016 which was organized by The Related Group and Miami International Film Festival. The winners’ retrospective works being shown include:
• Absent (Argentina, produced by Pablo Ingercher)
• Villegas (Argentina, directed by Gonzalo Tobal)
• Refugiado (Argentina, directed by Diego Lerman)
MIFFecito: Specially curated for younger aficionados, these narrative films are for the entire family to enjoy.
• Elephant: The Horse (Chile, Colombia, Mexico, directed by Andrés Waissbluth) *World Premiere
• The Little Prince (France, Belgium, directed by Mark Osborne)
• Oddball (Australia, directed by Stuart McDonald)
From The Vault:
• The Long Day Closes (1992) (UK, directed by Terence Davies), presented in conjunction with Miami Beach Cinematheque
All feature films in the Festival (excluding retrospective screenings) are eligible for the Lexus Audience Favorite Feature Film Award. All short films are eligible for their own Lexus Audience Favorite Award. Lexus is the Festival’s official automobile sponsor.
The Festival was curated by Laplante and a team comprised of veteran programmers Thom Powers, Andres Castillo, Orlando Rojas, Eloisa Lopez-Gomez and culinary cinema specialist Lee Brian Schrager.
Special events include:
Google Seminar Series on Gender & Racial Gaps in Film & Technology: This unique partnership with Google on a new seminar series will address gender and racial gaps in the film industry, particularly in technical cinematographic roles. In addition to the forum and screening there will be an opening day keynote address and more. Participants and full schedule will be announced in the coming days. Presented at The Idea Center of Miami Dade College.
Masterclass Seminars: Dream. Script. Screen. These unique conversations will provide in-depth knowledge direct from the filmmakers, technical experts and industry leaders literally creating and shaping modern cinema.
• From Doodle to Pixels: Over a Hundred Years of Spanish Animation (Spain)
• Producing in Florida and Beyond – In conjunction with CineVisun and the BFMG.
• Making the Leap from Short to Feature Film – Moderated by Diliana Alexander of FilmGate Miami.
The CinemaSlam competition aims to discover, showcase, and celebrate the work of undergraduate and graduate students in Miami/South Florida film schools. Open to any student enrolled in a participating South Florida college/university upon the completion date of the film. In this edition, students from the following colleges from Miami /South Florida have submitted their shorts: Florida International University, Miami Dade College, University of Miami, Miami International University of Art and Design New World School of the Arts (University of Florida) and the Center of Cinematography, Arts and Television. The selected projects will be announced very soon.
Miami International Film Festival screening venues are as unique as the films themselves, reflecting the communities the Festival serves through film. Historic landmarks Olympia Theater and MDC’s Tower Theater, presented during the Festival by Viendomovies, evoke the golden age of Hollywood, tailor-made for major red carpet events. The Festival will also screen films at Regal Cinemas South Beach, O Cinema Miami Beach, Cinépolis, Coral Gables Art Cinema, Miami Beach Cinematheque and O Cinema Wynwood. Special event venues include The Idea Center, Miami Animation and Gaming International Complex (MAGIC) at Miami Dade College, and The Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, February 12th. For membership opportunities or more information about Miami International Film Festival, please visit www.miamifilmfestival.com or call 305-237-FILM (3456).
