The curtain will rise on the MiFo LGBT Film Festival’s Miami edition on Friday, April 22, kicking off a 10-day festival with more than 80 films from 28 countries, an unprecedented number of premieres and a spectacular lineup of special events. Presented by Celebrity Cruises, Gilead and SHOWTIME, MiFo runs April 22 through May 1.
Now in its 18th year, MiFo’s expanded lineup is a reflection of the festival’s emerging stature as an internationally recognized, world-class film festival. The array of films includes 39 Features, 14 Documentaries, 31 Shorts and a record number of Premieres: 4 World Premieres, 3 International Premieres, 2 North American Premieres, 3 US Premieres, 17 East Coast Premieres, 4 Southeast Premieres and 2 Florida Premieres.
Rebranded in 2015 as “MiFo,” the festival’s motto “UNITED WE FILM,” not only signifies the melding of Miami and Fort Lauderdale under one brand, but is also reflective of the diversity of the films, the market and the MiFo audience. MiFo Miami has grown from a three-day festival in which 25 films were presented, to the current 10-day event with 80+ films. The 8th Annual Fort Lauderdale Edition – October 7 through October 16 – has evolved from a three-day event to a two-weekend event, showcasing 50+ films.
Films will be screened at the Regal Cinemas South Beach, Colony Theater, Miami Beach Cinematheque and the Wolfsonian-FIU, all in the heart of South Beach.
Following are some of the highlights and special events:
FRIDAY, APRIL 22 – OPENING NIGHT
5:30 PM PRODUCERS & FILMMAKERS’ SOIRÉE, Hôtel Gaythering, 1409 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach For Producers Circle members, filmmakers and talent
8 PM INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE: A Holy Mess (En underbar jävla jul), written and directed by Helena Bergström of Sweden. The film takes a lighthearted look at what ensues when a couple invites their somewhat homophobic families to meet for the first time during a Christmas celebration. Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Road Trailer: http://www.mifofilm.com/films/
10 PM OPENING NIGHT PARTY, Miami Beach Golf Club, 2301 Alton Rd, Miami Beach.
Open Bar courtesy of Absolut and Bud Light
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 – CENTERPIECE
7 PM INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE: Uncle Gloria: One Helluva Ride, A perfect example of an “Only in Florida” story, Uncle Gloria: One Helluva Ride tells the tale of Butch, a macho senior owner of an auto wrecking company, who goes on the lam from the law during a nasty divorce and discovers her new self. Undergoing a risky sex-change operation, Gloria becomes a dominatrix and transgender activist, and finds love – all while trying to reconcile with her dysfunctional family. Uncle Gloria: One Helluva Ride is a darkly funny film full of family drama and fireworks. Regal Cinemas South Beach, 1120 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Trailer: http://www.mifofilm.com/films/
Followed by Q & A with Robyn Symon, Director
9 PM CENTERPIECE PARTY – Music, dancing, light bites and an open bar courtesy of Absolut and Bud Light. At the Wolfsonian-FIU, 1001 Washington Avenue Miami Beach.
THURSDAY, APRIL 28
7 PM A TASTE OF FILM – A combined experience of Cinema and Culinary Delights!
Film: Those People – Set in the wealthy world of Manhattan’s elite millennials, Those People tells a uniquely beautiful story of loyalty and friendship.
Celebrity Cruises is bringing their onboard Taste of Film experience to MiFo, where guests enjoy the great outdoors, take in a great movie and dazzle their taste buds. Following cocktails, enjoy comfortable seating in the Wolfsonian while viewing Those People. Delicious bites and drinks -inspired by the film – will be served throughout the movie. Wolfsonian-FIU, 1001 Washington Avenue Miami Beach. View trailer: http://www.mifofilm.com/films/
FRIDAY, APRIL 29
10 PM HIGH HEELS PARTY – Dress your feet in MiFo style for a chance to win the contest for Best Shoes. Music, dancing, light bites and an open bar courtesy of Absolut and Bud Light. At the Wolfsonian-FIU, 1001 Washington Avenue Miami Beach. Miami Beach Woman’s Club, 2401 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach.
SATURDAY, APRIL 30 – CLOSING NIGHT
7:30 PM EAST COAST PREMIERE: Love is All You Need?,
In many eyes, homosexuality is still viewed as a mortal sin. But what if the tables were turned and heterosexual couples were the ones fighting for their right to love? Writer/director K. Rocco Shields does just that, asserting that love, no matter how expressed, remains the ultimate answer to healing and truth. Shields’ powerful story explores what happens when a small town’s star quarterback is outed for being “hetero,” igniting a firestorm of intolerance, bullying and prejudices in the community. At the Colony Theater, 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach Trailer: http://www.mifofilm.com/films/
Followed by Q & A with K. Rocco Shields, Writer/Director and actors Briana Evigan and Blake Cooper-Griffin
9:30 PM CLOSING NIGHT PARTY – Enjoy music and hors d’oeuvres, with an open bar courtesy of Absolut and Bud Light. Under the Stars in the courtyard of the Albion Hotel South Beach, 1650 James Avenue, Miami Beach.
SUNDAY, MAY 1
11 AM FILMMAKERS AWARD BRUNCH – Mix and mingle with filmmakers and actors as the Jury and Audience award winners are announced. Enjoy the sumptuous brunch buffet at the iconic Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables
For further information, including A complete schedule of screenings, special events, tickets, membership and sponsorship opportunities, go www.MiFofilm.com or call (305) 751-6305.
The MiFo LGBT Film Festival is committed to its mission: To inspire, entertain and educate the public, encourage a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video, and other media that offer historical and contemporary perspectives on the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender experience.