Miami Film Festival GEMS 2026: Your Complete Guide

Miami Film Festival GEMS returns October 29 through November 5, giving South Florida audiences an early look at the year's most anticipated awards-season films. The fall showcase pairs screenings with filmmaker appearances, seminars, parties, and special events across venues in Greater Miami.

This year's program is strong. Here are the films worth prioritizing.

Everytime (Germany) — Sandra Wollner's film took home the prestigious Un Certain Regard Prize at Cannes and the top award at the Sarajevo Film Festival. Germany's official submission to the 2027 Academy Awards. Silverspot Cinema, October 31 at 6 PM.

Clarissa — Fresh from its Cannes premiere, a modern-day Nigerian reimagining of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway. The cast is extraordinary: Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), India Amarteifio (Bridgerton), Oscar nominee Sophie Okonedo, and David Oyelowo (Selma). Coral Gables Art Cinema, November 4 at 7 PM.

First Light (Australia) — Australia's official submission to the 2027 Academy Awards. A haunting mystery about faith and loss in the mountains of the Philippines. Q&A with director James J. Robinson. Coral Gables Art Cinema, November 5 at 7:30 PM.

Risa and the Wind Phone (Argentina) — Two wins at Argentina's Mar del Plata Film Festival: Best Argentine Film and Best Director. Juan Cabral's visually stunning fantasy with original music by Babasónicos. Q&A with Pablo Minces. Silverspot Cinema, October 31 at 3 PM.

Tangles — Based on Sarah Leavitt's acclaimed graphic memoir. Animated, funny, heartfelt, and life-affirming, with a voice cast that includes Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Seth Rogen, Abbi Jacobson, and Bowen Yang. Coral Gables Art Cinema, October 31 at 3 PM.

Burgundy — From the filmmakers behind The Truffle Hunters, a deep dive into Burgundy wine culture. Q&A with director Michael Dweck. Silverspot Cinema, November 2 at 7 PM.

Applications for The Louies — $100,000 in documentary funding for six Miami-based filmmakers — close November 6. If you have a documentary project rooted in South Florida, apply at miamifilmfestival.com.