On Tuesday, April 26, 2011 local filmmaker Max Emerson will host the world premiere of his short films Earwig and DipSpit on the seventh floor of the 1111 Lincoln Road parking garage building in South Beach. The screening is part of a new Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (MGLFF) program entitled “Made in Miami,” which highlights the city’s best new, local talent. Additional short films screening at the event include Tale of Two Balls and Hearts and Hotel Rooms, made by local filmmaker Justin James.
The seventh floor of the 1111 building will be modeled after a post-modern drive-in movie theater from the 1950s, complete with waiters on roller skates. “The whole space is outdoors so you can see every location showcased in my movies – both of which were completely filmed in Miami – from any point in the building,” says Emerson. University of Miami drama students will also be on hand to add a fun performance element to the event. Guests will enjoy passed bites and beverages by Shake Shack and cocktails by Brown-Forman (Jack Daniels, Finlandia, Herradura and Chambord Vodka).
“‘Made in Miami” will also serve as a fundraiser ($10 minimum donation is encouraged) for a new film festival program called SOS – Save Our Stories, which promotes script and story submissions from the LGBT community. The best pieces are guided through every step of the filmmaking process with the help of local industry professionals. No RSVP necessary as the event is running on a first come, first served basis.
About Max Emerson:
Max Emerson, “Sam” (Dipspit), “Max” (Earwig), Writer/Director/Producer (both films), is making his directing and writing debut with MGLFF. He grew up a “River Rat” at the Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, FL and has been working as a professional actor/model since the age of fourteen. He’s worked with various productions and companies affiliated with networks like Nickelodeon, MTV, KLUB, Bravo, Logo and HBO in markets around the world. He’s a 2010 graduate of the University of Miami’s conservatory BFA Acting/ Directing program. In 2011, Max is booked with various independent (and not so independent) film and TV productions while working towards publishing his first book, “Hot Sissy.”
WHEN:
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
WHERE:
1111 Lincoln Road l South Beach, FL
About the “Made in Miami” Short Films:
Earwig
(World Premiere)
April 26, 7 to 11 p.m. | 1111 Lincoln Road, Seventh Floor
Director: Max Emerson/Vince Cardinal
2011 – 23 min. | Drama
An adaptation of both “The Bacchae” and “Where the Wild Things Are”, Max is a closeted college student self medicating with recreational drugs in pursuit of an endless party. What he finds in the end..is himself.
DipSpit
(World Premiere)
April 26, 7 to 11 p.m. | 1111 Lincoln Road, Seventh Floor
Director: Max Emerson/Justin James
2011 – 22 min. | Comedy
The Odd Couple on Ocean Drive. Sam and Joe, a pair of straight male-models, are kicked out of the 8th and Ocean model-dorms. They move in with a gay student. Disaster ensues.
Tale of Two Balls
April 26, 7 to 11 p.m. | 1111 Lincoln Road, Seventh Floor
Director: Justin James
2005 – 5 min. | Experimental
Two beach balls do a somewhat-animated dance in a backyard swimming pool, symbolizing both beauty and equality in this visual poem about unrequited love. Nominated for Best Short Film (Experimental Category) in the 2005 PlanetOut.com Short Movie Awards. It has screened at several national Gay & Lesbian film festivals, including Austin, San Diego, Kansas City, and poetry events.
Hearts and Hotel Rooms
April 26, 7 to 11 p.m. | 1111 Lincoln Road, Seventh Floor
Director: Justin James
2007 – 12 min. | Drama
Jimmy returns to a charmingly convenient hotel room, he reminisces on a one-night stand that took place there. Flashbacks from a year earlier– checking in, simple conversation, discovering love– bring into question whether or not Brian will return as well. Winner of the HBO SHOUT Short Film Screenwriting Competition, “Hearts and Hotel Rooms” has screened at Reeling, Outfest, Provincetown and MGLFF. It has been used to raise money for “Vote no on Prop 8” and it can currently be seen on Logo’s Click-List: The best of short film (season 6).