The 7th Annual MiFo LGBT Film Festival kicks off its Fort Lauderdale edition on October 9, 2015 with two weekends of film and events. In a year that has seen momentous strides in LGBT recognition, LGBT films have also risen to prominence worldwide. MiFo is proud to present 53 films from 13 countries, guest appearances by actors, directors and producers, and a lineup of spectacular parties and events. The array of films includes 7 documentaries, 28 narratives and 18 shorts. View a complete list of films at www.mifofilm.com/films/program/datetime.
As one of the most highly regarded LGBT film festivals in the nation, MiFo is presented by Merrill Lynch, Showtime and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Office of Film, Music & Entertainment. The Festival takes place on Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11; and on Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18. Screenings will be held at the Classic Gateway Theatre, 1820 East Sunrise Boulevard; Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6th Street; C & I Studios, 541 NW 1st Avenue; and an elegant Opening Night at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale.
“In addition to a spectacular lineup of films, one of the high points of the festival is the exciting and elaborate events and parties,” said Victor Gimenez, Executive Director of MiFo. “The Opening Night event at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is going to be an over-the-top, elaborate affair, and the Closing Night Awards Party, with a lavish buffet and a fun and exciting awards show, is also a must to attend!”
SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCES
Friday, October 9 – Lauren Avinoam, Producer of Fourth Man Out
Saturday, October 10 - Zack Ryan, Actor, Beautiful Something
Saturday, October 10 - David Barrett, Producer/Screenwriter, and Evan Hansis, Actor, Kiss Me, Kill Me
Saturday, October 10 - Patricia Velasquez, Actress, Liz in September
Sunday, October 11 - Stu Maddox, Director, Reel in the Closet
Sunday, October 18 - John Mitchell, Co-Writer/Co-Director, and Vanessa Dunn, Actress, Portrait of a Serial Monogamist
Sunday, October 18 - Joseph Kuhn, Writer/Director/Producer, Those People
EVENTS/PARTIES (www.mifofilm.com/pages/events)
Friday, October 9 at 8 pm
Opening Night Celebration
On Friday, October 9, the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale serves as a beautiful backdrop for the Opening Night film Fourth Man Out, with a Q & A with producer Lauren Avinoam following the screening. The lavish Opening Night Grand Event in the museum follows the film, with champagne flowing, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment including an operatic performance and surprise performances – all amidst the museum’s exhibit of works by Pablo Picasso. NSU Art Museum, One East Las Olas Blvd.
Saturday, October 10 at 9:30 pm
After-Party with Actress/Author/Activist Patricia Velasquez
Following the 7:30 pm screening of widely acclaimed Liz in September, join actress Patricia Velasquez at the after-party at C & I Studios. While many may recognize Patricia from The L Word or her appearance on Celebrity Apprentice, her international success runs the gamut. A social activist, she founded a foundation to help Latin American indigenous groups, and as an Artist for Peace she is a celebrity advocate for UNESCO and received the “Women Together” award at the United Nations in 2009 and the Solidarity Award in November 2010. Most recently, Patricia released her autobiography, “Straight Walk: A Supermodel’s Journey to Finding her Truth,” in which she recounts her triumphant journey from poverty to international acclaim. Award-winning DJ Citizen Jane will be spinning throughout the night.
C & I Studios, 541 NW 1st Avenue.
Thursday, October 15
Disco Dinner at 5:30 pm and Centerpiece Party at 10 pm
Enjoy a pre-screening dinner at 13Even, and in keeping with the vibe of the evening’s screening of 54: The Director’s Cut, party at a disco-themed event following the film at Cinema Paradiso.
13EVEN, 2037 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors; Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6th Street.
Sunday, October 18
Closing Night Awards Party at 9:30 pm
A fabulous closing night with a 1920s theme, the Closing Night Awards Party is a fun-filled event honoring the best of the best films. Entertainment includes jazz vocalist Jahzel Dotel performing vintage tunes with a modern twist, and a special tap dance performance with the band. MC Kitty Meow is sure to keep the evening upbeat and fun. Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, 801 Seabreeze Boulevard.Discounted Hotel Rates
Enjoy a fun-filled getaway while enjoying the films, parties and events! MiFo LGBT Film Festival has partnered with two premier hotels -- W Fort Lauderdale and Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, a Doubletree by Hilton Hotel -- to offer you discounted rates during the festival. Simply visit www.mifofilm.com/pages/travel and you’re on your way to a “Fort Fabulous” getaway!Visit MiFo at www.MiFofilm.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mifofilmfest, or call (305) 751-6305.
The MiFo LGBT Film Fest 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 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender experience.
