The 7th Annual MiFo LGBT Film Festival kicks off its Fort Lauderdale edition on Friday, Oct. 9 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. MiFo is presenting 53 films from 13 countries, guest appearances by actors, directors and producers, and a lineup of parties and events. Films include seven documentaries, 28 narratives and 18 shorts.
View a complete list of films at www.mifofilm.com/films/program/datetime.
Liz in September.
The festival takes place on Friday, Oct. 9 through Sunday, Oct. 11; and on Thursday, Oct. 15 through Sunday, Oct. 18. Screenings are at various locations including the Classic Gateway Theater, 1820 East Sunrise Boulevard; Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6th Street; C & I Studios, 541 NW 1st Avenue; and 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, Oct. 9 – Lauren Avinoam, Producer of Fourth Man Out
- Saturday, Oct. 10 - Zack Ryan, Actor, Beautiful Something
- Saturday, Oct. 10 - David Barrett, Producer/Screenwriter, and Evan Hansis, Actor, Kiss Me, Kill Me
- Saturday, Oct. 10 - Patricia Velasquez, Actress, Liz in September
- Sunday, Oct. 11 - Stu Maddox, Director, Reel in the Closet
- Sunday, Oct. 18 - John Mitchell, Co-Writer/Co-Director, and Vanessa Dunn, Actress, Portrait of a Serial Monogamist
- Sunday, Oct. 18 - Joseph Kuhn, Writer/Director/Producer, Those People
Tab Hunter Confidential.
Friday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. - Opening Night Celebration
The NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale serves as a 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, 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, Oct. 10 at 9:30 p.m. - After-Party with Actress/Author/Activist Patricia Velasquez
Following the 7:30 pm screening of widely acclaimed Liz in September, actress Patricia Velasquez will be appearing 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. DJ Citizen Jane will be spinning throughout the night.
C & I Studios, 541 NW 1st Avenue.
Thursday, Oct. 15 - Disco Dinner at 5:30 p.m. and Centerpiece Party at 10 p.m.
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, Oct. 18 - Closing Night Awards Party at 9:30 p.m.
The closing night features with a 1920s theme 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 keeps the evening upbeat.
Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, 801 Seabreeze Boulevard.
Photographer: Tomer Bahat
Oriented.
For information, visit MiFo at www.MiFofilm.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/mifofilmfest, or call (305) 751-6305.
