The 8th Annual MiFo LGBT Film Festival (www.mifofilm.com) kicks off its Fort Lauderdale edition on October 7, 2016, spanning two weekends, with seven days of film and events through October 16. MiFo is proud to present more than 50 films from throughout the world, guest appearances by actors, directors and producers, and a lineup of spectacular parties and events. The array of films includes features, documentaries, narratives and shorts.
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.
As one of the most highly regarded LGBT film festivals in the nation, MiFo is presented by Celebrity Cruises, Gilead, Showtime and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Office of Film, Music & Entertainment. Screenings and events 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; Gallery of Amazing Things, 481 S. Federal Highway. Dania Beach; and an elegant Opening Night at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale.
For those who want to enjoy a fun-filled getaway while enjoying the films, parties and events, MiFo has partnered with the W Fort Lauderdale, Royal Palms Resort & Spa, Tranquilo and Beach Gardens Hotel to offer discounted rates during the festival. Simply visit www.mifofilm.com/travel and you’re on your way to a “Fort Fabulous” getaway!
Following are a few of the highlights of the festival, with the entire list of films and events, as well as information on tickets and membership at www.mifofilm.com.
OPENING NIGHT – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7
FILM: STRIKE A POSE
In 1990, seven young male dancers joined Madonna on her most controversial world tour. Their journey was captured in the 1991 documentary, Truth or Dare. As a self-proclaimed ‘mother’ to her dancers, 6 gay and 1 straight, Madonna used the film to make a stand on gay rights and freedom of expression. The dancers became paragons of pride, inspiring people all over the world to dare to be who you are. Twenty five years later, the dancers share their own stories about life during and after the tour. View trailer: www.mifofilm.com/films/info/823
PARTY: Presented by Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB’s Office of Film, Music, Entertainment & Creative Industries, the lavish Opening Night Grand Event takes place in the NSU Art Museum following the film. With champagne flowing, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment including an operatic performance and surprise performances, all amidst the splendor of the museum’s works of art.
A TASTE OF FILM – MONDAY, OCTOBER 10 – Gallery of Amazing Things
A combined experience of Cinema and Culinary Delights! Celebrity Cruises is bringing their onboard Taste of Film experience to MiFo, where guests will enjoy a cocktail reception followed by comfortable seating while viewing The Happys. Delicious bites and drinks, inspired by the film, will be served throughout the movie.
FILM: THE HAPPYS
Tracy walks in on her newly minted 'movie star' boyfriend having sex with a man. After assessing her limited options, she returns to Mark with a deal-if he agrees to marry her, she'll forget the whole thing ever happened. Mark accepts her terms, but neither fully understands the sacrifices they have to make. Their relationship quickly deteriorates, but Tracy's world blossoms when she befriends the quirky residents in her Los Feliz neighborhood. As she discovers her sense of self and true passion for cooking, Tracy is a catalyst that forces everyone around her to grow and connect in unforeseen ways. The cast includes Janeane Garofalo and The Walking Dead's Melissa McBride. View trailer: www.mifofilm.com/films/info/839
CENTERPIECE - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13 – Cinema Paradiso
FILM: KING COBRA
This ripped-from-the-headlines drama covers the early rise of gay porn headliner Sean Paul Lockhart a.k.a. Brent Corrigan, before his falling out with the producer who made him famous. When Sean decides he'd be better off a free agent, a cash-strapped pair of rival producers aim to cash in by any means possible and an all-out porn turf war ensues. With an all-star ensemble cast including James Franco, Christian Slater, Keegan Allen, Molly Ringwald and Alicia Silverstone, King Cobra is a powerful based-on-a–true-story drama exploring real-life greed and obsession. View trailer: www.mifofilm.com/films/info/840
CENTERPIECE PARTY follows the film, with music by DJ Barry Huffine.
CLOSING NIGHT – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16
FILM: PUSHING DEAD - Cinema Paradiso
The words AIDS and comedy are rarely used together, but Pushing Dead is a film in which it is appropriate. HIV-positive writer and bouncer Dan Schauble struggles to refill his drug prescriptions after a bureaucratic snafu drops him from his health plan. Schauble quietly panics that any disruption to his pharmaceutical regimen can have disastrous consequences for his health, but while he navigates the labyrinthine world of modern healthcare, the other people in his life suffer from their own personal trials and tribulations. View trailer: www.mifofilm.com/films/info/856
PARTY AND AWARDS CEREMONY - C & I Studios
Mix and mingle with filmmakers and actors as the Jury and Audience award winners are announced. Open bar, with music by DJ Barry Huffine.
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.
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