MiFo is a highly regarded LGBT film festival, presented by Merrill Lynch in addition to Showtime and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Office of Film, Music & Entertainment. For two weekends, the festival will host an array of films and events.
The 7th Annual MiFo LGBT Film Festival is set to begin its Fort Lauderdale showings October 9, 2015.
2015 was a monumental year for the LGBT community, and the festival aims to celebrate that. LGBT culture is growing in popularity, and the films have also gained popularity.
MiFo will be screening 53 films from 13 different countries, representative of the worldwide strides the LGBT community has made this year.
An impressive list of guest appearances by actors, directors and producers will make this year’s festival the best yet, along with a lineup of spectacular parties and events. The films include seven documentaries, 28 narratives and 18 shorts.
The Festival begins 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, with an American film. The first weekend concludes on Sunday, Oct. 1 with a 9:45 Australian feature.
Screenings will be held at the Classic Gateway Theatre, Cinema Paradiso, C & I Studios and 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, the executive director of MiFo, in a recent press release. “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, the producer of “Fourth Man Out.”
Saturday, October 10 – Zack Ryan, an actor in “Beautiful Something.”
Saturday, October 10 – David Barrett, producer/screenwriter, and Evan Hansis, an actor, in “Kiss Me, Kill Me.”
Saturday, October 10 – Patricia Velasquez, an actress in “Liz in September.”
Sunday, October 11 – Stu Maddox, the director of “Reel in the Closet.”
Sunday, October 18 – John Mitchell, co-writer/co-director, and Vanessa Dunn, an actress, in “Portrait of a Serial Monogamist.”
Sunday, October 18 – Joseph Kuhn, writer/director/producer of “Those People.”
EVENTS/PARTIES
8 p.m. Friday, October 9
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, 1 East Las Olas Blvd.
9:30 pm Saturday, October 10
After-Party with Patricia Velasquez, an actress/author/activist
Following the 7:30 p.m. screening of widely acclaimed “Liz in September,” join Velasquez at an 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 disc jockey, Citizen Jane will be spinning throughout the night.
C & I Studios, 541 NW 1st Avenue.
Thursday, October 15
Disco Dinner at 5:30 p.m. and Centerpiece Party at 10 p.m.
Enjoy a pre-screening dinner at 13Even, and to keep up 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 p.m.
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 are available with two local hotels — W Fort Lauderdale and Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, a Doubletree by Hilton Hotel — if you visit www.mifofilm.com/pages/travel.
Complete information at www.MiFofilm.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mifofilmfest, or call (305) 751-6305.
