By Enhancing Traditional Programming with Contemporary, Multimedia Selections from the World’s Vast Art Panorama, Festival’s 26th Edition Reaches New Cinematic Heights, Celebrating Great Works of the Big Screen and Beyond, and Saluting Miami’s Growing Arts Scene
The Miami International Film Festival (MIFF), presented by Miami Dade College (MDC - www.mdc.edu), today announced highlights of its 26th edition, running Friday, March 6 - Sunday, March 15, 2009. The complete film slate is available at www.MiamiFilmFestival.com.
The 137 selections for this year’s Festival represent more than 40 countries. Along with 40 shorts are 97 feature-length films, including four world premieres, 22 North American premieres and 18 U.S. premieres. Of this year’s eight first-time filmmakers, seven are in competition.
“We’re very excited about bringing this year’s special program to our community, and to the many who join us from other parts of the nation, and from abroad,” Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, president of Miami Dade College, said. “Film is a powerful educational tool that raises awareness on important issues, and often brings about needed change. Our Festival truly distinguishes itself from the world’s other major film festivals because of its heavy emphasis on education through its special screenings, workshops and seminars, presented by the industry’s most influential leaders. I invite everyone to attend the Festival this year and enjoy its rich program.”
A Miami Dade College cultural event, MIFF is the only major film festival housed within an academic institution. This distinctive bond is fused by MDC’s international reputation as a beacon, not only for higher education, but also for culture, and by MIFF’s mission: to bridge cultural understanding; endorse tolerance; and encourage artistic development and excellence within a vigorous academic setting by provoking thought through film.
IT’S “ACTION!” FOR NEW MIFF DIRECTOR, TIZIANA FINZI
MIFF’s 26th year marks the first for director, Tiziana Finzi. As much film business visionary as veteran, Finzi brings more than 20 years of top international film festival programming and coordination experience to MIFF.
“With the 26th edition of the Miami International Film Festival, I’m looking forward to building on the great successes of its first quarter-century, so we can chart a course for the next 25 years that will expand the art of film to new audiences and, more importantly, expand the role of film as an educational tool,” Finzi said.
Finzi’s curriculum vitae reads like a list of the world’s most prestigious film festivals. During her nine-year tenure with Switzerland’s acclaimed Locarno Film Festival, where she was head of programming and deputy director, Finzi led an artistic renaissance, expanding its esteemed programming to include new categories highlighting contemporary filmmakers, video and visual arts (for which she collaborated with some of the world’s preeminent museums and galleries). She’s also held top programming posts at the renowned Venice Film Festival, and Pesaro and Taormina film festivals. Rounding out her programming experience, Finzi has curated, and consulted on, the visual arts for several international film festivals and institutions, among them: Italia Cinema and the Trieste Film Festival.
Especially drawn to visual and experimental art, architecture and, of course, cinema, Finzi’s wide-spanning passion for the arts and Miami’s thriving cultural scene are a perfect pair. Mutually supportive and inspiring, this richly infuses MIFF’s 2009 program, and will propel both Finzi’s, and the Festival’s, continued evolution.
Among many of her special touches to this year’s Festival: the program’s inclusion of both contemporary and historical cinema from around the globe; Hollywood glamour; discussions about current topics affecting the film industry; and an authentic international vibe, felt in the showcase of emerging, and established, filmmakers, acting talent and artists from every country imaginable.
Finzi’s collective experience especially shines in Cutting the Edge, this year’s new competition category, which she created in collaboration with colleague, Juan Carlos Zaldivar. A multi-disciplinary artist and film festival programming expert, Zaldivar is also a filmmaker. Most-notably, he co-directed, with David O. Russell and Tricia Regan, the highly controversial 2004 anti-Iraq war short documentary, SOLDIERS PAY.
Cutting the Edge is an exciting presentation of audio-visual experimentation, surpassing cutting-edge notions. In its first edition, this program showcases provoking, and sometimes extreme, works that stand at the crossroads of video and art disciplines of every kind. The category’s selections add a new multimedia element to the traditional Festival movie theater experience, and at the same time celebrate one of Miami’s best-known and loved distinctions: its innovative up-and-coming arts scene, which is increasingly considered among the most significant, internationally.
“Because Juan Carlos and I share many artistic philosophies, the concept of Cutting the Edge came naturally,” Finzi said. “We wanted to shine a spotlight on works that blend different genres of art, and how they imaginatively challenge artistic norms. We hope the Festival experience is enriched not only by films’ themes and messages, but also by Cutting the Edge’s inherent questions about life’s limits, borders and definitions.”
“Immerse Yourself” in MIFF 2009
The Immerse Yourself campaign promotes the 26th edition of the Miami International Film Festival, inviting audiences to indulge their senses and emotions through the art of film in a very Miami way. The image conjures the eternal coupling of light and shade, sound and silence and the ever-exploring nature of the artistic spirit. MIFF 2009 invites you to “immerse yourself in film...”
Official 26th Annual MIFF Poster
This year’s poster, titled Profeta (Prophet), wascompleted in 2005 by Cuban-American artist, Cundo Bermúdez. One of the last surviving masters of Cuba’s second modernist generation, and of Cuba’s Vanguardia movement, Bermúdez had been selected to execute the artwork for this year’s poster, one month before his death in Miami on October 30, 2008, at age 94. He was excited about the collaboration, as many of the subjects for his paintings, throughout his career, were singers, musicians, actors and performers. Because his passing prevented the completion of a new design, this year’s poster is presented as an homage to Bermúdez’ work, and as a celebration of his life.
Born in Havana in 1914, Bermúdez studied art at the San Alejandro in Cuba, and at the Academia San Carlos in Mexico. In 1944, he was among the artists represented in a landmark exhibition of 80 works by modern Cuban painters at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. This exhibition was a first-of-its kind in the U.S., marking a turning point for the understanding of Cuban art in this country, and establishing an international reputation for its featured artists. Today, his work can be found in private collections, and in major galleries and museums, including the MoMA. His public artwork, Ways of Performing, is an artistic tour de force at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County.
Press Materials
1. All press materials are available at: ftp.mdc.edu (Log-in: FTPPress Case sensitive password: Miami#1). Please continue to check the site for frequent updates.
2. Visit www.MiamiFilmFestival.com (Press Room) for MIFF 2009 information and press materials, or reach out to any MIFF / MDC media contact. We are happy to facilitate any coverage needs you may have.
3. In the weeks leading up to, and during, the Festival, please look out for announcements / media alerts / updates from MIFF 2009’s Press & Publicity team about programming, ticketing information, events, press conferences, roundtables and other MIFF 2009 media opportunities.
THE 26TH ANNUAL MIAMI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAM
OPENING NIGHT FILM:
VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR; Director: Matt Tyrnauer; Documentary; USA, 2008; English, French, Italian with English subtitles; Part of Gusman Red Carpet program
CLOSING / AWARDS NIGHT FILM:
EMPTY NEST (EL NIDO VACÍO); Director: Daniel Burman; Comedy / Drama; Argentina/Spain/France/Italy, 2008; Spanish with English subtitles; Part of Gusman Red Carpet program; Starring: Cecilia Roth, Oscar Martinez
CAREER ACHIEVEMENT TRIBUTE: ABEL FERRARA
New York is a constant in Bronx-born Abel Ferrara’s oeuvre, from the underworld fiction of KING OF NEW YORKand BAD LIEUTENANT, to CHELSEA ON THE ROCKS, his recent documentary about New York’s historic Chelsea Hotel, and the poets, artists and musicians who have lived there. And like the city where he was born, Ferrara and his films are true diamonds in the rough - solid and often crude, at times brutal, yet always true, heart-felt and full of grace.
It is the Miami International Film Festival’s pleasure to honor independent filmmaker, Abel Ferrara, with this year’s Career Achievement Tribute, followed by a screening of CHELSEA ON THE ROCKS.
CHELSEA ON THE ROCKS; Director: Abel Ferrara; Documentary; USA, 2008; English; Part of Gusman Red Carpet program; With: Giancarlo Esposito, Adam Goldberg, Ethan Hawke, Dennis Hopper, Grace Jones, Shanyn Leigh and Bijou Phillips, among others; features archival footage of: William S. Burroughs, Walter Cronkite, Jerry Garcia, Janis Joplin, Sid Vicious and Andy Warhol, among others.
MIFF’s celebration of Ferrara continues all Festival long, saluting the maverick director with a special, all-Ferrara screening series of six Tribute films (among them, CHELSEA ON THE ROCKS), in addition to a screening of his current work in progress, MULBERRY ST.
JURY PRESIDENT
Ken Kelsch is the Jury President for the 26th Annual Miami International Film Festival. Vietnam veteran and filmmaker, Kelsch studied at NYU, receiving his Masters of Fine Arts in 1978. That year, he was also Director of Photography on his first film: Abel Ferrara's DRILLER KILLER. Kelsch has worked on documentaries with CNN's Special Assignment Division, and has parachuted with camera for his Army Ranger piece. He re-teamed with Ferrara in 1992 on BAD LIEUTENANT, and later, BLACK AND WHITE OPUS, THE ADDICTION,THE FUNERAL, BLACKOUT, NEWROSE HOTEL. Their latest project is CHELSEA ON THE ROCKS. Ken has shot many foreign films and TV projects including NOW AND AGAIN, FLING and two seasons of MEDIUM.
COMPETITION CATEGORIES & PRIZES / AWARDS
This year, there are four new prizes /awards for films in competition.
1.Miami Dade College Grand Jury Prize - $25,000 awarded to winning filmmaker of Dox Competition.
2.Miami Dade College Grand Jury Prize - $2,500 awarded to winning filmmaker of Shorts Competition.
3.Jordan Alexander Ressler Screenwriting Award, presented by Jordan Alexander Ressler Charitable Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego - Juried $5,000 prize awarded to winning screenwriter of Ibero-American Competition.
4. International Film Guide Inspiration Award, presented by Wallflower Press and The Criterion Collection - Juried prize, including: special Awards Scroll by Wallflower Press; Criterion Collection 10 Film DVD Package; and Wallflower Press Library awarded to winning emerging filmmaker of Ibero-AmericanCompetition.
Of this year’s six competition categories, two are new: Cutting the Edge, and Florida Focus Student Shorts.All six competition categories are listed below, including each category’s respective awards / prizes.
1.World Cinema Competition - This high-profile competition category showcases the latest works by new, up-and-coming filmmakers from around the world. Filmmakers are eligible for a $25,000 Knight Grand Jury Prize.
2.Ibero-American Competition - This inspiring competition showcases dramatic features by first and second-time directors from Latin America, Spain and Portugal. Filmmakers are eligible for a $25,000 Knight Grand Jury Prize, and for the various prizes of the new International Film Guide Inspiration Award (juried).Screenwriters are eligible for a $5,000 juried prize of the new Jordan Alexander Ressler Screenwriting Award.
3.Dox Competition - Documentary feature films from around the world are screened in this prestigious competition. Social issues, diverse cultures, icons and inspiring people are an integral part of this category. Filmmakers are eligible for a $25,000 Miami Dade College Grand Jury Prize (new).
4.Shorts Competition - This category features three programs of the best short films from around the world. Filmmakers are eligible for a $2,500 Miami Dade College Grand Jury Prize (new).
5.Cutting the Edge - MIFF’s newest competition category is an exciting presentation of audio-visual experimentation, surpassing cutting-edge notions. In its first edition, this program showcases provoking, and sometimes extreme, works that stand at the crossroads of video and art disciplines of every kind. Cutting the Edge also features four programs of short films. Awards for this category TBA.
6.Florida Focus Student Shorts Competition - In addition to Cutting the Edge, MIFF 2009 launches three new short film competitions, especially for Florida student filmmakers: 1) Social Shorts High School; 2) Social Shorts College; and 3) Miami Minis.
The Florida Focus Student Shorts category proudly hosts the Third Annual Miami Coalition for the Homeless Student Short Film Competition, for which high school students submit Public Service Announcements.
EDITORS’ NOTE: To clarify, MCH Student Short Film Competition is separate from MIFF’s juried competitions.MIFF is a platform supporting the MCH Student Short Film Competition, to salute the extraordinary efforts of the organization.
The winning short from each of the three new Florida Focus competition categories, along with the winning MCH PSA, will be screened during Florida Focus’ own Awards Ceremony.Filmmakers with winning Florida Focus competition shorts will receive a juried prize TBA, courtesy of Kodak.The winning MCH PSA filmmaker will receive a prize TBA, courtesy of MCH.
IN ADDITION:
- Films in the World Cinema, Ibero-American and Dox Competitions are eligible for the Audience Award.
- Films in the World Cinema Competition are eligible for the Fipresci International Critics Award.
OUT-OF-COMPETITION CATEGORIES
This year’s five out-of-competition categories are listed below.
1.Gusman Red Carpet - Every evening the latest films from world-renowned directors and emerging filmmakers are showcased at the historic Gusman Center for the Performing Arts. This year, both the Opening Night and Closing / Awards Night films are part of the Gusman Red Carpet program.
2.Cinema 360° - Amazing works from the masters and up-and-coming filmmakers are on view in this vibrant array of films from all corners of the world.
3.World Issues / World Films - This Outreach Program highlights films that tackle world issues and the human struggle for life and dignity.
4.REEL Music Scene - Films by renowned directors that showcase some of the finest international musicians who have a distinct voice in pop culture.
5.Florida Focus Screenings - This section is designed to celebrate outstanding work from Florida’s filmmaking community, and to honor young Florida filmmakers. The Florida Focus Program spotlights MIFF 2009 selections with Florida connections, whether made in Florida, directed by a Floridian, or backed by Florida investors.
REEL EDUCATION SEMINAR SERIES
DREAM. SCRIPT. SCREEN. The 26th edition of the Miami International Film Festival, in association with Miami Dade College’s School of Entertainment and Design Technology, and the University of Miami’s School of Communication, is pleased to bring to the community eight days of informative panels, workshops, seminars and master-classes to educate and entertain.
Meet leading film industry professionals, as well as noted filmmakers, as they share their thoughts, insights, experience and advice. Join our audiences as they listen to these experts discussing various aspects of the creative process, from film production and financing, to distribution and new technologies, and even try shooting something of your own. The aim is to exchange knowledge, experience within an informal and informative framework.
TALENT AT A GLANCE (NOT ALL CONFIRMED): Valentino Garavani - Valentino: The Last Emperor, Paul Kalbrenner - Berlin Calling, Andy Garcia - Cachao Uno Mas, Abel Ferrara - Chelsea on the Rocks, Willem Dafoe - Chelsea on the Rocks, Elsa Pataky - Mancora, Adrien Brody - Mancora, Daniel Burman - Empty Nest, Alejandro Sanz - Handless Trick, Clive Russell - Lecture 21, John Hurt - Lecture 21, Noah Taylor - Lecture 21, Dennis Hopper - Chelsea on the Rocks, Grace Jones -Chelsea on the Rocks
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Miami International Film Festival, celebrating its 26th year in 2009, is now a leading cultural destination event. It is considered the finest Ibero-American film festival in the U.S. The Festival, presented each year in March, attracts more than 75,000 audience members and over 400 filmmakers, producers, talent and industry professionals. In the last five years, the Festival has screened films from more than 60 countries, including 300 East Coast, U.S. and World Premieres. Because of MIFF programs, such as Miami Encuentros, and a special focus on Ibero-American cinema, the Miami International Film Festival has become the natural gateway for the discovery of Ibero-American talent. Additionally, the Festival offers unparalleled educational opportunities to filmmakers and the community at large, including the REEL Education Seminar Series, the World Issues / World Films outreach program, and MIFF Abroad, a cross-cultural venture created to cultivate the next generation of Ibero-American filmmakers. For more information please visit www.MiamiFilmFestival.com or call 305.237.MIFF (3456).
MIAMI DADE COLLEGE
Miami Dade College has a long and rich history of involvement in the cultural arts, providing South Florida with a vast array of artistic and literary offerings including The Miami Book Fair International, the Florida Center for the Literary Arts, the Cultura del Lobo performance series, The Cuban Cinema Series, nine visual arts galleries including The Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College and the School of Entertainment and Design Technology in addition to the renowned Miami International Film Festival. MDC is the largest institution of higher education in the country and is nationally recognized for many of its academic and cultural programs. With an enrollment of more than 167,000 students, MDC is the nation’s top producer of associate in arts and science degrees. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer nearly 300 distinct degree programs including several baccalaureate degrees.
Contacts:
Miami International Film Festival
Adrienne McWilliams, Manager,
MIFF Press & Publicity, 305-213-1705
Adrienne@MiamiFilmFestival.com
Judy
Drutz, Senior Advisor, MIFF Press & Publicity, 646-244-3287
Judith@MiamiFilmFestival.com
Jessica
Pfeffer, Advisor, MIFF Press & Publicity, 305-804-8424
JessicaP@MiamiFilmFestival.com
or
Miami
Dade College
Juan Mendieta, MDC Director of Communications, Work:
305-237-7611 / Cell: 305-323-0033
jmendiet@mdc.edu
Sue
Arrowsmith, Media Relations Specialist, 305-237-3710
sue.arrowsmith@mdc.edu
Alejandro
Rios, Spanish Language Media Specialist, Work: 305-237-7482 / Cell:
305-989-1701
arios1@mdc.edu
Tarnell
Carroll, Media Relations Specialist, 305-237-3359
tcarroll@mdc.edu