Consuelo Naranjo/Staff Writer
Bright lights warmed up Gusman’s Olympia Theater in downtown Miami. This is where film lovers gathered on the red carpet for the opening inauguration of the 2013 Miami International Film Festival, celebrated from Friday, March 1 until Sunday, March 10. Remarkable characters from a variety of countries arrived to the land of cortaditos and palm trees to share their most creative work.
This year the MIFF celebrates the 30th anniversary of the world’s finest film industry. This celebration, which introduced important foreign directors, actors and producers to the United States, was founded by the Film Society of Miami, Inc., in 1983. With the main objective of providing cultural understanding, encourage artistic development and excellence through film, the MIFF gained recognition from the best and most exclusive directors and critics within the film business, globally.
In the 1990s, the Film Society transferred the administration of the festival to FIU; however, since October 2003 Miami Dade College (MDC) is the principal sponsor and organizer of the gala. Enthusiastic founders, excited viewers and 140 loyal sponsors such as American Airlines, HBO Latino and the Knight Foundation hosted one of the important parties in the industry.
Jaie Laplante, executive director of the MIFF, welcomed the public and presented “Twenty Feet From Stardom” by director Morgan Neville at the Ultimate Opening night party. “This is a documentary about the life of backup singers. These are groups of people who are some of the most incredible artists that you have never heard from, except in the background,” said Neville.
Regal South Beach Cinemas, Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, Tower Theater, O Cinema, Coral Gables Art Cinema and Miami Beach Cinematheque are the venues of 117 feature-length films and 12 shorts representing 41 countries. Students are one of the principal ingredients for this international mix of art.
Julissa Perez, a senior in theatre performance, is managing the tower theatre at the festival. She describes the MIFF as a unique occasion with amazing benefits. “FIU students working or volunteering in the event have a great opportunity to watch films, and enjoy events that are different from the usual film festivals,” Perez said. “Especially for my fellow theatre majors; it is lovely to be able to expand our artistic views and really eat up what Miami has to offer in terms of visual and artistic stimulation.”
Art experts and dreamers should not miss any element of the festival. That is the case of American actor, and Academy Award nominated actor, James Cromwell. Humbly, he shared his excitement for his performance in “Still Mine,” by Michael McGowan. Also, he shared some expert advice to FIU students: “Don’t give up and be creative.
The movie industry is a hard field but you can reach your objectives with hard work and originality,” Cromwell said. Mauricio Parra, Miami personality and official DJ for Vogue magazine and MTV events, lit up the inauguration party with a fusion of vibrating and energetic rhythms. This FIU alumnus also encouraged future musicians to follow their dreams: “This is a hard field with ups and downs, but if this is something that you are passionate about, keep working towards your aspirations,” Parra said.
All forms of art expressions were on display at the Opening Night Contest, of the MIFF; the most unique was awarded with a $1,200 gift certificate from the upscale boutique, Osklen. Even though the Miami International Film Festival is a display of fashion with a sparkle of bohemian glamour, Rodner Figueroa, well known fashionista and hostess of “Sal y Pimienta,” broadcast by Univision, decided to leave fashion critiques at home and enjoyed, what he called, “The real protagonist of the nights, the films.”
“The MIFF gives you the opportunity to enjoy independent movies from all around the world. I am looking forward to enjoy[ing] Spanish speaking movies,” Figueroa said. Originally from Venezuela, Rodner Figueroa was delighted by Spanish language submissions. “I deeply enjoy Hispanic films, I feel closer to them, and I love hearing my native language on the big screen.”
From unraveled love stories to topical social problems, the MIFF presents No, an Academy Award nominated foreign film, starring Gabriel Garcia Bernal. White Elephants, A Gun in Each Hand and Eenie Meenie Miney Moe are also the most featured movies at this festival. Stefany Rodriguez, a sophomore majoring in psychology and a cinephile, is looking forward to enjoying some of the 23 categories that the MIFF offers to the public.
Rodriguez is also applying to the Film Studies certificate at FIU, directed by Richard Schwartz and Barbara Weitz from the English department. “Movies are my second love. They represent genuine expressions and some are pure art when they allow you to truly connect with story,” Rodriguez said Spectators are able to support these films and enjoy the many after party events that the MIFF is sponsoring. For more information visit: http://miami. festivalgenius.com/2013/
