(Photo of poster is from the film festival kick-off party, which took place January 15.)
By Rachel Galvin
Film lovers prepare for one of the biggest film festivals in the area. The 40th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival begins February 20 and runs through February 28. This year, the headquarters will still be at Savor Cinema, but it will expand to other venues, including Cinema Paradiso in Hollywood, Paragon Theater in Davie and Deerfield Beach, NSU, the African American Library, the Panthers Iceplex, IMAX at the Museum of Discovery & Science and Flamingo Gardens.
There are plenty of special events and also plenty of celebrities coming into town, including Chevy Chase, Paul Reiser, Terrence Howard, Jeremy Piven, Jamie Kennedy, Guy Harvey and many others.
“We are thrilled to present the 40th year of the festival with a diverse line up for all of South Florida,” says FLIFF President & CEO, Lisa Grigorian. “The festival includes ‘something for everyone’ and will also host a series of curated events throughout the week.”
Opening Night is Saturday, Feb, 21 with the screening of the action thriller “Miami Nights” at 7 p.m., with a reception at 6 p.m. The film follows two decorated war heroes who are dishonorably discharged after saving a high profile American journalist overseas. As they attempt to rebuild their lives, they become ensnared in a deadly scheme with local criminals, culminating in a high-stakes plot to steal a priceless diamond. The ensemble includes Terrence Howard, Jeremy Piven, Jeremy Sumpter, Danay Garcia, Sydelle Noel and John Lewis, who will be in attendance, among others. The film was shot in Miami. Tickets are $40 for FLIFF Members / $50 non-members.
The Closing Night will be “Guy Harvey” The Documentary on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the IMAX at the Museum of Discovery & Science. The film follows the life of Guy Harvey, marine artist and conservationist. Tickets are $40 for FLIFF members, $50 for non-members.
These are just the bookends to an exciting film festival. Want to find out what is happening throughout? Stay tuned for more information and visit www.fliff.com for schedule and tickets.