Unique Venues Make International Film a Must in Miami

Though Miami may not have the same reputation for Independent cinema the way that Berlin or Toronto may, it certainly does have a gift for promoting it. With an array of film festivals taking place throughout the year, and with a growing number of unique theatres dotting Miami Beach, and art museums, the city has become a unique place to catch a glimpse of up and coming directors, particularly those coming from the Latin Diaspora.

Among the newest cinemas, but perhaps the most popular within the art-cinema crowd is the Miami Beach Cinematheque, located just off of Española Way in South Beach. This cozy theatre is ideally located off of the pedestrian shopping strip, Lincoln Road, and hosts a number of mini-film festivals and one-off indie films. Its style is based on Gothic architecture, which has seen a revival alongside the standard Art Deco facades that blanket Miami Beach.

When it comes to festivals, the biggest and most popular one for contemporary cinema is the Miami International Film Festival, which takes place every year in March, and is host to dozens of new names in the film world. With a special emphasis on Latin cinema, Miami’s attention to the multi-cultural vibrancy of its population comes out in stunning clarity. Many screenings are held at the various theatres owned by the University of Miami, and the chance to hear directors speak about their films is also a popular add-on to the festival.

The Miami Latin Film Festival, though much smaller in size and scope, also acts as an exciting host to the many international film and creative types that pass through South Florida either in the form of their art or in person. The festival primarily promotes films in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, with a special emphasis on lesser-known film directors in the world of cinema. In essence, Miami’s increasing awareness and support of the arts is shining though the flashiness of its television persona, making it an agreeable destination for the culturally savvy.