Stars, local filmmakers share Miami Film Festival spotlight
Why it matters: This year's festival comes as local leaders hope to revive Miami-Dade County's once-powerful position in the movie industry, which has diminished since Florida ended its film incentive program in 2016.
A $50 million county film incentive program, which launched last year, is helping "put Miami back on the production map," Variety says.
Driving the news: Miami Dade College's long-running celebration of cinema features roughly 200 films from over 45 countries and conversations with "Before Sunrise" star Julie Delpy, "White Lotus" actor Jason Isaacs and more.
The festival, which runs from April 3-13, will show 35 world premieres and new work from Miami-based filmmakers.
Here's a sampling of screenings and events to check out.
Opening film – " Meet the Barbarians:" Delpy's French comedic drama follows the story of a small town that accepts Ukrainian refugees in exchange for government subsidies and the conflict that unfolds when Syrian migrants arrive instead.
Thursday, April 3. 7pm at the Olympia Theater.
The screening will be preceded by the presentation of the festival's Impact Award to Delpy, who directs and stars in the movie.
Tickets $37.
Sex, Love and Violence (Comedy Shorts Block): A series of short comedies from around the world.
Friday, April 4. 6:30pm. Silverspot Cinema, Room 12.
$18.
" Before Sunrise" – 30th Anniversary Screening: Delpy, who stars in the 1995 film with Ethan Hawke, will give an extended introduction before the screening.
Friday, April 4. 9:30pm. Regal South Beach.
$28.
" Know Me – The Untold Miami Bath Salts Phenomenon:" The 2025 film attempts to shed light on the grisly 2012 attack of a local unhoused man by Rudy Eugene, whom the media dubbed the "Miami Zombie."
Miami director and actor Edson Jean developed and co-wrote the film with Markenson Charles, Eugene's younger brother, who was killed by police after the attack.
Despite speculation that Eugene had ingested the street drug known as "bath salts," a medical examiner found only marijuana in his system.
Monday, April 7 at 7:30pm at the Little Haiti Cultural Center and Friday, April 11 at 9pm at Silverspot Cinema, Room 12.
$18.
" The Python Hunt:" South Florida filmmaker Xander Robins documents Florida's annual python removal contest in the Everglades.
Wednesday, April 9 at 9pm, Koubek Theater. Saturday, April 12 at 2:30pm at the Bill Cosford Cinema.
$18.
Saturday, April 12, 1pm. MDC Wolfson, Chapman Center.
$23.
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