International Film Unites in South Fla
(released 1/4/2005)


The Miami International Film Festival (MIFF), presented by Miami Dade College (MDC), announced the full schedule of films for the 22nd annual Festival to be held February 4-13, 2005.

Unveiled today for the 2005 program were 118 films from 47 countries, including 7 World Premieres, 15 International, North American, and U.S. Premieres, and 33 East Coast Premieres. Two dramatic feature competition categories, World and Ibero-American feature first and second-time filmmakers. A documentary feature competition category features emerging and established filmmakers, while out-of competition categories, shorts programs, and special programs showcase a wide range of stories from emerging to established filmmakers.

"I am proud to bring a program to Miami this year of the highest cinematic diversity, scope, and quality—a rich tapestry of independent cinema from around the world, both dramatic and non-fiction, and many premieres," said Festival director Nicole Guillemet. "I was especially touched by the number of films this year with very personal, human stories and poignant emotion, as well as the large increase in films about the predicament of our time."

17 films will premiere at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts while 13 films will be competing in the Dramatic Features - World Cinema Competition, 13 films in the Dramatic Features - Ibero-American Cinema Competition and 16 films in the Documentary Features – World & Ibero-American Cinema Competition round out the categories. The Festival will screen 17 films out of competition, including both dramatic and documentary films. Two Shorts Programs comprise the balance of the schedule with a total of 26 short films.

On Tuesday, February 8, MIFF will honor Liv Ullmann with the Career Achievement Tribute for her distinguished body of work as both actor and director. MIFF will present a celebration of the life and films of Jean Rouch in partnership with the University of Miami and the French Consulate. Also, for the third year, the Festival will present Encuentros, a program designed to bring original projects from Spain and Latin America to meet with US industry professionals. A full program of panels and discussions along with Opening Night and Closing Night parties will be held throughout the 10-day festival.

"The 2005 Miami International Film Festival will bring us a program that explores where and who we are in the world, our place not only here in South Florida, but also in the Americas and beyond," said MDC president Eduardo J. Padrón. "The measure of the growth and success of the Festival is the spirit and the community support that we receive every year at this event."

Screenings will take place at six venues throughout the city: The Gusman Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Miami, Regal South Beach Cinema in South Beach, Tower Theater in Little Havana, Sunrise Intracoastal Cinema in North Miami Beach, Bill Cosford Cinema at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, and The Wolfsonian in Miami Beach.

MIFF also announced today that art from French artist Hervé di Rosa will adorn the cover of the 2005 film catalogue and the 2005 MIFF poster. Di Rosa occupies a singular position in the world of contemporary art. Non-traditional, simple and colorful, his art evokes comic book art, but has a strong fabulist bent. By turns, his work is confrontational, splashy and humorous—and it always defies expectation. Di Rosa has exhibited his work in more than 30 countries, and in such prestigious venues as the Louis Carré gallery and the Musée d’art moderne de la ville de Paris. His art hangs in fine art galleries throughout the United States, in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

For more information on this event, contact: Miami International Film Festival at (305) 237-3456 or visit www.miamifilmfestival.com. For more information on Miami Dade College, please visit www.mdc.edu.


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