1. Miami International Film Festival

#1 Film & Media Event
Drawing 70,000 people each year, the Miami International Film Festival is the country’s premier showcase for Spanish-language films and will mark its 30th anniversary in 2013. Next: March 1-10, 2013
Drawing 70,000 people each year, the Miami International Film Festival is the country’s premier showcase for Spanish-language films and will mark its 30th anniversary in 2013. Next: March 1-10, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the Miami International Film Festival
2. Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

#2 Film & Media Event
The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival has grown from a three-day event 14 years ago to a 10-day fest screening 65 films. Next: April 26-May 5, 2012
The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival has grown from a three-day event 14 years ago to a 10-day fest screening 65 films. Next: April 26-May 5, 2012
Photo: The Murry Agency
3. American Black Film Festival

#4 Film & Media Event
Founded in 1997, the American Black Film Festival promotes diversity in the American movie industry and hosted 5,000 film fans this year. Next: June 2013
Founded in 1997, the American Black Film Festival promotes diversity in the American movie industry and hosted 5,000 film fans this year. Next: June 2013
Photo: Terrence Jennings
4. Brazilian Film Festival of Miami

#5 Film & Media Event
The largest event of its kind outside Brazil, the Brazilian Film Festival of Miami hosts 18,000 people for a week of film screenings at the Colony Theater and Miami Beach Cinematheque. Next: summer 2013
The largest event of its kind outside Brazil, the Brazilian Film Festival of Miami hosts 18,000 people for a week of film screenings at the Colony Theater and Miami Beach Cinematheque. Next: summer 2013
Photo: Mariana Vianna
5. Miami Short Film Festival

#6 Film & Media Event
This year, the 11th annual Miami Short Film Festival will screen 80 films hailing from 39 different countries. Next: November 24-December 1, 2012
This year, the 11th annual Miami Short Film Festival will screen 80 films hailing from 39 different countries. Next: November 24-December 1, 2012
Photo: ROLO, Courtesy of Miami Short Film Festival
6. Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

#7 Film & Media Event
A sister event to the larger Miami version, the Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival expects 3,000 people for its fourth annual edition this year. Next: October 4-7, 2012
A sister event to the larger Miami version, the Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival expects 3,000 people for its fourth annual edition this year. Next: October 4-7, 2012
Photo: Susan Spinello