Film & Media Events Miami/South Florida 2019

The 36th Miami Film Festival snagged a new home in Downtown Miami’s Silverspot Cinemas and drew a slew of big-name filmmakers and stars. Actress Golden Globe winning actress Patricia Clarkson received the Estrella Damm Precious Gem Award, while directors Barry Jenkins headlined the inaugural Knight Heroes discussions. Orange is the New Black star Jackie Cruz attended to promote This Changes Everything. Next: March 6-15, 2020

Now solidified as Outshine (it was formerly Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival when it launched in 1998 then joined forces with its Fort Lauderdale counterpart in 2015 to form MiFo L.G.B.T. Film Festival), the umbrella event hosts two editions this year: the 21st annual Miami edition in April and the 11th annual Fort Lauderdale edition in October. Silverspot Cinemas will be among the Miami venues. Showtime leads the sponsors. Next: April 18-28, 2019

The 2018 edition saw more than 1,200 representatives from a directory of Latin American media and entertainment entities that included the Coca-Cola Company, Marriott, Cartier, and General Motors. Panels featured speakers from Clear Channel, Facebook, the Walt Disney Company, and Google. The three-day conference returns to Turnberry Isle this fall. Next: October 2019

Natpe is the largest U.S.-based global content association. Its conference in January, held at the Fontainebleau, emphasized international co-production and development, producers and creators, and brands and advertisers. The event draws more than 5,000 media executives and 200 speakers from more than 70 countries. Past editions featured appearances by Tom Selleck and Jane Fonda. Next: January 2020

Up from #6
The 23rd annual festival descends on the Loews Hotel Miami Beach this year with HBO as its presenting sponsor and content backed by Warner Brothers and BET. Known as the nation’s largest gathering of black film and TV enthusiasts, 2019 welcomes La La Anthony as its ambassador with appearances by actor Omar Epps and director Steven Caple Jr. (Creed II). Next: June 12-16, 2019

Up from #7
Highlighting cinema lasting between one and 20 minutes long, the Miami Short Film Festival turns 18 this season. The 2018 series saluted Canadian filmmakers and screened pieces under existential themes. Past editions reported upwards of 2,500 patrons. The event takes place at Silverspot Cinemas. Next: November 6-9, 2019

Up from #8
Six films led 2018’s Recent Cinema From Spain, a platform for the country’s filmmaking industry. The repertoire included one stateside premiere and one Miami premiere. Opening night saw 1,500 guests, including Spanish directors Santiago Segura and Arantxa Echevarria, actress Ana Wagener, and producer Maria Luisa Gutierrez. The series is produced by EGEDA US, the Olympia Theater, and ICAA. Next: November 2019

Up from #9
Unlike in years past, the 23rd Brazilian Film Festival of Miami will only screen films within Miami-Dade County, featuring events at New World Symphony’s Soundscape Park Wallcast, Miami Beach Cinematheque, Florida International University, and Film Gate. Miami is one of four produced Brazilian Film Festivals that includes stops in New York, Orlando, and Canudos, Brazil. Next: September 14-21, 2019