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Guide To The Miami International Film Festival

The Miami International Film Festival is celebrating 31 wonderful years with more partnerships than ever and a new array of films guaranteed to ignite the sparkle in the most diehard film buff's eyes. The festival runs from March 7-16 and features tributes to Latin and Chinese film as well as an impressive lineup of films all vying for the coveted Grand Jury Prize. Read on to find out the best way to purchase tickets, attend an event and party the night away. The best in film hits the beach.
Mr. Moe's Restaurant & Bar
(credit: mrmoes.com)

Tickets
Miami Dade College
300 N.E. 2nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 237-3456
www.miamifilmfestival.com

If you are attending this year's Miami International Film Festival, there are several ways to get tickets whether you plan ahead or are a last-minute moviegoer. There are three ways to purchase tickets: by phone, online and at the box office. Tickets have been on sale since February 14 so those still looking to purchase tickets should either call or purchase their tickets online. For sold-out screenings or for people who would rather wait, they can stand in line at the respective box offices and purchase tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here for ticket prices.

Screening Locations
Various
www.miamifilmfestival.com

There are five main screening locations and four special event locations. The Olympia Theater at Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, Regal South Beach Cinema, Paragon Grove, Coral Gables Art Cinema and O Cinema will all be holding screenings. Parking is relegated to the street with some venues providing garage space or parking lots for an additional charge. The cost varies per location but patrons can expect to pay $5 to $15 for a garage or lot and pay $12 for valet at the Gusman Center. The Miami Beach Cinematheque, The Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College, The Historic Alfred I Dupont Building and the New World Center are the designated special event venues for parties and opening and closing night celebrations. Again, parking is relegated to the street, garage or parking lot.

Related: Best Independent Movie Theaters In Miami

Mr. Moe's Restaurant & Bar
(credit: mrmoes.com)

Film Categories
(305) 237-3456
www.miamifilmfestival.com

The MIFF is the premiere showcase for Ibero-American (Spanish or Portuguese descendant) films. These films are lumped into categories based on the film's genre and filmmaking origin and then judged and awarded accordingly. The categories include Art Docs (documentaries), CinemaSlam (film school competition), Encuentros (Latin production company film competition), Culinary Cinema (food on film), Mayhem (suspense), Cinema 360 (International films up for competition), Reel Music Video Art Competition (music video competition in conjunction wth MTV), Chinese Cinema (a tribute to Chinese films) and more. There is truly a category to fit everyone's taste and some categories like CinemaSlam and the Reel Music Video Art Competition provide a platform for up-and-coming filmmakers to be recognized. Be sure to check the complete MIFF schedule to find the right film category for you.

Parties and Special Events
(305) 237-3456
www.miamifilmfestival.com

There will be plenty of opportunities to dance the night away or have an intellectual discourse about the state of cinema at the various parties and special events at the MIFF. The festival begins with the Opening Night Ceremony at the Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for Performing Arts. This event features a star-studded red carpet, a screening of the opening night film, an appearance by the filmmakers and a party at the Alfred I Dupont Building. The Gusman Center will also play host to the Awards Night Gala where the Awards Night Film will be shown, in addition to a Q&A from the filmmakers and the presentation of the Grand Jury Prize. The festival comes to a close with a party at the National Historic Freedom Tower and the announcement of the Audience Award.

Mr. Moe's Restaurant & Bar
(credit: mrmoes.com)

Awards
(305) 237-3456
www.miamifilmfestival.com

Films primarily enter film festivals for the recognition and to find a distributor that will market their film to the masses. The films that win the grand prize are typically the films that go on to greater success. Most films entering the MIFF are aiming for the top prize, the Grand Jury award. The Audience Award is based on popularity with the attendees voting on their favorite film while the other categories like CinemaSlam and The Reel Music Video Art Competition give out their own awards, which are suited to the skill level of that category. Awards for most categories will be announced on March 15, 2014.

Related: Best Outdoor Theaters In South Florida

Niema Hulin was born in Newark, NJ but raised in Lexington, South Carolina for the bulk of her formative years. In 2002, she moved to Miami after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, Niema has worked in film, television and commercials as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. Some of her films have included Bad Boys II and I Am Number IV. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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