Isn’t it wonderful that we have the Miami International Film Festival (MIFF), this year running March 7-16! The problem is that with 93 feature films and 28 short films (from 38 countries no less), most of us don’t have the time, patience or expertise to choose which films to go to. And sites like Metacritic which I’ve written about aren’t a great help since most of the films are relatively new both to the US and to international competitions in general.
What to do? I called on a good friend who is a major cinephile, also willing to invest the time and has the patience to go through the schedule and do a “must see” list. He was willing to share his list with me and you readers, so here I present serious picks from the 31st edition of the Miami International Film Festival. But before reading on, I do suggest you go on their website. You’ll be amazed at the number and variety of films and film categories, ranging from shorts competitions, documentaries and a “Work in Progress from Cuba” presentation to Lee Brian Schrager’s culinary cinema pairing a film with a meal, music videos, lectures, and a closeup on the national cinema of China. The picks:
ELSA & FRED (2014 – USA)
03/07 – Friday 7pm – Olympia Theater
Audio: English Runtime: 100′
Elsa (Shirley MacLaine), a vivacious retiree in New Orleans gets straight-laced widower, Fred (Christopher Plummer), as an unwanted next-door neighbor—until he ultimately surrenders to her bold and beautiful madness—and the two soon discover it’s never too late to fulfill a lifetime fantasy, in this rousing re-make of hit Spanish-Argentine film by “Il Postino” director, Michael Radford. Also stars Marcia Gay Harden, George Segal, Chris Noth.
DEFAULT (2014 – USA, Colombia)
03/08 – Saturday 6:45pm – Regal South Beach Cinemas
03/09 – Sunday 9pm – MIFF @ Coral Gables Art Cinema
Audio: English Runtime: 90′
Somali pirates led by Atlas (David Oyelow), hijack a plane chartered by an American news crew in a tension-packed thriller centered around a deadly battle of wits. WORLD PREMIERE
FADING GIGOLO (2013 – USA)
03/09 – Sunday 7pm – Olympia Theather
Audio: English Runtime: 98′
Woody Allen is a late-blooming pimp to John Turturro’s middle-aged junior florist-turned hustler in a hilarious NY comedy, where legendary screen sirens Sharon Stone and Sofia Vergara turn up as eager clients and Vanessa Paradis plays an orthodox Jewish widow in need of human touch.
SÉPTIMO (2013 – Spain, Argentina)
03/08 – Saturday 9:30pm – Regal South Beach Cinemas
03/10 – Monday 7pm – Paragon Grove
Audio: Spanish Runtime: 88′
Tense, classical kidnapping thriller that exposes Buenos Aires’ edgy crime underbelly. Featuring masterful performances by Ricardo Darín and Belen Rueda as Sebastián and Delia, a divorcing couple whose adorable children disappear on the most important day of Sebastián’s legal career. US Premiere.
THREE MANY WEDDINGS (2013 – Spain)
03/10 – Monday 9:30pm – Paragon Grove
03/12 – Wednesday 9:30pm – Regal South Beach Cinemas
Audio: Spanish Runtime: 90”
A fresh, hilarious comedy from the director of “Ghost Graduation” (MIFF 2013). Three ex-boyfriends invite Ruth (Inma Cuesta) to their weddings, all in one month; the only person Ruth can convince to be her date is the sexy new intern. North American Premiere.
STILL LIFE (2013 – UK, Italy)
03/11 – Tuesday 9:30pm – Regal South Beach Cinemas
03/12 – Wednesday 9:30pm – Paragon Grove
Audio: English Runtime: 92′
A London civil servant with an unusual job strives to bring a final dignity to those who die alone – despite the downsizing pressures of his bean-counter boss.
CLUB SANDWICH (2013 – Mexico)
03/10 – Monday 7:15pm – Regal South Beach Cinemas
03/12 – Wednesday 6:45pm – Paragon Grove
Audio: Spanish Runtime: 82′
Droll comedy of a single mother whose 15-year-old son is her best friend must face his inevitable departure from the nest when a girl his own age piques his interest.
GLOBAL PLAYER (2013 – Germany)
03/13 – Thursday 7pm – Paragon Grove
03/15 – Saturday 4:15pm – Regal South Beach Cinemas
Audio: German Runtime: 95′
A family-run textile machine company in a small southern German town is in trouble, and the heir to the business is forced to negotiate with Chinese entrepreneurs behind his caustic 90-year old father’s back, in this intelligent comedy. International Premiere.
THE MAN OF THE CROWD (2013 – Brazil)
03/12 – Wednesday 9:35pm – Regal South Beach Cinemas
03/14 – Friday 7pm – Paragon Grove
Audio: Portuguese Runtime: 95′
Both Juvenal and Margo live in a state of isolation, despite residing in a bustling urban center. Each manages to find comfort in peculiar ways, in this adaption of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic short story, updated to contemporary Belo Horizonte. US Premiere.
ROB THE MOB (2014 – USA)
03/15 – Saturday 7pm – Olympia Theater
Audio: English Runtime: 104′
Andy Garcia and director Raymond De Felitta (City Island) re-team in this Bonnie & Clyde-style crime caper, involving a cash-strapped couple from Queens who rob a succession of mafia social clubs to cover their debts. Also stars Ray Romano, Michael Pitt, Griffin Dunne, Frank Whaley and Burt Young.
THE MAN OF THE CROWD (2013 – UK)
03/09 – Sunday 7pm – MIFF @ Coral Gables Art Cinema
03/16 – Sunday 9:15pm – Regal South Beach Cinemas
Audio: English Runtime: 93′
An ex-con (Jude Law)’s only chance to go straight is to collect his due from his old crime boss (Demian Bichir), in this wisecracking, safecracking comedy.
WORDS AND PICTURES (2013 – USA)
03/08 – Saturday 3:30pm – Regal South Beach Cinemas
03/16 – Sunday 9:45pm – Regal South Beach Cinemas
Audio: English Runtime: 111′
Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche pair up as rival high school teachers mobilizing their students in a debate regarding the superior powers of literature vs. art.
Special Events at the Miami International Film Festival:
PATRON 3-D OPENING NIGHT PARTY
03/07 – Friday 9:30pm – The Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building
The historic Dupont Building magically transforms into a cinematically-themed playground teeming with “hidden image TVs”, a bountiful selection of culinary delights, and an endless flow of creative Patron cocktails and Stella Artois, an ideal setting to toast 10 days of provocative cinema!
JOHN TURTURRO CAREER ACHIEVEMENT TRIBUTE
03/09 – Sunday 9:30pm – Epic Hotel
Tribute to actor and filmmaker John Turturro, a double Cannes winner (as Best Actor for Barton Fink in 1992 and Camera d’Or winner as Best First Feature Film director in 1993 for Mac), who will present his latest directorial achievement, Fading Gigolo. Following the screening, a “Career Achievement Tribute” Party in John Turturro’s honor.
PYRAT GOLD: AWARDS RUN NIGHT PARTY
03/15 – Saturday 9:30pm – Freedom Tower
Mine some Pyrat “gold” as MIFF2014 celebrates its newly minted Award-winners in preparation for the final ballot count to reveals from the Lexus Audience Award votes. In truth, everyone is a winner at this rockin’ event with its wide variety of culinary delights, rum libations, Stella Artois stations and plenty of entertainment!
MIFF’s screening venues are all over the city so be sure to check that when you sign up. Tickets are now on sale. For membership opportunities or more information, visit miamifilmfestival.com or call 305-237-FILM(3456). The Miami International Film Festival is the only major film festival event housed within a college or university.
Program of Culinary Cinema:
Note: Price per person for film and dinner ranges from $65 to $95 with a special price for Miami Film Society members.
BRASSERIE ROMANTIQUE, a film by Joël Vanhoebrouck
LA GLOUTONNERIE Vintage Kitchen
MENU
SALAD AVIGNON
Endive and Arugula Salad, Tomato Confit, Shaved Parmesan Cheese
Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Lemon Dressing
choice of one
RISOTTO MONTECATINI
Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms, Mantecato, Mozzarella Cheese and Basil
•
LE SAUMON EN CROUTE
Grilled Salmon Fillet Encrusted in Celery Root, Soya Reduction Sauce
•
TOURNEDOS PERIGOURDINE
Filet Mignon with Potatoes Dauphine, Perigourdine Truffle Sauce
…
VINTAGE CRÈMES BRULEES
Traditional Crème Brûlée
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FINAL RECIPE, a film by Gina Kim
BLACKBRICK Chinese
MENU
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LE CHEF, a film by Daniel Cohen
db BISTRO MODERNE
MENU
Salade verte
…
Pâté
…
Coq au vin
Pearl Onions, Bacon, Spätzle, Mixed Mushrooms
…
Profiteroles (dessert)
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FOOD FOR LOVE, a film by Marianna Economou
EGG & DART authentic Greek cuisine
MENU
GREEK SALAD
Premium dodonis feta, Homestead tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, onions, capers, EVOO
…
Choose one:
Baked Salmon fillet
baked in wax paper, with leeks, fennel, greek herbs, served with cold orzo salad
•
Lamb Shank
slowly braised, served in a light tomato cinnamon clove sauce, atop orzo pasta
•
Moussaka
layered potato, baked eggplant, ground beef béchamel souce, served with roasted potatoes
…
DESSERT
Hand rolled Baklava
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JADOO, a film by Amit Gupta
THE RITZ-CARLTON COCONUT GROVE, MIAMI
Chef Ramesh Kaduru
MENU
FIRST COURSE
Yellow Turmeric Spiced Lentil Soup
Crispy Papadam
-or-
Roasted Red and Golden Beet Salad
Paneer Cream, Petite Greens, Citrus Vinaigrette
…
SECOND COURSE
Cauliflower, potato Stew, Basmati Rice, Tempura Asparagus
-or-
Garam Masala Braised Short Ribs, Turmeric Spiced Potato Puree, Cumin Dusted Tricolor Cauliflower
…
THIRD COURSE
Ras Malai
Homemade Chilled Cheese Dumplings in Saffron Flavored Milk
-or-
Carrot Halwa
