If the Miami International Film Festival in March seems overwhelming for the sheer number of films to sort through, here’s the festival for you. The precursor to its big sister, GEMS 2016, is four days, from October 13 to 16 and features 13 films, jewels from the Sundance, Berlin and Cannes festivals.
Two of the much touted films to debut are documentaries, famed filmmaker Jim Jarmusch’s Gimme Danger and Paul Dugdale’s The Rolling Stones Olé Olé Olé: A Trip Across Latin America. And better yet, all films are being screened at hassle free Tower Theater on Calle Ocho whose other claim to fame is that it’s across the street from Azucar Ice Cream Company that features homemade ice cream in tropical flavors and the ever popular and delicious dulce de leche (and how could I forget the coffee bar next door that makes a delicious cortadito.
“With the Stones’ recent historical free concert in Cuba and with Iggy Pop being a beloved resident of our city, both of these films are so eagerly awaited by Miami film and music fans that we could not contain ourselves any longer,“ states Jaie Laplante, the Festival’s executive director & director of programming. “Both of these revealing, intense visits with great musical icons are just a glimpse of the jewels that will be unveiled in next month’s full GEMS line-up announcement.”
Dugdale’s The Rolling Stones Olé Olé Olé: A Trip Across Latin America follows the rock giants on a road trip in early 2016 as they tour South America for the first time in over a decade. The film focuses especially on stops in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, both cities with significant history for the band, and then the history-making final stop in Havana, Cuba, on March 25th. The film will hold its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival this month.
Jarmusch’s Gimmee Danger was a special selection at Cannes Film Festival, and relives Iggy Pop’s tumultuous early performances as a member of The Stooges, plus Pop’s famous tendencies to self-destruction (to keep things interesting) and multiple comebacks. Directed by another American icon, Jim Jarmusch, director of numerous classic indies including Stranger than Paradise (84), Dead Men (95), Broken Flowers (05) and Only Lovers Left Alive (13), the new documentary is candid, funny and poignant.
Tickets are now on sale to the general public by calling 1-844-565-6433(MIFF) or go to www.miamifilmfestival.com/GEMS. Opening Night Film + Cocktail Reception $50 for general // $40 for Miami Film Society members. GEMS Night Gala Party $85 for general // $50 for Miami Film Society members. All other screenings $13 adults, $12 seniors, $10 members, $10 students, Masterclass Seminars $9 (MDC students FREE with student ID). Group rates are available. For membership opportunities or more information, please visit http://www.miamifilmfestival.com or call 305-237-FILM (3456). Miami International Film Festival is the only major film festival event housed within a college or university.
