The ability to stream movies and the availability of a wide variety of films on cable channels has no doubt brought the art and craft of filmmaking to more people than ever before. However, there is nothing to compare to the magic of watching a movie screened bigger than life in a theater setting, where anywhere from dozens to hundreds of people are all experiencing the same thrills, intrigue, comedy, or drama.
As the film industry enters its second millennium the following festivals bring us new works and beloved classics. Dates and times are often subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the presenting organization’s website.
The Citrus Circuit Film Festival, on Oct. 7 at Savour Cinema, showcases a diverse range of short films from independent filmmakers. This festival embraces all genres, from gripping narratives and inspiring documentaries to innovative animations and experimental works. This exciting short film festival celebrates the art of storytelling through captivating and thought-provoking films, creating an unforgettable experience for both filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike.
Westerns and Black Cowboys: Cinema on Sistrunk is presented by Victory Black Box Theatre at the YMCA/Mizell Community Center at YMCA, 408 NW 14th Terr., Fort Lauderdale. Get ready to saddle up and experience the thrill of the frontier and discover the untold stories of the Black cowboys who played a pivotal role in shaping the American West. The following films are scheduled: Glory (Oct. 9 at 3 p.m.), Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts (Nov. 13 at 3 p.m.), Posse (Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.) There is a $5 suggested donation.
OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Fort Lauderdale, internationally acclaimed as one of the largest LGBTQ+ cultural festivals in the world, has announced the dates of October 19 – 29 for its 15th-anniversary edition. This year’s festival will celebrate queer culture with internationally acclaimed features, shorts, and documentaries that inspire, entertain, and educate, along with a variety of parties and special events. Opening night will be held at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale (Oct. 19), with screenings taking place at various venues throughout Broward County.
The full list of films was not available as we went to press, however the following were confirmed for screenings (all at Savor Cinema unless otherwise noted): Glitter & Doom the centerpiece of Outshine screening and party (Oct. 26) Big Easy Queens, a local film shot in Fort Lauderdale and directed by Erynn Dalton of Infinite Abyss Theater, will be showcased at Cocktails & Cinema at The Gateway (Oct. 24) The South Florida Filmmaker Shorts program (Oct 23) includes Febrero, a Cuban/U.S. production shot by the filmmaker in Miami (Oct. 25).
Among the foreign films beings screened are Leon, a Spanish drama about parenting (Oct. 20), Norwegian Dreams (Oct. 20), Opponent (Oct. 22), I Love You More (Oct. 21), the U.S. premiere of Luise, filmed in Germany and Austria, about a woman hiding someone during a war (Oct. 22), and Solo (Oct. 27).
OUTshine After Dark at Savor Cinema will be a combination of queer horror films, erotic thrillers, and offbeat films. Confirmed as of press time were: The Judgement (Oct. 20), You’re Not Me (Oct. 21), Almamula (Oct. 27), and The Trace of Your Lips (Oct. 22).
Launched separately - in 1998, as The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and in 2008, as the Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival - both were brought together under one brand to become OUTshine Film Festival. For more information and tickets, visit outshinefilm.com or follow it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
The 38th annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) runs Nov 3-16. Featuring nearly 200 films from 40 countries and filmmakers from across the nation and around the globe. The party lineup includes Poster Reveal Party, Opening Night at Hard Rock, WinterFLIFF (joint production of FLIFF and Winterfest) at Villa De Palma, the IMAX Reception, FLIFF On-The-Beach at Las Olas Oceanside Park, plus nightly receptions at the cinemas.
Established in 1986, FLIFF reels out more than 150 American Indie and international films, during the annual film festival. During the festival, celebrities, and filmmakers from around the world create an aura of excitement as they arrive at red-carpet premieres, attend over-the-top parties, and greet movie-goers. The titles of the mainstream films were not ready for release as of our deadline. Among some of the LGBT-themed films screening at the festival are:
Artist Unknown - directed by Cinder Chou, who will be in attendance. Juniper, an insecure martial artist, must find out the origins of a painting after two thieves try to steal it from her. (Nov. 9, 7 p.m. at Cinema Paradiso, Hollywood, and Nov. 10, 6:15 p.m., Savor Cinema.)
Big Easy Queens - directed by Fort Lauderdale’s own Erynn Dalton, who will be in attendance. Eighty minutes of pure queer horror with original musical numbers, voodoo, zombies, drag queens, and campy delight soaked in blood, gristle, and glitter on a double bill with I Remember, directed by Peter Bisuito. A man afflicted with repressed memory loss due to a traumatic experience he suffered, cannot remember where his husband Dom is. (Nov. 16, 9 p.m., at Savor Cinema.)
Fireworks - directed by Giuseppe Fiorello is based on a true story. 1982, in the heat of a Sicilian summer, two teenage boys, Gianni and Nino, meet and fall in love. Their relationship soon becomes a topic of gossip in the small town and despite their families’ objections, the two dream of living together, something the community is determined to stop (Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. at The Gateway.)
Intermedium - directed by Erik Bloomquist. Bridget, an aspiring actress with OCD, is shipped off to live with her father in a sleepy New England hamlet, only to discover her new room already has an occupant: the ghost of a boy named Kyle Donovan (Nov. 6, 7 p.m. at the Gateway and Nov. 7, 3 p.m., at Cinema Paradiso Hollywood.)
Our Son - directed by Bill Oliver. Nicky (Luke Evans), a book publisher devoted to his work, lives with his husband Gabriel (Billy Porter), a former actor and stay-at-home dad, and their 8-year-old son, Owen. Gabriel loves Owen more than anything; Nicky loves Gabriel more than anything. Despite appearances, Gabriel files for divorce, leading to a custody battle that forces both to confront the changing reality of their love for each other and their son. (Nov. 16 7 p.m. at Savor Cinema.)
Fort Lauderdale Art & Design Week Filmmaker Showcase will take over Savor Cinema, 503 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, on Jan. 23. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., screenings start at 8 p.m. for this free event. Among the shorts being screened are Eternity, LA FINE, The Leap, Twilight of Dreams: Zombie Jesus Vampire Hunter, BOXED, Today Like Yesterday, Hybrid, and State of Rodeo. Go to ftladw.com for more information.