Over the weekend, the Miami Film Festival welcomed local and international filmmakers to the historic Olympia Theater to kick off this year’s celebration of cinema.
After a five-year absence, the festival returned to the iconic venue, previewing 190 films from more than 45 countries throughout the week.
Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega emphasized the importance of hosting events like this, especially for aspiring storytellers.
“The Miami Film Festival is so important, and at the college, we’re so proud to be able to bring this opportunity to our community,” said Pumariega. “Not only to bring world-class movies here that unite the community, but to give opportunity, especially for young filmmakers, to be inspired and to know that this is in their city, and it can be them as well.”
During last year’s coverage, executive director James Woolley promised this year’s edition would be “bigger and better,” with more films and more star power.
Woolley stated during the red carpet that returning to the Olympia is one of the major accomplishments for this year, describing it as “where movies should be seen.”
After the cameras stopped flashing, hundreds of film enthusiasts filled the seats for the opening night screening of “Meet the Barbarians,” surrounded by the glamour of 1920s architecture and the charm of Olympia’s century-old walls.
The red carpet also welcomed Hollywood stars such as Art of Light honoree Billy Zane and actor Cuba Gooding Jr., who expressed his admiration for the festival and the energy of the city.
“I think that this festival sets the face card to let the world know that Miami is a place to be reckoned with when it comes to beautiful, creative, talented, fiesta-type experiences on and off the camera,” he said.
Following the screening, attendees crossed Flagler Street to the Alfred I. Dupont Building for the official afterparty. Guests enjoyed cocktails, gourmet bites and salsa dancing among French-inspired decor and immersive light projections.
The festival continues this week and runs through April 13.
Tickets to the screenings and information about this week’s event can be found here.
