April 13 marked the end of the Miami Film Festival, previewing more than 100 films from across the globe. From powerful indie films to red carpet moments, the event wrapped up ten days of film, stars and celebration in the vibrant areas of Miami.
The closing night red carpet lit up outside the historic Olympia Theatre, where filmmakers, actors and fans gathered one last time. With excitement in the air, the night capped off with the award ceremony and one final screening.
“Every day has been amazing. I can’t wait to do it all over again, next year in April,” said James Woolley, the festival’s executive director. “I don’t know what is coming for next year yet, but I can promise it will be bigger and better, with more people and more films.”
One of the nominees for the Marimbas Awards was Venezuelan director Daniel Polar. His film, “Espina,” is an deeply emotional portrait of a disabled man navigating life and identity. The Marimbas, the festival’s top honor, recognize films that best exemplify artistic excellence and powerful storytelling.
“The disabled community is the least represented in the film industry,” Polar said. “The fact that the Miami Film Festival took the leap of faith makes me so proud and happy.”
The festival’s final screening featured the Florida premiere of “On Swift Horses,” a romantic drama that explores LGBTQ+ love and personal longing. The film stars Diego Calva, known for “Babylon,” alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi.
“I’m very happy to be back in Miami. We have a big and strong Latin community here, and that makes me happy,” Calva said. ”I think this movie reminds us that there is a road that we have been through already, we cannot go back, especially now. We can’t forgive that.”
Just before the screening, the festival handed out its final awards, celebrating the filmmakers whose stories moved audiences and challenged norms throughout the week.
The festival will publish the full list of winners on it website in the following week.
