Fort Lauderdale’s LGBT Film Festival Gets a Revamp
October 9-18
The Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival underwent a few changes in the past year, with the most notable change coming in the form of the festival’s name. Joining forces with the 
The new executive director of MiFo, Victor M. Gimenez, explains the name change. “Both Miami and Fort Lauderdale festivals have earned widespread acclaim individually. Together under one brand we will continue to grow exponentially, thanks to their combined size and the benefits of combined marketing efforts.”
The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale (1 E. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale) serves as the opening venue on Friday, October 9, featuring a reception before the opening night film, which will begin at 8 p.m. The film “Fourth Man Out” will be shown. Described as a “hilarious mash-up of man-child and coming-out comedies,” this film chronicles an underachieving twentysomething who’s just “one of the guys”…except he also likes guys.
The closing night film will be screened at the Classic Gateway Theatre (1820 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale) on Sunday, October 18 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The film “Portrait of a Serial Monogamist” will be shown, and director John Mitchell and actress Diane Flacks will be in town to attend the showing. The film revolves around Elsie, a restless fortysomething who leaves one woman to pursue another — perhaps realizing too late that her true love was the one she spurned.
There are thirteen different films that will have their Florida premieres at MiFo LGBT Film Festival Fort Lauderdale. All of these options are shown at the Classic Gateway Theatre unless otherwise specified. These premieres include:
Liz in September – A woman named Liz is forced to examine her own mortality after a life of partying leads to a terminal diagnosis. She finds comfort with Eva, a woman with her own painful secrets. Nothing will be the same for either woman after their chance meeting. Actress Patricia V will be in attendance. Saturday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m. at C&I Studios (541 NW 1st Ave.). There will be a party after the screening, also at C&I Studios.
Downriver – This thriller revolves around James, a man who has been recently released from prison for his involvement in the drowning of a body (whose body was never found). Faced with interacting with the boy’s mother, many questions about that fateful night come to light, and James has to figure out who he can trust. Sunday, October 11 at 9:45 p.m.
Steel – Daniel is a sexy TV journalist who suddenly has to deal with crippling panic attacks and a deep depression. He vows to fight to get back what he once had, and he joins forces with a beautiful 19-year-old man, who will aid Daniel in the quest to get his old life back. Sunday, October 11 at 9:45 p.m. at Cinema Paradiso (503 SE 6th St.).
54: The Director’s Cut – Director Mark Christopher was in charge of this 1998 film about the 1970s and the legendary Studio 54. The movie studio was quite concerned about the drug use and sex portrayed in the film, so many scenes were cut. Now restored the way the director wants it, this version is more outta sight than ever. Wednesday, October 15 at 8 p.m. Afterwards, ticketholders can partake in the annual Centerpiece Party.
Winning Dad – Colby’s father acknowledges his son’s sexuality but otherwise ignores everything about it. He isn’t even aware that his son has a boyfriend. Sensing an opportunity for bonding, Colby schedules a camping trip with his dad and his boyfriend, hoping to reveal the truth during the trip. Will everything go to plan? Friday, October 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Cinema Paradiso.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obM1DvH-FO4
The Guy With the Knife – A gay rights activist made sure a gay basher went to jail twenty years ago and now he is working to ensure the inmate’s eventual freedom. This film makes bold statements about LGBT rights, the rights of prisoners, the rights of crime victims, and also the justice system in Texas. This film was put together over eight years. Saturday, October 17 at 3 p.m.
Tickets are now on sale to the public. Festival members receive discounts in ticket prices, and there are also discounts for people who buy their tickets in advance. For advance ticket sales and a price sheet, visit mifofilm.com/pages/tickets.
Hotspots Media Group is a proud sponsor of MiFo LGBT Film Festivals. For more information on the MiFo LGBT Film Festival Fort Lauderdale, visit mifofilm.com.
