The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLiFF), a top destination event set at a time of year when South Florida weather is at its best, is known for its relaxed, casual, fun, and friendly down-to-earth atmosphere. FLiFF rolls out more than 200 American Indie and foreign language films and hosts special guests with meet and greet gatherings and parties from Nov 2 – Nov 18, 2018.
Throughout the years, the annual event, now in its 33rd year, has created some of the most original, over-the-top and quirky parties befitting of the South Florida tropical lifestyle. This year FLiFF has done it again.
“We are fortunate to live in a truly beautiful coastal area that showcases both culture and a casual outdoor lifestyle. As such, we’ve created several fun, unique and unforgettable film events at a variety of venues for both locals and visitors to experience a slice of the Fort Lauderdale life,” commented Gregory von Hausch, President and CEO of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.
Friday, Nov 2, 7pm: Always stylish and exciting, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will host FLiFF’s Opening Night, red-carpet film premiere and reception for the fourth year. This year the event will be an outdoor garden party at the Hard Rock Event Center.
Wed. Nov 7, 7pm: The Dive-In Movie and Pool Deck Party at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort offers a true Fort Lauderdale Beach experience. This back to the beach bash celebrating Lauderdale’s iconic movie Where The Boys Are is produced by board member Steve Savor. Come in your beach attire, swim suit or just relaxingly casual. Enjoy a nosh, sip on tropical drinks while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with pool-side mermaids at the location where the 1960 Classic was shot. FLiFF’s special guests for the evening are legendary icons Connie Francis, Woody Woodbury, and Frank Loconto.
Thursday, Nov 8, 7:30pm: Danish filmmaker Mads Brügger arrives from Copenhagen in time for the red carpet Southeast Premiere of his dark comedy, The Saint Bernard Syndicate, at Sunrise Civic Center Theater. Brügger will be joined on the red carpet by a couple of Saint Bernards from Florida St. Bernard Rescue. After the film and Q & A, there will be a sumptuous buffet and conversation with the director and other film buffs.
Monday, Nov 12, 5:30pm boarding: Sail off at 6pm for an evening cruise, with an open bar and plenty of hors d’oeuvres, aboard The Musette for the Shorts at Sea. The five unique short films have no dialogue; The Vest, Silence Before The Rain, Animal Cinema and From Life. Attire is nautical.
Thursday, Nov 13 – Nov 15: A Night (and days) at the Museum … located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale is the premier destination for exhibitions and programs. Nov 15 at 6pm, welcome the renowned artist Forrest “Frosty” Myers at a reception followed by the Florida Premiere of The Art and Times of Frosty Myers – a joyous, rebellious and nostalgic portrait of the multi-talented artist Forrest “Frosty” Myers, whose wide ranging works include NYC landmark artwork “The Wall” aka “The Gateway to Soho”, “The Moon Museum”, the first artwork placed on the Moon, and his radical furniture that blurred the lines of art and design.
On Nov 15, catch the documentary Living on a Dollar a Day at 1pm, and the charming comedy The Beginner (3pm). Nov 14, FLiFF presents premieres of Eternal Winter (1pm), the true story of an unlikely romance, and Driver (3:15pm) a beautiful sometimes shocking and funny story set in the little known ultra-Orthodox suburb of Tel Aviv. On Nov 13 catch the “odd couple” comedy The Saint Bernard Syndicate (1pm), followed by Seeing is Believing: Women Direct (3:15pm) focusing on inspiring and uplifting young female Storytellers.
Saturday, Nov 17 at 3:45pm: At Bailey Hall, on Broward College Campus, FLiFF will honor Oceans 8 (2018) director Gary Ross, one of the most prolific filmmakers today, with a Lifetime Achievement Award at a tribute screening of his 1998 award –winning film, Pleasantville. Ross is also known for The Hunger Games and Seabiscuit among many other great films. After, enjoy a cash bar, buffet and Jamba Juice smoothies.
Saturday, Nov 17 at 7pm: FLiFF presents the Florida Premiere of Sharkwater: Extinction, the thrilling and inspiring action-packed journey that exposes the massive illegal shark fin industry and the political corruption behind it; a conspiracy that is leading to the extinction of sharks. The late Rob Stewart tragically lost his life while filming Sharkwater: Extinction in the Florida Keys. Rob’s life was dedicated to the preservation of the Ocean and the betterment of the Planet.
Nov 18, 7:30pm: FLiFF 2018 wraps up with a party, produced by board member Steve Savor, that’s anything but par for course, with homage to perhaps Fort Lauderdale’s 2nd most iconic film, Caddyshack. Upon your arrival guests will be shuttled via Golf Cart to the staging area on the Fairway at Fort Lauderdale Country Club. A huge Hospitality Tent awaits with a buffet and open bar. At dusk, saddle into your Golf Cart for a Drive-In Movie experience of Caddyshack. Want a drink or popcorn, just wave you’re provided GlowStick and it will be delivered. FLiFF’s special guest for the evening is Cindy Morgan who stars in the film as Lacey Underalls.
In addition, the Festival offers nightly gatherings and Film/Food/Wine pairings featuring a nosh and/or beer and wine from each film’s country of origin.
For more details and to purchase advance tickets visit: fliff.com or call 954-525-FILM (3456).
