Lights! Beats! Cocktails! Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival Invites All to Party With The Stars at Eight Official Party Events

Monday, February 23, 2015

Lights! Beats! Cocktails! Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival Invites All to Party With The Stars at Eight Official Party Events

Miami, FL — Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival, the premiere Ibero-American film festival in North America now entering its sensational 32nd Edition, is delighted to announce its official after-party lineup for 2015. For the first time ever, the Festival’s most exciting VIP events are now open to the public, allowing film fans to literally rub shoulders with and toast the most exciting actors, directors, producers, writers and industry executives in international arthouse cinema. Ranging in price from $20 – $125, tickets are available for purchase at www.miamiff-tickets.com.

Kicking off the week at the incomparable Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College, Miami International Film Festival’s “opening of the velvet ropes” also coincides with the first-time partnership of two of the newest, most fabulous and beautiful party venues in Miami – The Miami Beach Edition (the latest hotel project from legendary party pioneer Ian Schrager) and poolside at the incredible, Deco-masterpiece Thompson Miami Beach. Also on tap are poolside soirees at André Balazs’s hip outpost The Standard, and on the oceanfront rooftop of the most elegant hotel on Ocean Drive, The Betsy South Beach. Grand architecture and historic venues will also host events, including the majestic Olympia Theater at Gusman Center, and the Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building.

The Festival has partnered in 2015 with sponsors Patrón Tequila and Stella Artois to keep the parties rolling with premium cocktails and beers, with generous support by Lexus. The opening night party, closing night party, and each of the six parties between will feature live performance music or DJ’s, multiple bars, special guests and the unique excitement only offered during Miami’s most anticipated film fortnight of the year.

Associate Director of Branding for the Festival, Rachel Bleemer, says “Miami International Film Festival is a 10-day celebration of breaking down barriers and breaking down borders. So this year, we’re removing the velvet ropes as film fans mingle with the brightest international film talent. Everyone who supports arthouse cinema is a VIP. Cheers!”

The full roster of parties and scheduled events are presented below:

PATRÓN OPENING NIGHT PARTY
Friday, March 6, 9:00 p.m.
Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College, 600 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami FL 33132

Join us for a selection of the best offerings from some of Miami’s top Argentine restaurants and the biggest, baddest, most over-the-top wedding cake of all time. Enjoy an endless flow of creative Patrón cocktails to toast 10 days of provocative cinema! Grab your tango shoes and dance the night away. Sponsored by Lexus, Patrón, Stella Artois and Miami DDA. You must be 21+ to attend the party. General admission tickets are $125.00, Miami Film Society Member tickets are $115.00.

Tickets: http://www.miamiff-tickets.com/events/patron-opening-night-party/

TRIBUTE TO: THE INDEPENDENT CUBAN FILMMAKER + SCREENING OF THE PROJECT OF THE CENTURY + ONSTAGE TRIBUTE PARTY
Sunday, March 8, 7:00 p.m.
Olympia Theater at Gusman Center, 174 East Flagler Street, Miami FL 33131

Good films are difficult to make anywhere in the world; especially outside of major institutional financial backing like a Hollywood studio or a state subsidy. Over the past several years, a group of some of the heartiest artists in the world have translated an extraordinary determination (and collective will) to make great independent films with the scarcest of resources, in their homeland of Cuba. From the Goya-award winning Juan of the Dead (2012) to the Jury prizes awarded to The Swimming Pool (2013) at both the Marrakech and Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festivals, this year’s Tribute, sponsored by 88 Rue du Rhone, salutes, collectively, the efforts and extraordinary achievements of The Independent Cuban Filmmaker. Following the Tribute, a new Cuban independent film will be screened, The Project of the Century (La obra del siglo). An on-stage party at Olympia Theater, sponsored by HBO, will follow to celebrate the entire evening. General admission tickets are $40.00. Miami Film Society Member tickets are $30.00.

Tickets: http://www.miamiff-tickets.com/events/tribute-to-the-independent-cuban-filmmaker-screening-of-the-project-of-the-century-and-onstage-tribute-party/

 
HOT GIRLS WANTED AFTER-PARTY
Monday, March 9, 9:30 p.m.
The Miami Beach EDITION 2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach FL 33140

You’ve seen the reality, now join us for the novelty; An extravagant soiree, in celebration of Jill Bauer & Ronna Gradus’ film Hot Girls Wanted, with Stella Artois, in the disco-glittered Basement Miami of the newly-opened Miami Beach EDITION. 21+ only. General admission tickets are $20.00. Miami Film Society Member tickets are $15.00.

Tickets: http://www.miamiff-tickets.com/events/hot-girls-wanted-after-party/

KNIGHT FOUNDATION PRESENTS: EVERY CHARACTER UNDER THE MOON CELEBRATING THE RECORD MAN AND FLORIDA FILMMAKERS, HOSTED BY THE BETSY HOTEL
Tuesday, March 10, 9:30 p.m.
The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach FL 33139

Under the Miami moonlight, revel with a bohemian crowd of gypsies, belly dancers, and fortunetellers, and the wildest of all, Florida filmmakers! Characters of the night rendezvous to toast local creatives, with Stella Artois, overlooking the ocean from the rooftop of host venue, The Betsy Hotel. 21+ only. General admission tickets are $25.00. Miami Film Society Member tickets are $20.00.

Tickets: http://www.miamiff-tickets.com/events/every-character-under-the-moon-celebrating-florida-filmmakers/

DESSERTS + DIRECTORS
Wednesday, March 11, 9:30 p.m.
Thompson Miami Beach, 4041 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach FL 33140

Following the premiere of Saint Laurent, join us for a fashionable evening of delectable desserts by renowned Chef Michelle Bernstein, a delicious coffee bar by Keurig, co-hosted by Ocean Drive Magazine, all in celebration of divine and delightful directors, in Miami’s newest mid-century gem, Thompson Miami Beach. 21+ only. General admission tickets are $40.00. Miami Film Society Member tickets are $35.00.

Tickets: http://www.miamiff-tickets.com/events/desserts-directors/

THE STANDARD AFFAIR
Thursday, March 12, 9:30 p.m.
The Standard, 40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach FL 33139

Does art influence film, or film influence art? Both breathtaking and secretive, The Standard is no stranger to a fusion of creative forces. Escape with us to the perfect evening on the docks overlooking the bay, celebrating artists and filmmakers with Mediterranean food and Belgium’s finest pilsner Stella Artois. 21+ only. General admission tickets are $25.00. Miami Film Society Member tickets are $20.00.

Tickets: http://www.miamiff-tickets.com/events/the-standard-affair/

PATRÓN XO IGLOO CAFÉ AWARDS NIGHT PARTY, PRESENTED AT THE HISTORIC ALFRED I. DUPONT BUILDING COURTESY OF THE TILIA COMPANIES
Saturday, March 14, 9 p.m.
The Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building, 169 East Flagler Street, 2nd floor, Miami, FL 33131

Toast our newly-minted award-winners and celebrate with a film-loving crowd in preparation for the final ballot count to reveal the Lexus Audience Award winner. Indulge in a variety of culinary delights, Patrón XO Café cocktails, Stella Artois stations, and plenty of entertainment! Sponsored by Lexus, Patrón XO, Stella Artois, the Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building, Tilia Companies and Miami DDA. 21+ only. General admission tickets are $125.00. Miami Film Society Member tickets are $115.00.

Tickets: http://www.miamiff-tickets.com/events/patron-xo-cafe-awards-night-party/

The Festival will also be hosting three by-invitation-only events at some of Miami’s hottest nightlife locations including Haven Lounge in Miami Beach, South of Fifth’s Cibo Wine Bar, and LILT Lounge at the EPIC Hotel in Downtown Miami. All Miami Beach events are supported by Miami Beach Visitors & Convention Authority.

For screening tickets, membership opportunities or more information the Festival, please visit www.miff2020.wpengine.com or call 305-237-FILM (3456).
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About Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival
Celebrating its 32nd annual edition March 6 – 15, 2015, Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival is considered the preeminent film festival for showcasing Ibero-American cinema in the U.S., and a major launch pad for all international and documentary cinema. The annual Festival more than 60,000 audience members and more than 400 filmmakers, producers, talent and industry professionals. It is the only major festival housed within a college or university. In the last five years, the Festival has screened films from more than 60 countries, including 300 World, International, North American, U.S. and East Coast Premieres. Miami International Film Festival’s special focus on Ibero-American cinema has made the Festival a natural gateway for the discovery of new talent from this diverse territory. The Festival also offers unparalleled educational opportunities to film students and the community at large. Major sponsors of the 2015 Festival include Knight Foundation, Lexus and Miami-Dade County. For more information, visit www.miff2020.wpengine.com or call 305-237-FILM (3456).

About MDCulture
MDCulture is the Cultural Affairs Department of Miami Dade College (MDC). Comprising the Miami Book Fair International, Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival, Tower Theater, the Center for Literature and Theatre, Koubek Center, Freedom Tower, MDC Live Arts and MDC Galleries and Museum of Art + Design. MDCulture is committed to providing its community with the opportunity to come in contact with innovative thinkers, creators and tradition bearers from around the world. With each presentation, MDCulture offers a bridge between cultures and ideas, creating new opportunities for the increasingly diverse population of Miami to come together through shared live arts experiences. For more information, visit www.mdculture.org.

About Miami Beach Visitors & Convention Authority
A favorite destination among travelers worldwide, Miami Beach is renowned for its unparalleled culinary offerings, extravagant nightlife, rich culture, luxe shopping and plush hotels.  Home to unique museums, New World Symphony, Miami City Ballet, Miami Beach Convention Center, international festivals and art exhibitions, boat and auto shows, over 187 boutique and resort hotels and 12 public parks; it is no wonder the beautifully diverse city is one of the world¹s most popular vacation destinations. Boasting seven miles of breathtaking beaches, Miami Beach is easily accessible from the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport. The City of Miami Beach has been named one of the top cities worldwide for ‘walkability’ and is equally easy to navigate by bike or boat. Known for its year-round sunny skies, the vibrant destination not only produces its own branded sun care line, MB Miami Beach Suncare, but has been ranked by TripAdvisor as number one in 2011¹s Top Winter Sun Vacation Rental Getaway Destinations and was also part of Top 25 Beaches in the World and Top 25 Destinations in the U.S. Additionally, Miami Beach was recently awarded a 2014 Magellan Award by Travel Weekly under the “Destinations | Mobile App” category. Miami Beach is like no other place in the world! Visit www.MiamiBeachGuest.com or www.MiamiBeachINCARD.com.

About Thompson Miami Beach
The recently debuted Thompson Miami Beach is an upscale lifestyle oasis that combines the glamour of decades past with the sophistication of modern day. The beachfront hotel features 380 guest rooms and suites, and showcases the creative talents of revered British interior designer, Martin Brudnizki, and Miami’s famed landscape architect, Raymond Jungles. Guests enjoy a Floridian brassiere, Seagrape, which is helmed by James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, and this Spring will savor “Top Chef” alum Dale Talde’s TALDE Miami Beach Asian-American dinning experience. To relax and recharge, Thompson Miami Beach features an open-air rooftop spa; with a Junior & Hatter salon outpost; an indoor/outdoor fitness center; and lush, tropical gardens. Thompson Miami Beach’s social spaces include Crown Room, an intimate lounge where guests indulge in classic hand-crafted cocktails revitalized, and the historic Spanish-inspired beach house hideaway, the 1930s House, where music, conversation and avant garde cocktails flow. The hotel’s approximately 47,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor multifunction space accommodates upscale events of various sizes and concepts. Thompson Miami Beach is the seventh hotel within the Thompson Hotels brand, and it is located at 4041 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, Fla., 33140. For more information, please call 786-605-4041 or visit thompsonmiamibeach.com.

About The Betsy South Beach
The Betsy – South Beach is an elegant, beachside haven located in the heart of South Beach. The 61 room property cocoons its guests in timeless luxury, while offering exquisite amenities, world-class cuisine by BLT Steak, and a unique presence for art and culture that invites travelers to relax, refresh and renew. The Betsy’s Ocean Deck is expansive with sweeping views of the Atlantic, offering a Wellness Garden with a full range of spa treatments. While situated on famed Ocean Drive, The Betsy is within walking distance to shopping and nightlife, yet offers a uniquely serene experience in one of the world’s great beach destinations.

About The Miami Beach EDITION
Set on a unique site on 29th Street and Collins Avenue, The Miami Beach EDITION by Ian Schrager in partnership with Marriott International is its own private enclave right on the beach, uniting great design and innovation with personal, friendly, modern service as well as outstanding, one-of-a-kind dining and entertainment offerings “all under one roof.” The Miami Beach EDITION features 294 individually designed guest rooms and suites, including 28 private bungalows—some with two stories—and a spectacular rooftop penthouse; 26 limited edition one-of-a-kind residences designed by John Pawson; culinary concepts overseen by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, including Matador Room, a restaurant that offers his distinctive, modern interpretation of Latin cuisine influenced by Spanish, Caribbean and South American flavors and Market, a gourmet marketplace with a variety of food and beverages for dining in or on the go; the only indoor ground floor Lobby bar in Miami Beach with a direct view of the ocean; Basement Miami, a full floor entertainment area complete with a bowling alley, ice-skating rink and nightclub, all with a state-of-the-art sound system, as well as dramatic lighting and projection effects created by world-renowned lighting designer Patrick Woodroffe; two outdoor pools with outdoor bars, personal cabanas and lounge areas; a sandbox lounge area with monthly outdoor moving screenings; 70,000 square feet of beach front and an 1,800 square foot, 24-hour state-of-the-art high performance fitness center and spa.

About The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach is a holistic and hydrotherapy-oriented spa hotel. Inspired by global bathing cultures, self-teaching and healing, this contemporary spa encourages the communal, shared rituals of ancient bathing traditions with a Turkish-style hamam, Roman waterfall, aroma steam room, Finnish sauna, infinity pool, and mud baths. Rooms feature private terraces with outdoor soaking tubs. Guests and locals alike join in its wellness retreats and activations led by the world’s top yogis and practitioners. At The Lido Grill & Bayside Restaurant, Chef Mark Zeitouni creates healthful options inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.

About Haven Lounge
Haven Lounge is a digital intimate HI-FI Lounge located at 1237 Lincoln Road offering fresh small plates and innovative cocktails nightly. Our award winning, innovative culinary and mixology programs are only matched by our truly unique 110’ immersive video projection walls. Haven’s rich ambiance is established through attention to detail and tech-forward prowess. Havens’ walls are capable of streaming one continuous digital image, ranging from breathtaking scenic views to abstract video art. Haven offers daily Happy Hour from 6-9pm and nightly parties to take you into the early hours. Haven Lounge is a place of refuge, a place to re-energize and invigorate the senses; whether hosting a private event or just enjoying a simple night out on the town our team works effortlessly to ensure your time at Haven is an unforgettable experience.

About South of Fifth’s Cibo Wine Bar…BIG BOLD & life is BEAUTIFUL.
Cibo is the biggest and newest Italian eatery in all of South Beach. Created by Liberty Entertainment Group, this bold and beautiful 12,000 sq ft space is a blend of old world rustic and modern industrial chic. HAND-MADE TRADITIONAL ITALIAN CIBO… a true taste of authentic southern cooking fresh made amongst patrons at the 60ft open kitchen counter. 3500 BOTTLES OF VINO in a soaring two-story award-winning wine room equipped w/ harnessed wine angel to retrieve your favorite bottle. From Cibo’s INDUSTRIAL CHIC vibrant bar area to the casual OCEAN DRIVE STREET SIDE PATIO to one of SOBE’s LARGEST ROOFTOP PATIO, every corner turned offers a distinctly different experience. This celebrated eatery would not be complete without original artwork from renowned artists Mr. Brainwash and Randy Cooper. When in Miami, this space cannot be missed! For more information, visit www.cibowinebar.com.

About Kimpton Restaurants
Kimpton has over 70 unique restaurants, bars and lounges across the country helmed by renowned chefs and bartenders that offer guests a chance to dine like a local. Common cornerstones of each restaurant and bar include heartfelt care; chef-crafted, seasonal menus that celebrate local farms and purveyors; and striking interiors with vibrant style and design. Wines are chosen with a nod toward artisanal and sustainable selections by Master Sommelier Emily Wines and signature cocktails at LILT Lounge are created by Bar Manager Dean Feddaoui.  South Florida Kimpton restaurants include Cobalt at the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, The Social Club at The Surfcomber Hotel in Miami Beach, 660 at The Angler’s Hotel in Miami Beach and Area 31 and LILT Lounge at the EPIC Hotel in Downtown Miami.  For more information, visit www.KimptonHotels.com/dine.

Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival Contacts:
Jessica Wade Pfeffer, Jessica Wade Inc., +1 305-804-8424, jessica@jessicawadeinc.com
Margie Sernik, Jessica Wade Inc., +1 305-456-0483, margie@jessicawadeinc.com
Juan C. Mendieta, +1 305-237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu
Sue Arrowsmith, +1 305-237-3710, sue.arrowsmith@mdc.edu
Alejandro Rios, +1 305-237-7482, arios1@mdc.edu