2023 MFF

Artist and advocate Roscoe B. Thicke III reflects on family, loss, and legacy amid the transformation of his childhood housing project.

Every Thursday, my neighbor Jose escapes boredom by dancing, drinking—and trying to kill me, while his wife seeks solace in therapy.

Experience the vibrant fusion of cinema, cuisine, and Miami nightlife at Jungle Plaza in the Design District.

Escape to a tropical Miami River oasis with Latin flavors, craft cocktails, and unforgettable vibes at Casa Florida’s annual Garden Party.

Celebrate the 40th Miami Film Festival with a dazzling opening night party at the historic Alfred I. duPont Building, featuring local flavors, live DJ beats, and Miami magic.

A rooftop soirée celebrating cinematic twists, gourmet bites, and unexpected surprises under the city lights.

A pregnant actress and her husband navigate cravings, culture, and love as they search for the perfect name for their daughter.

An aging amateur film club fights to survive as its membership dwindles and financial woes threaten its legacy.

In crisis-stricken Buenos Aires, a struggling tango musician’s plans to escape are upended when a chance encounter with a spirited cab driver sparks an unexpected bond amid chaos.

Aerojet explores the haunting legacy of the abandoned rocket testing facility and its silent impact on Florida’s environment.

AfroCuba ’78 uncovers the lost legacy of a groundbreaking Cuban jazz group whose music was silenced but whose spirit lives on around the world.

Tyson’s joy of impending fatherhood turns to suspense when his happiest day may also be his last.

A restless socialite seeks to revive a lost childhood friendship, hoping to find the connection she’s never had.

Twin brothers Chris and Jeff George spark controversy by building a Florida pain clinic empire handing out pills like candy.

An immigrant laborer living off the grid confronts his past and social isolation while seeking connection and a future for his family.

A gender-queer first-time parent navigates the raw, intimate moments of identity and love amid a high-risk birth in northern California.

Anxious Nation explores the rising mental health crisis in America and its profound impact on children and families.

A rebellious teen’s summer turns transformative when a free spirit teaches him to see the world—and himself—in a new light.

A struggling Hispanic family bets on the Powerball, discovering that the greatest fortune is the love and connection they share.

A passionate artist faces blindness, but with his husband’s support, he learns to see life anew.

A single immigrant mother and her sons fight to save their home amid eviction and hardship.

Bebo is a heartfelt documentary exploring the life and legacy of Cuban music legend Bebo Valdés through his family’s stories and his rare 2005 interview.

A powerful true story of courage and justice where Betsy Sailor, supported by unexpected ally Irv Pankey, challenges a powerful football program and fights to be believed.

In 1988 Thatcher’s Britain, a female PE teacher leads a dangerous double life to protect her job and love amid rising homophobic paranoia.

A first-generation Muslim teen uncovers her family’s migration story through her mother’s music, discovering her own identity in the process.

A young man confronts past trauma and a violent assault while reclaiming a precious family heirloom upon returning home.

In 1980s Brooklyn, a spirited Latina confronts her shattered idol and fights to forge her own future amid a crumbling neighborhood.

A pregnant Korean-American woman returns to Korea to reconnect with her mother through a healing ritual of shared care and forgiveness.

A fisherman’s son must navigate a deadly power struggle at Cairo’s Al-Azhar University after the sudden death of its Grand Imam.

Lazara loses her cool while helping her unstable mother, Carmen, run risky errands.

Fleeing brutal violence and a deadly border crossing, Carmen and a haunted Marine forge an unlikely bond as they race to sanctuary and each other.

Three generations of women confront their hidden past over a shared family meal, redefining the ties that bind them.

A skilled car thief fights for freedom and family while trapped by a ruthless criminal boss.

In rural São Paulo, a family’s quiet life is upended when they secretly harbor a notorious drug lord, forcing them to mask chaos with calm.

Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, 25-year-old Cherry has just 24 hours to decide her future.

From slave’s son to celebrated composer and fencer, Joseph Bologne defies the odds in the glittering courts of France.

Inside intimate therapy sessions, renowned Dr. Orna Guralnik helps couples confront their deepest challenges and find healing.

In the vast garbage dumps of Nicaragua, 11-year-old Maria must navigate a harsh world alone when her mother disappears.

A young woman undergoes a powerful spiritual awakening when called by Yemaya, the Orisha Goddess of the Sea, after her grandfather’s passing.

A couple’s desert acid trip unravels hidden tensions, leading them to confront their disconnect and find unexpected beauty in each other.

A man moves to Argentina and discovers a village trapped in time, where decades-old illusions hide surprising truths.

Dear Thirteen captures a powerful coming-of-age portrait through the voices of nine thirteen-year-olds navigating today’s complex social and political world.

A pole-dancing dreamer’s climb to open her salon gets complicated when a new friendship brings unexpected trouble.

A tender journey through Paris unites a 92-year-old woman and her disillusioned taxi driver, forging a friendship that transforms them both.

A brilliant, dying director pits an old friend and his girlfriend in a final psychological chess game, blurring the lines between control and redemption.

A runaway autistic teen reveals the dark secrets behind his neighbors through his vivid imagination, blurring the line between reality and fantasy.

Cuban musician Pedro Luis Ferrer defies censorship with powerful songs that challenge a totalitarian regime, becoming a voice of resistance despite exile in his own homeland.

An ex-convict battles a powerful evangelical pastor for custody of his daughter.

An undocumented field worker’s lottery win forces him to seek help from his estranged daughter, igniting a fraught journey toward redemption and family.

Three park rangers scramble to fake the existence of the last endangered Maguffin bird to save their park and jobs from an impending inspector.

On a scorching summer day, psychotherapist Ina struggles to keep her fractured life together—until one moment shatters it all.

A shy teen’s summer transforms as an unexpected friendship with an older girl ignites the bittersweet truths of growing up.

A teenage girl’s summer pool day takes a surprising turn when her dad becomes drawn to a mysterious woman poolside.

On her 64th birthday, a Cuban exile reunites with her childhood best friend, uncovering a secret that will change their lives forever.

A janitor’s bold vision transforms Flamin’ Hot Cheetos into a fiery snack sensation that changed the food industry forever.

A lonely divorcee’s new bond with a young traveler is shattered by an unexpected passenger who changes everything.

A desperate mother fights an unjust law to reclaim her future and create hope for thousands in Illinois.

In a small Florida town, a grocery store worker’s daily journey unfolds from humble beginnings toward unexpected heights.

A single mother battles a citywide transit strike and relentless pressure, fighting to keep her life—and her family—on track.

A retired couple embarks on separate journeys of self-discovery during a Mediterranean cruise, rediscovering joy in their golden years.

A young woman struggles to hold onto herself as a cherished friendship slips away.

Uncovering a hidden 1979 State Security operation against Daniel Faz, this documentary reveals stolen interviews that expose its lasting impact.

A daring crew of young activists risk everything to sabotage an oil pipeline in this high-stakes thriller exploring the fight against the climate crisis.

A collegiate sprinter battles mounting pressure from his coach, agent, and photographer as he races toward the finish line.

In vibrant suburban Miami, a mailbox enthusiast’s quirky journey uncovers the city’s hidden charm through its eccentric characters and colorful mailboxes.

A visionary exploration of temptation and transformation inspired by Paul’s journey in Acts.

A shy teen cinephile lands a job at a video store and navigates a complicated friendship with his enigmatic manager.

A man uses VHS tapes to create an intimate self-portrait, exploring family and life in his mid-20s.

In post-pandemic Ibiza, three young professionals confront their pasts and rediscover themselves amid lockdown.

A ruthless stockbroker’s night of blackmail spirals into a reckoning she can’t escape.

A darkly comic tale of a nurse’s refusal to grant her terminally ill husband’s final wish, blending home videos and fiction through their son’s eyes.

Explore how Euphoria’s groundbreaking style shapes today’s fashion with costume designer Heidi Bivens in this exclusive conversation.

A heartfelt documentary that reveals the true legacy of Yogi Berra, the baseball legend beyond the myths and “Yogisms.”

Five children embark on a secret journey to the US, reliving the untold story of 14,000 minors sent away alone 60 years ago.

An intimate portrait revealing the solitary world and creative genius of acclaimed author Joyce Carol Oates.

In a patriarchal family awaiting an heir, a young man’s secret love for a trans starlet sparks a daring journey of sexual rebellion and self-discovery.

A revealing look at Judy Blume’s enduring influence on readers and pop culture through her honest stories of growing up.

A visceral journey through Haiti’s rituals and resilience, blending ancient ceremony with modern artistry to reveal a nation’s enduring spirit.

In war-torn eastern Ukraine, expectant parents struggle to protect their family and home amid the chaos of conflict and suspicion.

A restless night reveals Kobra’s journey from São Paulo’s streets to global fame as a daring muralist and peace activist.

Four Black transgender sex workers reveal unfiltered truths about identity, desire, and survival in bold black-and-white portraits.

A Haitian couple’s love and struggles unfold across three pivotal moments at North Miami Beach.

John Leguizamo embarks on a lively cross-country journey celebrating the rich history, culture, and contributions of America’s Latino communities with wit and insight.

Amidst crushing debt and family strife, Leila fights to save her struggling family with a daring plan—until a hidden heirloom and buried secrets threaten to tear them apart.

A former ballet prodigy returns to a homeless shelter to teach dance, transforming trauma and giving voice to invisible stories through movement.

A vibrant celebration of Little Richard’s groundbreaking career that reveals the Black queer roots of rock and roll.

After 30 years apart, former lovers Olivia and Hector reunite to unravel haunting memories of survival, love, and betrayal on a deserted island.

A washed-up boy band star finds new hope and inspiration when an unexpected fan moves in next door.

Loveboat Takeout celebrates an Asian immigrant family’s journey opening a restaurant in Miami, exploring the city’s rich cultural tapestry and the untold stories of immigrant entrepreneurship.

A devout grandma awakens to a long-lost desire, challenging her faith and herself.

A young girl spends her last three days in Miami, discovering the city’s magic through unforgettable encounters and heartfelt goodbyes.

A lonely accountant facing forced retirement confronts his fear of change when his neighbor’s unexpected death reveals life’s fragile possibilities.

In the male-dominated workplace and the depths of recovery, Mya battles overwhelming pressure and loneliness on her fragile path to self-love.

A meek cleaning woman’s secret life shatters the facade of her hipster employers’ home.

Two immigrant workers in Florida fight wage theft and find empowerment as activists, inspiring a movement for justice.

A woman returns home after years away to confront her past and seek healing with her family.

Estranged friends Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin team up for revenge—and rediscover love and friendship—in this heartfelt comedy.

Experience the charm of Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris under the stars on Bal Harbour Beach, with cozy seats, ocean breezes, and free popcorn.

Zelma’s journey to embrace her true self challenges society’s idea of love and conformity, revealing the power of inner rebellion.

A fearless and funny animated coming-of-age story about a fifteen-year-old’s quest to lose her virginity amid the awkward chaos of early ’90s Houston.

In Corona, Queens, two Ecuadorian siblings clash when one dreams of leaving home.

In war-ravaged Angola, three generations of women grapple with loss, rebellion, and a shocking home invasion that changes everything.

Two strangers confront their preconceptions over a shared meal in a small restaurant, where a simple dish of fish becomes a catalyst for connection.

Open Dialogues: Black Voices | Black Stories captures the powerful stories of Black South Floridians confronting racial injustice and inspiring change.

Six black Cuban rappers ignite a lyrical revolution for human rights with their banned anthem Patria y Vida, becoming the voice of a nation’s rebellion.

Pianoforte captures the fierce passion and pressure of young pianists competing for glory at the legendary Chopin Piano Competition.

In 1970s Amsterdam, two young ballerinas face the harsh realities of fame and friendship as one rises to stardom while the other struggles to hold on.

In a super-aged Japan, an elderly woman, a Plan 75 salesman, and a young laborer confront the haunting choice of life or voluntary euthanasia.

Three women, betrayed by the revolution they fought for, face imprisonment and oppression as they challenge a corrupt new regime.

Environmental warrior Donna Kalil patrols the Florida Everglades by night, hunting invasive Burmese pythons that threaten local wildlife.

After a brain transplant, Remedios confronts identity and family chaos when her original body returns vacant but alive.

Haunted by fragmented memories of a Parisian terror attack, Mia embarks on a quest to reclaim her shattered life and rediscover happiness.

In 90s Canada, a Korean single mother fights to build a better life for her son amid cultural clashes that threaten to tear them apart.

A father and his deaf son navigate the challenges of reconnecting after years apart.

An 8-year-old refugee faces the dazzling and precarious world of fame as she prepares for her first red carpet with her pop star mother, discovering that being liked is more complicated than she imagined.

A young woman balancing law and desire discovers a provocative world of BDSM that challenges her boundaries and ambitions.

Two twenty-somethings navigate heartbreak and hope during a lively day in South London, discovering love in unexpected places.

A family’s fragile bonds are tested after a suicide attempt, revealing an invisible war fought behind closed doors—as the director bares his own story on screen.

Acclaimed painter Salman Toor reimagines Old Master art through tender, comic portraits of his queer community.

In one intense night, a dominatrix and her wealthy client’s dangerous game spirals out of control, threatening to unravel their lives.

Teenagers Miguel and Rosa race to find a legendary good luck charm to save their family’s market from developers.

In a fierce battle for artistic acclaim, Signe reinvents herself to outshine her rising star boyfriend, Thomas, in a dangerous game of identity and ambition.

A devoted father fights to keep his basketball-star son’s college dreams alive amid family ties and unexpected heartbreak in Queens.

A student and teacher navigate identity and belonging during an overnight eighth-grade trip to the Outer Banks.

A vibrant portrait of Miami Beach’s past through the eyes of pioneer art dealer Barbara Gillman.

From overlooked college underdog to four-time NBA champion, Stephen Curry’s groundbreaking journey reshapes basketball history.

Five hilarious tales of embarrassing moments and impulsive mistakes we all wish we could forget.

In Tehran, a woman’s world unravels when she discovers her husband has a mysterious doppelgänger with a wife who looks exactly like her.

A couple’s dream of a peaceful life in the woods turns into a nightmare when their mysterious neighbor’s cult threatens to consume them.

A determined five-year-old girl from a Miami trailer park sets out on a heartfelt journey to see the ocean for the first time.

An awkward college podcaster hunts for her missing crush, but uncovering the truth pulls her into a deadly mystery.

Fifty lifers in California’s toughest prisons confront their pasts while training to become substance abuse counselors, finding hope and redemption behind bars.

A French couple’s peaceful life in rural Galicia spirals into conflict when they oppose a local wind farm, igniting tensions with the neighbors.

A poignant documentary celebrating Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s centenary, unraveling the vibrant legacy and contradictions of the Beat Generation in 1950s California.

The Curse of Joe Robbie unravels the rise and fall of the Miami Dolphins’ legendary founder amid a haunting stadium curse.

A perfectionist mother’s flawless engagement dinner unravels when a delayed centerpiece cake exposes simmering tensions and shifting power in a Tehran kitchen.

The groundbreaking sexologist who revolutionized female pleasure vanished—until now.

After 25 years together, Paulina cares for Augusto as Alzheimer’s slowly steals his memory, fearing the day he no longer recognizes her.

Facing brutal training and fierce rivalries, Spain’s water polo team fights to unite and conquer the ’92 Barcelona Olympics.

A determined father and son fight to turn their Colombian café into a national franchise against all odds.

When a rare planetary alignment disrupts gravity, two duos of brothers clash in a ghetto caught between past and future, fighting fiercely for freedom.

At a Sarajevo speed dating event, Asja meets Zoran, a banker seeking forgiveness instead of love.

On their final day together, Emma and Hunter savor one last unforgettable adventure in this bittersweet romcom about love and letting go.

A determined woman’s relentless quest uncovers the lost remains of King Richard III, changing history forever.

A 35-year family rift unraveled by a single episode of Miami Vice.

After the sudden death of her secret lover, Ella battles to claim her rightful place in mourning and uncover the life she was kept from.

Poet Heberto Padilla’s coerced confession exposes the dark realities of Cuba’s revolution and its lasting impact.

When Ana and Mateo realize their son has vanished moments after leaving him in the forest, a desperate search begins to uncover the truth.

A university professor returns to his tough hometown as a substitute teacher, using stories to protect a student threatened by a local drug lord.

A self-reflective journey into the struggles and dreams behind making a film—or deciding not to.

After Fidel Castro’s death, a Cuban immigrant mother in Miami confronts her past and her future.

Two African youths forge an unbreakable friendship as they navigate the harsh realities of exile in Belgium.

Brothers Sowah and Okai confront grief and hope as they grapple with the mysterious loss of their eldest brother near a vast Ghanaian landfill.

When ambitious chef Mikel’s long-lost father returns, his unpredictable presence forces him to rethink both his cooking and his life.

Estranged childhood friends reunite for a transformative trip to the Greek Islands, rediscovering themselves and their bond.

Two teddy bear brothers face their darkest fears and fractured bond in a psychedelic war against unicorns that will decide their world’s fate.

Exploring the rise of unlikeable female characters, Anna Bogutskaya challenges pop culture’s struggle to accept women as complex, flawed human beings.

Two sisters navigate arranged marriages in Israel, but as hopes clash with doubts, each must choose her own path.

Celebrate the remarkable career of Diego Luna as he receives the inaugural Variety Virtuoso Award, featuring an exclusive conversation on his acclaimed work in film and television.

A Cuban woman with the gift of foresight embarks on a journey to a faithless land after her son leaves home.

Four young immigrants share their hopes and struggles as they navigate a system that shapes their fate and freedom.

Four deaf and disabled friends outsmart a drug dealer to reclaim what’s rightfully theirs in a high-stakes race for payback.

A grieving teenager escapes her fractured family to find solace and rebellion in the wilds of rural Florida with her best friend.

Inside the crucial role of an Intimacy Coordinator: balancing creativity, consent, and safety on set.

A documentary-maker obsessed with dating apps follows her friend’s journey through an arranged marriage, discovering unexpected lessons about love along the way.

A vibrant portrait of Grammy-nominated producer Walshy Fire, tracing his journey from Caribbean roots to global dancehall icon.

A short biographical film celebrating Cruxmax, a West Palm Beach artist whose rise inspired a creative community.