“Expanding the conversation” is the bottom line of the third annual Key Biscayne Film Festival, which has the most diverse programming to date.
The lineup of international features, award-winning documentaries and environmental showcases was announced Thursday afternoon.
Tickets are now on sale for the popular event that takes place Jan. 29-Feb. 1, and will have debut screenings in the newly named Paradise Cinema, inside the revamped Village Council chambers.
“By screening a variety of new films and genres, utilizing new, exciting and inviting venues like the new Paradise Cinema, and hosting an unprecedented number of visiting directors for live conversations, we’re providing our audience with the best festival experience yet,” said Miami filmmaker and festival co-founder Isabel Custer. “Our third year is about expanding the conversation.”
For example, this year, the festival also expands its footprint to the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, bridging the gap between cinematic storytelling and environmental advocacy.
Films such as “News Without a Newsroom,” “Anxiety Club,” “Naked Ambition,” and “River of Grass” are just part of the lineup.
Highlighting the schedule:
Thursday, Jan. 29: Opening Day & Global Perspectives. The festival opens Thursday afternoon at the new Paradise Cinema with the Peruvian feature “Mistura,” directed by Ricardo de Montreuil, a story of a woman redefining her life through a daring culinary venture. After the film, producer Ivan Orlic will be on hand for a live Q&A.
Opening Night officially begins with movies under the stars at Paradise Park. The evening starts with documentary short “Parker & Sammy,” a heartwarming look at friendship and perseverance filmed in Florida. This is followed by the powerful documentary “Blue Zeus,” narrated by Gerard Butler, which exposes the broken bureaucratic system surrounding America’s wild horses.
The night concludes with a VIP cocktail reception.
Friday, Jan. 30: Environmental Focus. In a festival first, the Key Biscayne Film Festival moves to the University of Miami’s RSMAS for a slate of films with an environmental focus. The evening features the acclaimed documentary “River of Grass,” an ode to the Florida Everglades told through the writings of Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
Saturday, Jan. 31: Resilience, Comedy and Awards. Saturday morning kicks off with “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,” an intimate look at the Oscar-winning actress’ groundbreaking career shown at the Paradise Cinema. Next up, the festival will host an insightful conversation with Kip Kroeger, producer of critically-acclaimed comedies “Ted Lasso,” “Bad Monkey,” “Shrinking,” and the upcoming Mexican-American dramedy “Las Tres Sisters.”
The afternoon continues with “News Without a Newsroom,” directed by Oana Martisca. The documentary explores journalism’s uncertain future in the digital age, collapse of traditional media, the rise of misinformation, and the fight to preserve truth in an age of disruption.
At 4 p.m., the humorous documentary “Anxiety Club” explores the topic of anxiety through the eyes of comedians such as Marc Maron, Joe List and Tiffany Jenkins. After the showing, Director Wendy Lobel will lead a Q&A alongside special guests.
Saturday night moves to Paradise Park for the festival’s Awards Ceremony and the screening of the hilarious coming-of-age comedy “Ethan Bloom.” Director Herschel Faber will be on hand to discuss the film’s authentic portrait of adolescence before a closing-night cocktail reception catered by Narbona.
Sunday, Feb. 1: Spotlight on Youth and a Trailblazing Icon. The final day kicks off with the Spotlight on Youth Showcase, highlighting films from student filmmakers and emerging talent.
The festival draws to a close at the Paradise Cinema with “Naked Ambition,” a documentary exploring the life of legendary photographer Bunny Yeager. Director Dennis Scholl, whose subjects have included Robert Redford, Frank Gehry, Ai Wei Wei, and more, will lead a Q&A after the screening.
Ticketing information: Attendees may purchase individual tickets for specific screenings or the Festival VIP Pass, which grants all-access entry to every screening, panel, and the VIP cocktail party. To purchase tickets, click here.
Visit kbfilmfestival.org for more information.
To see a trailer of the films in this year’s films, click here.