HELLO MiFo! CURTAIN TO RISE ON MiFo LGBT FILM FESTIVAL
WITH NEW NAME, NEW DIRECTOR AND UNBRIDLED MOMENTUM
MiFo LGBT Film Festival: October 9 – 18, 2015 in Fort Lauderdale
The newly named MiFo LGBT Film Festival kicks off its Fort Lauderdale edition October 9, 2015 with two weekends of dramas, comedies and documentaries that touch upon various aspects of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) life. Now in it 7th year, MiFo includes 7 documentaries, 18 shorts and 28 narratives, including 13 premieres.
Presented by Merrill Lynch, Showtime and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Office of Film, Music & Entertainment, MiFo is one of the most highly regarded LGBT film festivals in the nation.
The 2015 MiFo Festival in Fort Lauderdale will take place on Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11; and on Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18. Screenings will be held at the Classic Gateway Theatre, 1820 East Sunrise Boulevard; Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6th Street; and Opening Night at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale.
There is meaning and momentum behind the new moniker. "MiFo" joins together the Miami and Fort Lauderdale LGBT film festivals under one umbrella and one brand name, to solidify South Florida’s leadership position in LGBT film and media. The Miami Festival recently celebrated its 17th year with record attendance, while Fort Lauderdale enters its 7th solid year with an unprecedented 45 films.
To foster this progressive environment and rebranding effort, MiFo has appointed Victor M. Gimenez as its new Executive Director. “Victor brings together business expertise, film knowledge and activism at this consequential time,” said Mark Gilbert, MiFo Board Chair. “He will continue moving MiFo forward as one major South Florida brand.”
As executive director, Gimenez is responsible for business development, corporate sponsorship, membership relationship and customer service. Gimenez had served as MiFo Board Chair since 2014, and has held various roles during the past five years. Prior to MiFo, he worked in construction management and ran his own business. An avid movie lover, Gimenez currently is active on the boards of several cultural and social organizations.
“Both Miami and Fort Lauderdale festivals have earned widespread acclaim individually,” said Gimenez. “Together under one brand we will continue to grow exponentially, thanks to their combined size and the benefits of combined marketing efforts. As we continue into the 21st Century, MiFo will highlight the vibrancy of South Florida’s LGBT community, solidifying our position of pre-eminence. The result will be greater support from our community and our sponsors as we debut World premieres, North American premieres and East Coast premieres.”
Look for updates on movies, times and happenings by visiting MiFo at www.MiFofilm.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mifofilmfest
The MiFo LGBT Film Fest is committed to its mission: To inspire, entertain and educate the public, encourage a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video and other media that offer historical and contemporary perspectives on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender experience.