Light, Camera, Action!

Though it's ten days away, I already have Miami Film Festival fever. For the past couple of days, I've been eagerly dissecting the program's schedule and have already picked out several flicks I don't want to miss.

What's more, the Festival's Web site makes the selection process easy because it allows you to sort by country of origin, director, venue and date. Plus, there are 23 other categories useful to hardcore film buffs.

Here are three films I definitely don't want to miss:

Universalove - (Austria/Luxemburg/Serbia, 83 min, 35mm, 2008)
Director : Thomas Woschitz
Description from Festival Web site: Composed from an assortment of images and set to a haunting soundtrack by Austrian indie band Naked Lunch, Universalove is a new type of music film. Similar to cinematic mood pieces such as Baraka and Koyaanisqatsi, it weaves together collectively understood images for a symphony that traverses all languages, cultures and orientations.
When/Where/Time: Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Regal South Beach 18, 6:45:00 PM

Empty Nest (El Nido Vacío) - (Argentina/Spain/France/Italy, 92 min, 35mm, 2008)
Director: Daniel Burman
Description from Festival Web site: A middle-aged couple, played with perfect chemistry by Cecilia Roth (She starred in All About My Mother, which I love) and Oscar Martinez, look for ways to escape their empty nest syndrome when their youngest adult child moves out. The latest comedy hit by Argentine Daniel Burman (Berlin Winner, Lost Embrace).
When/Where/Time: Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Gusman Center, 7:00:00 PM

9 to 5: Days in Porn - (Germany, 96 min, DigiBeta, 2008)
Director: Jens Hoffmann
Description from Festival Web site: Follows the lives of ten porn stars over the course of a year. A married couple, sisters, and an 18-year-old rising star are some of the characters that offer a glimpse into the inner workings of the adult entertainment industry. Strong Adult Content
When/Where/Time: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at Cosford (UM), 6:00:00 PM and Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at Regal South Beach 18, 9:00:00 PM

Also, for those who have never been to the festival before, here are a couple of tips:

• Tickets cost 12 dollars for general admission, 10 for seniors, 7 for students
• You can buy tickets in advance online or at 305-405-6433, which I recommend since the popular films tend to sell out
• The festival is spread out throughout Miami and Miami Beach. So, keep that in mind if you want to do all day movie marathons
• No refunds or exchanges
• For questions or inquiries, call 305-237-3456.

Over the next ten days, I will be providing snapshots of the other films and related events of interest. So stay tuned folks!