The 42nd edition of the Miami Film Festival opened last night at the historic Olympia Theater with a powerful message: Latin American stories and South Florida voices are not just taking up space—they're taking center stage.
With a red carpet that blended the glitz of Hollywood with the grit of indie cinema and a program packed with films from Cuba, France, Spain, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela to the Dominican Republic and Wynwood, this year's festival is positioning itself as the most globally diverse—and locally conscious—edition yet.
French filmmaker Julie Delpy's satirical immigration drama 'Meet the Barbarians' opened the exhibit. Still, the heart of the night belonged to the stories told in Spanish, Portuguese, and Spanglish, from the barrios of Miami to the neighborhoods of Havana and Medellín.
A Celebration of Latin American Cinema
While Delpy's film opened the festival, the program is heavily weighted toward Latin American and Ibero-American storytelling. Nearly half of the 198 films screened this year are in Spanish or Portuguese, with selections from 45 countries and 35 world premieres.
Among the most anticipated Latin American premieres:
- "Hambre" (Venezuela): A haunting look at hunger and survival in a collapsing society.
- "Olivia & Las Nubes" (Dominican Republic): A whimsical coming-of-age story set in the mountains of Jarabacoa.
- "Espina" (Panama): A suspenseful psychological drama about family secrets.
- "Malecón" (Spain/Cuba): A visually stunning meditation on Havana's most iconic boulevard.
"These are not side stories—they are the centerpieces of this year's festival," said Ivonne Cotorruelo, the festival's curator of Ibero-American cinema. "There is a wave of young Latin American filmmakers who are rewriting the rules, and we are here to celebrate them."
South Florida Stories Take the Spotlight
South Florida's unique cultural mix also plays a big role this year. From local directors exploring themes of identity and transformation to documentaries that examine the Miami sound, the festival is doubling down on its roots.
One of the most talked-about premieres is "Know Me – The Untold Miami Bath Salts Phenomenon," a documentary by Edson Jean that unpacks the media hysteria and racial undertones of the infamous 2012 case.
"South Florida has always been more than beaches and nightlife," said James Woolley, Executive Director of the festival to The Latin Times. "It's a microcosm of the Americas—a place where cultures blend, clash, and create something new. That's what this year's program is all about."
Hollywood Arrives with Star Power
While the festival remains grounded in local and international cinema, Hollywood is making its presence known.
Actor Billy Zane (Titanic) arrived to present Waltzing with Brando, while Julia Stiles and Jason Isaacs (of Harry Potter fame) appeared on the red carpet for their new films. Director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, Spy) will receive the Precious Gem Award later this week, and his much-anticipated sequel Another Simple Favor is set for a gala screening.
Closing night will feature the U.S. premiere of On Swift Horses, a moody, post-war love story starring Jacob Elordi (Euphoria), Daisy Edgar-Jones (Where the Crawdads Sing), and Mexican rising star Diego Calva (Babylon).
Music Icons in the Spotlight: Selena and Willy Chirino
Two music legends will also be honored with documentary premieres:
- "Selena y Los Dinos": Directed by Isabel Castro, this film takes a deeply personal look at the rise of Selena Quintanilla, using never-before-seen footage and interviews with family members.
- "Chirino": A documentary about Cuban salsa icon Willy Chirino, who remains a beloved figure in Miami's Cuban exile community. Directed by Jorge Soliño, it promises to be one of the festival's emotional high points.
Looking Ahead
In addition to screenings, the festival will host masterclasses, industry panels, anniversary screenings (including Before Sunrise with an introduction by Delpy), and live podcast recordings.
For 10 days, Miami will be the global capital of storytelling. From Calle Ocho to Cannes, from Havana to Hollywood, this year's Miami Film Festival proves that the best stories are the ones that travel across borders—and speak to the soul.
Tickets and full schedules are available at miamifilmfestival.com.
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