A Sense of Place
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Discover the rich visual history of Miami in a special screening of documentary films capturing the city’s transformation and cultural heritage. Presented as part of the 42nd Miami Film Festival, A Sense of Place will be showcased on Sunday, April 13, at noon, at Koubek Theater.
A Sense of Place features newly digitized documentaries created in the 1980s by filmmakers Mel Kiser and Corky Irick. These verité-style documentaries offer glimpses into Miami’s distinctive communities, landmarks and evolving identity through archival footage and compelling firsthand accounts. The event will include a presentation by director Mel Kiser and librarian Katharine Labuda, who oversaw the digitization process of original tapes donated to the Miami-Dade Public Library System.
The film program includes:
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A Few Things I Know About Miami (1986) - A collection of five short segments highlighting historical Miami scenes such as downtown’s vintage movie palaces, Overtown’s entertainment scene, the city's former train station, the iconic neon signs lighting the Miami skyline and the industrious life along the Miami River.
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Last Night at the S&S Diner (1988) - An intimate cinema-verité portrait of the atmosphere and nostalgia surrounding the final evening of operation at the iconic S&S Diner, a cherished gathering spot in Miami for over seven decades.
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Calling Miami Home (1984) - A thoughtful examination of uncontrolled development's impact on South Florida, featuring perspectives from prominent local figures including environmental champion Marjorie Stoneman Douglas.
This screening provides an insightful look into Miami’s history, community and changing landscape, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the city's past and its ongoing evolution.