Miami Film Festival

Celebrating its 42nd edition in 2025, the Miami Film Festival is set to bring a diverse range of films, filmmakers and film lovers to Greater Miami & Miami Beach. This year’s festival promises to showcase groundbreaking work from both established and emerging filmmakers, reflecting a dynamic intersection of local and international communities and cultures. Whether you're a seasoned cinephile or a casual viewer, the Miami Film Festival will provide an unforgettable opportunity to experience best-in-class cinema.

When and Where

This year’s festival dates are April 3-13. Most of the screenings and activities will be held in important cultural venues around the destination. Screening venues will include the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, Miami Dade College’s Koubek Center in West Flagler, Pérez Art Museum Miami, and Silverspot Cinema in Downtown Miami; O Cinema South Beach, Regal South Beach and the Miami Beach Bandshell in Miami Beach; and Coral Gables Art Cinema and Bill Cosford Cinema in Coral Gables.

2025 Miami Film Festival Overview

The 2025 festival will focus on innovative storytelling, exploring a range of themes including social justice, identity and the human experience. Along with narrative features, the festival will also highlight documentaries and short films.

In addition to the screening of films, the festival will host various master classes, panel discussions and workshops led by industry experts, providing opportunities for aspiring filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts to learn from the best in the business.

Film Schedule and Guide

This year’s festival schedule is packed with a wide variety of films representing different genres, countries, and storytelling styles. Filmgoers can choose from heady documentaries, thought-provoking experimental films, coming-of-age dramas, dark comedies and films exploring the immigrant, LGTBQIA, Indigenous and Latino experience, among many others.

In addition to the screenings, the Miami Film Festival typically organizes a range of events, including special guests, Q&A sessions with directors and actors, themed parties celebrating cinema and culture, and the presentation of the Made in MIA Award. This award honors outstanding films that showcase the vibrant culture and talent of Miami.

The festival’s official guide allows attendees to filter films by genre, country of origin, director and length. It also includes detailed descriptions of each film, offering insight into the themes, style and context of the work. Some notable feature films to look forward to at this year's Miami Film Festival:

• Opening Film: Meet the Barbarians (France), directed by Julie Delpy.​ A French comedy that follows a small French town’s well-intentioned but chaotic response to hosting refugees, forcing its residents to confront their own prejudices.
• Closing Film: On Swift Horses (United States), directed by Daniel Minahan.​ Adaptation of Shannon Pufahl’s novel, this film is a post-war drama of love, desire and self-discovery set against the American West.

Marquee Screenings

• Another Simple Favor (United States), directed by Paul Feig. A suspenseful sequel to A Simple Favor, this film brings back Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively for another thrilling mystery filled with deception and dark humor.
• Two Women (Canada), directed by Chloé Robichaud. A comedy that explores the emotional complexities of two women navigating personal and professional struggles.
• Oh, Hi! (United States), directed by Sophie Brooks. A romantic comedy about a couple whose weekend getaway takes an unexpected turn.

CINEDWNTWN Gala Screenings

Chirino (Cuba/United States), directed by Jorge A. Soliño. A documentary that explores the life and legacy of Cuban-American musician Willy Chirino

Documentaries

Centered: Joe Lieberman (United States), directed by Jonathan Gruber. This documentary explores the life of the late U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman, featuring exclusive interviews and rare archival footage.

International Selections

Adiós, Cuba (Spain), directed by Rolando Díaz. This drama delves into the Cuban exodus through the experiences of various emigrants.

Ways to Attend

The festival offers a variety of ways to participate, whether you're planning to attend in person or engage from the comfort of your home. The festival's various venues offer screening experiences that span from intimate to expansive. Many screenings are accompanied by live discussions with filmmakers. For those unable to attend in person, the festival also offers a virtual platform. Viewers can watch many films from the comfort of their homes, ensuring that everyone can participate, regardless of where they are.

Ticket Info

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at select box office locations. A variety of ticket options are available, including individual screening tickets, passes for multiple screenings, and VIP packages that grant access to exclusive events, parties and red-carpet premieres. For those attending in person, prices generally begin at $15.50, with a special price of $14.50 for students, seniors and military members. Miami Film Festival members receive special discounts on screenings and events and access to members-only series.

Closing Night Party

The Miami Film Festival's Closing Night Party is the perfect way to wrap up a week of amazing films. On Saturday, April 12th at 9 p.m., head to Jungle Plaza in the Miami Design District for a fun night with delicious bites from local favorites like Paella y Olé, Divieto Ristorante and Santo Dulce Churros. Enjoy refreshing drinks from Cerveceria La Tropical, plus cocktails made with Strega Liquor and Capel Pisco. Tickets are $95.

Accessibility

The Miami Film Festival strives to be accessible to all attendees, offering a variety of accommodations for those with different needs. Many of the festival’s venues are wheelchair accessible, and many have options for closed captioning or audio description services for those with hearing or vision impairments, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy the films. All foreign-language films will have English subtitles.

For individuals who require additional assistance or have specific accessibility needs, the festival provides resources and information on how to make the most of the event. Attendees can find detailed accessibility guidelines on the festival’s website.

About the Miami Film Festival

Founded in 1984 as the Miami International Film Festival, the Miami Film Festival is a significant fixture in the global film industry, known for its celebration of independent films and focus on promoting Latin American, Ibero-American and international cinema. The event's mission is to support both emerging and established filmmakers, foster creative expression and engage the community in meaningful cultural experiences. This year, as every year, the festival will present a diverse lineup of films, panel discussions and special presentations that highlight cultural narratives and provide insights into global social issues.

Get ready for an extraordinary journey into the world of film at the 2025 Miami Film Festival.

By: Eli Raphael | February 28, 2025