This weekend, the Tower Theatre in Little Havana has a lineup that would make any festival in New York City jealous.
The Gems Festival is called "Gems" for a reason: these are the crown jewels of the film festival circuit. Now in its 35th year, this festival is largely focused on films that will likely be nominated once Oscar season rolls around. So South Floridians will get a chance to see some of these films before most people in the state, or even country, will get the chance to.
Director of Programming Jaie Laplante credits the insatiable Miami audience with the critically acclaimed lineup.
"You know, one of the things I love about Miami, as opposed to other cities I've lived earlier in my life, is that it's a dynamic city that's constantly changing," said Laplante. "Just when you think you've figured out what the audience wants, they change their mind. They're always looking for something new and fresh."
The Gems Festival kicks off Thursday night with the Florida premiere of The Rolling Stones Olé Olé Olé: A trip across Latin America, a documentary chronicling the band’s Latin American tour from Chile to Cuba.
The festival will run from Oct. 13 to Oct. 18. Tickets and the list of films are available on the Miami Film Festival’s website.
