Miami
International Film Festival
Sets Ambitious Pace for 25th Anniversary
Director de Bokay expands veteran programming team
with newly appointed world renowned programmers
Miami, FL Sept. 12, 2007 –– The Miami International Film Festival (MIFF), a Miami Dade College cultural experience, is gearing up to celebrate its 25th Anniversary February 28 – March 9, 2008. MIFF’s director, Patrick de Bokay, announced today the addition of two respected film programmers, Eleonora Granata and Kreingsak “Victor” Silakong to its already highly respected programming staff.
MIFF Programming Staff:
· Eleonora Granata – Senior Programmer, World Dramatic Features
· Monika Wagenberg – Senior Programmer, Ibero-American Dramatic Features and Ibero-
American Documentary
· Karina Rotenstein – Programmer, World Documentary and Shorts
· Kreingsak “Victor” Silakong – Programmer, Asia and the Pacific Rim
Eleonora Granata joins the MIFF staff as Senior Programmer, World Dramatic Features. Granata is currently the U.S. Representative and Program Advisor for the Venice Film Festival – a position which she has held for the past five years. She previously served as Senior Vice President, Acquisitions and Production at Pandora Cinema and as Vice President / Head of Acquisitions and Co-Productions at Turner Pictures.
“Granata’s work will bolster our internationally esteemed World Dramatic program, raising the Festival to top-tier status,” said de Bokay. “MIFF will continue to present unique, world-class, international cinema in the United States, the world’s strongest film market, while showcasing Miami as the metropolitan city and cultural destination it is.”
Also working on the World Dramatic Program, Kreingsak “Victor” Silakong joins MIFF. Silakong is the current Director of the World Film Festival of Bangkok and will ensure a strong representation of the Asia and Pacific Rim film market at the MIFF 2008 Festival.
Monika Wagenberg returns to MIFF for her second year on the programming staff. Wagenberg is the co-founder of Cinema Tropical where she is the Director of Programming and Acquisitions. Wagenberg is responsible for the continued growth of MIFF’s powerful Ibero-American program.
Karina Rotenstein, in her fifth year with MIFF, continues programming for our strong Documentary Features section, growing the Festival’s position as a rising star in the international documentary arena. Rotenstein will program and oversee the launch of the 2008 Short Film Competition and Reel Music Series.
One of the most exciting aspects of MIFF is its mission to showcase and support filmmakers from all over the world with its film competitions. "The competition is a magnet; it makes filmmakers proud," said de Bokay. In 2008, MIFF welcomes the return of the Ibero-American Dramatic Competition, limited to first- and second- time directors, and the World Dramatic Competition, which welcomes up to fourth-time directors. MIFF also hosts a World & Ibero-American Documentary competition. One winner in each of these three categories is awarded a Knight Grand Jury Prize of $25,000 USD, sponsored by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. In addition, the MIFF programmers are proud to announce the first annual shorts competition, which is also sponsored by the Knight Foundation with a cash award of $2,500 USD to one filmmaker.
With the support of the Miami Film Society, the Miami International Film Festival has presented internationally significant films for 24 years, including Pedro Almodovar’s “Dark Hideout,” “Law of Desire” and “What Have I Done to Deserve This?,” Héctor Babeneco’s “Carandiru,” Jean-Marc Vallée’s “C.R.A.Z.Y.” and Wim Wender’s “Buena Vista Social Club.” MIFF’s growth is reflected in this year’s astounding call-for-entries results, which have the MIFF staff processing over three times the number of entries than this time last year. The Festival screens more than 120 official selections representing more than 50 countries, ensuring MIFF’s status as a world-player in the film festival circuit
For more information about MIFF, MIFF’s program or the call-for-entries please feel free to call MIFF at 305.237.FILM (3456) or visit our website at www.miamifilmfestival.com.
The Miami International Film Festival is the gateway for International and Ibero-American film. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2008, MIFF plays a leading role in maintaining and further enriching film culture in South Florida. Miami’s unique geographical and cultural position has made MIFF a premiere venue for showcasing film and fostering film business throughout the year. Cash awards are given in four competition categories: World Features, Ibero-American Features, World & Ibero-American Documentaries, and Short Films. Knight Grand Jury prizes of $25,000 are awarded in dramatic and documentary competitions. Save-the-date: February 28-March 9, 2008.
Miami Dade College has a long and rich history of involvement in the cultural arts, providing South Florida with a vast array of artistic and literary offerings including The Miami Book Fair International, the Cultura del Lobo performing arts series, The Cuban Cinema Series, and the School of Entertainment and Design Technology in addition to the Miami International Film Festival. MDC is the largest institution of higher education in the country and is nationally recognized for many of its academic and cultural programs. With an enrollment of more than 165,000 students, MDC is the nation’s top producer of associate of arts and associate of science degrees. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer more than 200 distinct degree programs including baccalaureate degrees in education, public safety management and nursing.
Contact Information
Miami International Film Festival Press and Publicity Department
Maria Lanao Melissa Reigle
305.237.3868 305.237.3865
Maria@MiamiFilmFestival.com Mel@MiamiFilmFestival.com
MDC: Media Relations Department: Juan Mendieta (305)237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu;
Beverly Counts Rodrigues (305)237-3949, brodrigu@mdc.edu.