FilmGate Festival: February 2024 - Social Justice

Happy February FilmGatos!

This month, we will be showcasing Florida-based short films relating to themes of social impact! 

Share this enlightening experience with us, where we learn more about the issues that really impact our communities.

ABOUT US

FilmGate Miami is a non-profit organization with the goal to ensure the empowerment and growth of local creators and talent. Providing them with a platform in which they can showcase their art, reaching new audiences locally and internationally.

FilmGate Festival is the longest-running monthly short film series in Florida, created to celebrate local culture, diversity and regional creativity.  Every month, FilmGate Miami highlights Florida's community of actors, filmmakers, and video + audio production studios. We accept short films, documentaries, music videos and web series from Florida or made by a Florida citizen, 20 minutes or less.

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RULES:

• Only Florida directors and filmed in Florida can submit.
• Submissions must bring attention to social justice/impact concerns in the world or celebrate the stories of groups and people who are working for a better future.
• For submissions: https://filmfreeway.com/FilmGateFestival
• Length of the film must be 20 minutes or less.
• Those accepted must be able to represent their film at the event; failure to do so will remove you from eligibility. (Must be in person).
• In the case that a representative is not present, we reserve the right to withdraw your film from being screened
• Free submissions/waivers for Filmgate Miami members and students (Email info@film-gate.org with a photo of your student ID or proof of study at a education institution)

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OFFICIAL FILM SELECTIONS 

Spare Me (Directed by Wilderley Mauricette) - Spare Me tells the story of “Trey Compton” a young African American man confronting his past to overcome changing a flat tire. Throughout the story, the viewer is shown flashbacks to showcase what connection Trey has to this certain location which is a sundown town, and why changing a tire is no easy task for him to undertake. This is also a period piece, so the Production design, costumes, and props will  reflect a southern state during the early 1930s/40s, and have a focus on sundown towns during that time period.

Caracoles en Cemento (Directed by Trish Gutierrez, Nicole Pedraza) - In Caracoles en Cemento, Miami's climate tale unfolds through dance, weaving audio snippets from young residents. The film humanizes their experiences, urging viewers to actively address climate change.

Voice of the South (Directed by Danielle Cox) - A documentary showcasing The McKenzie Project, a Black, Trans-led organization dedicated to serving and uplifting the Black LGBTQ+ community in South Florida through communal engagement, medical and financial services, and advocacy with a primary focus on Transgender and Non-binary individuals.

Overtown's Living Legacy (Directed by Gina Margillo) - When developers and city planners say they are "revitalizing" the historic black neighborhood of Overtown, in Miami Florida , they ignore its rich history and the community that has been living there for decades.

SLUT WALK (Directed by LOPEZ) - The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is held annually on 17 December by sex workers, their advocates, friends, families, and allies.  The red umbrella is an important symbol for sex worker rights. It symbolizes protection from the abuse and intolerance faced by sex workers, and stands for strength and resistance.

Focus on the Florida Everglades: Freshwater Issues and Initiatives in the Florida Everglades (Directed by Anna Coon, Embrik Eyles) - 'Focus on the Florida Everglades' examines the Everglades’ rich history and benefits, as well as the numerous challenges the wetlands have faced, and the gigantic efforts to restore them.

CandyBar (Directed by Jonathan Quesada) - In 'CandyBar,' aging African American store owner Dean and ex-convict Benito unite to save their hardware store from closure amidst urban pressures, navigating gentrification's challenges to preserve community and resilience.

MEET THE JURORS 

Freddy Rodriguez - A luminary in Miami's filmmaking, boasts a two-decade career with seven Suncoast EMMY® awards, seven TELLY® awards, and two Promax/BDA awards. His film "Malabar" earned acclaim, and creative accolades include the Oolite Arts Ellie’s Creator Award. Freddy's impact extends to social justice, LGBTQ+ community, and upcoming projects like the Spanish-language horror short “The Efficiency.” His boundless creativity reshapes how Miami stories are told.

Juan Carlos Castañeda - A writer, director, and producer, creates content for social justice through documentaries and narratives.

Founder of Human Pictures, he empowers misrepresented communities by collaborating with organizations like The United Nations, The Equal Justice Initiative, Malteser International, Green Peace, Firelight Media, and the Ford Foundation.

Michaeljohn Green - As Chief of Economic Development at Miami DDA, Mj uplifts Miami's economy, emphasizing business attraction, retention, and community prosperity. Renowned for managing the RISE Fund, saving 4,500 jobs during the pandemic, he actively serves on boards, championing equity and community development. Mj is a recognized figure in Miami's Black excellence, celebrated for impactful leadership and commitment to urban wealth creation.

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FILM COMMUNITY NETWORKER B4 AND AFTER

Enjoy meeting other creatives and film geeks during our film community networker before the screening. Grab some drinks, some grub, and start mingling!

We will also have networking at the end of the event so feel free to gush about the cool films afterwards too.

PERCOLATOR

Starting off the night, we have our Percolator. Sign up and tell the audience your skills or if you are looking for a professional in particular! You will have 1 minute to pitch.

FILMMAKER Q & A

After the screening, as our jury judges discuss the night's award-winning film, we will invite our featured filmmakers for a Q&A session about their creative process and inspiritations in creating their films.

AWARDS CEREMONY

At the end of the screening, we will present the jury's choice in the best film of the night! Our jury is a team of industry professionals that use their expertise to judge the techincal and artistic qualities of each film screened.

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PARKING

• Courtyard Marriott Downtown: $5 for 4 Hours (validation at FilmGate check-in desk)
• MET 3 Parking Garage: 250 SE 3rd Ave - $8 for 4 Hours (validation on first floor at entrance of Silverspot Cinema)

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