A Beacon of Light for Latin American Cinema 

New film festival takes its place on the world stage with support and projects featuring A-listers like Francis Ford Coppola, David Frankel, Jorge Granier, Ivan Orlic, Cristina Umaña, as well as emerging artists, with a focus on Latin American Cinema and fostering filmmakers from around the corner to across the globe

The first annual Coconut Grove Film Festival (CGFF) made its inaugural debut January 12-14, 2024 in the picturesque, historical neighborhood of Coconut Grove, Florida. The festival was launched by the Voices Beyond Borders Art Foundation and featured such luminaries as David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada, Marley & Me), Jorge Granier (Jane the Virgin), Cristina Umaña (Narcos, Jack Ryan), Francis Ford Coppola and many more. This landmark event was conceptualized by Latin filmmakers and Coconut Grove natives Felipe Torres Urso (Frost/Nixon, Genius, Angels and Demons, Inferno) and Xavier Manrique whose credits include the recently released Who Invited Charlie? starring Jordana Brewster, Reid Scott and Adam Pally, has set a new standard in celebrating diverse storytelling and empowering filmmakers. 

Voices Beyond Borders Art Foundation's commitment extends far beyond the annual film festival. Engaged in year-round initiatives, the foundation seeks to support and connect Latin American and Floridian filmmakers, fostering a community brimming with creative talent and cultural exchange. The festival is but a cornerstone of this enduring effort. With its inaugural edition setting a high benchmark, the festival and the foundation are poised to continue playing a significant role in enriching the film community in Miami and beyond.

The Coconut Grove Film Festival: A Cornerstone of Local and Latin American Cinema

"Our aim is to shine a light on the diverse and vibrant stories emerging from the Latin American and Floridian film communities. We're passionate about presenting narratives that break away from clichés, showcasing Latin characters in roles that go beyond stereotypical portrayals. This festival is a testament to our commitment to a new wave of storytelling that honors our heritage while forging new paths in cinema." Said Torres-Urso and Manrique. “It's about celebrating the depth and richness of our cultures, and providing a platform where filmmakers can share stories that are authentic, powerful, and often underrepresented.” They continued.

At the heart of the festival was a keynote address by Oscar and Emmy-winning director and Coconut Grove local, David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada, Marley & Me). Frankel's participation signified a major coup for the festival, highlighting its commitment to excellence and appeal to high-caliber industry professionals. His involvement was driven by a shared vision with the foundation – to nurture emerging talents and showcase authentic, diverse narratives. 

“As a longtime ‘Grove’ resident, I was thrilled to be a part of the Coconut Grove Film Festival. Local filmmakers have long deserved a festival they can call their own — and now they have one. Our community has grown so much the past few years and it’s great to see the filmmaking community grow along with it. Hats off to Xavi and Felipe for their vision. Now if they can only convince the Florida legislature to authorize a production incentive again…” Said Frankel. 

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez also played a pivotal role, delivering inspiring remarks at the opening party at Mr. C. His words underscored the festival's significance in spotlighting Miami's dynamic culture and the unifying potential of film. Suarez’s address celebrated the festival as a vital hub for artistic and cultural expression in Miami. 

Premieres and Panels: An Illustrious Lineup and Emerging Talent

The festival's panels brought together industry professionals like Jorge Granier, producer of 'Jane the Virgin', and Patrick Feldman of Range Media Partners. Their insights offered a window into the evolving landscape of television and cinema, reinforcing the festival's place as a crucible for industry thought leadership. 

An international highlight was the USA East Coast Premiere of Mimi, The Prince of Darkness, directed by Brando De Sica and starring Domenico Cuomo. This Italian feature underscored the festival's commitment to embracing diverse global narratives, showcasing the universal language of cinema.

A poignant moment at the festival was the retrospective screening and Q&A of Pele: Birth of a Legend, presented by producer Ivan Orlic. This event paid homage to Pele's legacy, especially meaningful a year after his passing, and highlighted the festival's dedication to honoring cinematic legends.

The short film category shone brightly with "Shadow Brother Sunday," produced by Floridian Natalie Metzger, executive produced by Francis Ford Coppola, and directed by Alden Ehrenreich, clinching Best Performances. "Los Hijos De Dios" by Mexican director Sebastian Torres Greene was lauded for Best Cinematography and Production Design, while "In an Orderly Fashion" by Miami's own Adrian Cardenas was awarded Best Film, showcasing the festival’s commitment to spotlighting emerging talent.

Star-Studded, International Jury

The jury panel boasted notable figures such as Colombian actress Cristina Umaña, known for her roles in “Narcos” and “Jack Ryan”, along with Cameron Duncan, the cinematographer behind "Cobra Kai" and "Tulsa King", and Matt Gant, the production designer for "Gangs of London" and "Genius". Additionally, the festival featured virtual contributions from actors Camilla Belle, Thure Lindhardt, and acclaimed cinematographer Andrea Arnone, whose work in "Mimi" earned him Best Cinematography at the Locarno Film Festival.

For more information about the Coconut Grove Film Festival and Voices Beyond Borders Art Foundation, visit www.voicesbeyondborders.org.