Wednesday, November 8-----The momentum is building as the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival moves into its final weekend here in Fort Lauderdale, before taking the show on the road to Key West next week. Thursday is full of highlights from a number of debut directors and international cinema greats.

THURSDAY'S HIGHLIGHTS

MAN RAY
Mel Stuart, who will receive a Tribute on Saturday evening for his career achievement over 40 years, will present his Emmy-winning documentary on the singular artist Man Ray, who almost singlehandedly brought cultural respectibility to the art of photography. One of the singular artists working between the World Wars in Paris (along with Picasso, Giacometti, Matisse and others), Man Ray led a colorful and unconventional life as he became one of the ambassadors of dada and surrealism through his art photography. MAN RAY screens on Thursday at 7:30pm at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, with a special talk by the director Mel Stuart immediately following the screening. Pounce.
For tickets: Go to the Festival website: www.fliff.com or the Las Olas Riverfront or Cinema Paradiso theater box office

I WANT SOMEONE TO EAT CHEESE WITH
Television comedian Jeff Garlin (the rolly-polly manager to neurotic Larry David on the hit HBO series CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM) makes his feature directorial debut with his hilarious but humane comedy. Garlin plays a version of himself: an overweight comedian who lives at home with his mother, who fights his food addictions and tries to find love in the unlikeliest of places. With a supporting cast of veteran comedians including Sarah Silverman, Bonnie Hunt, Amy Sedaris and Richard Kind, this is a heart-warming and hilarious treat.
There will be a (natch) wine and cheese party between Thursday's screenings at the River House.

Screenings:
Thursday, November 9, 5:30m, Las Olas Riverfront
Thursday, November 9, 9:30pm, Las Olas Riverfront
Saturday, November 11, 3:00pm, Las Olas Riverfront
Saturday, November 11, 9:00pm, Las Olas Riverfront
For tickets: Go to Festival website www.fliff.com or come to the theater box office.

SHUT UP AND SING
A great cast of character actors light up the screen in this endearing comedy/drama about a group of former a capella singers who reunite at a friend's wedding to sing out again. A weekend of rehearsals bring out old animosities, jealousies and just plain rivalries among the men, some of whom have never gotten over their college-day hurts. Over the course of the weekend, old feuds erupt, secrets are revealed and relationships are tested. The seasoned cast includes Mark Feuerstein (the Jewish Tom Cruise), Chris Bowers, David Harbours, David Alan Basche, Reg Rogers and Saturday Night Live alumnus Molly Shannon (who almost steals the show). The film, directed by Bruce Leddy, is an upbeat audience pleaser. The executive producers will attend.

Screenings:
Thursday, November 9, 7:00pm, Cinema Paradiso
Saturday, November 11, 4:00pm, Cinema Paradiso

For tickets: Go to Festival website www.fliff.com or come to the box office.

JUST LIKE THE SON
American indie director Morgan J. Freeman created a sensation with his 1997 debut feature HURRICANE STREETS, which won him the Best Director award at the Sundance Film Festival that year. He is back at FLIFF with his newest film JUST LIKE THE SON, a heart-warming comedy drama about involvement and responsibility. A young man doing community service at a school encounters a quirky young boy who suffers from a broken home life. When the boy is sent to an abusive foster care situation, the young man kidnaps him and they go on the road to find the boy's sister in Dallas. This road trip unearths both comedy and high drama as the two misfits find a commonality that helps them both understand their places in the world. The indie film is distinguished by wonderful performances by its leads Mark Webber and newcomer Antonio Ortiz (who will be present at the screening). Wonderful support is given by actress Rosie Perez and Brendan Sexton III in this tender drama.

Screenings:
Thursday, November 9, 8:30pm, Cinema Paradiso
Tuesday, November 14, 9:00pm, Cinema Paradiso

For tickets: Go to the Festival website www.fliff or to the theater box office.

Sandy Mandelberger
Online Festival Dailies Editor