The Miami Film Festival’s GEMS is back for its 13th year with what organizers call its largest lineup yet, 50 films that run through Nov. 5. Local 10 News spoke with Lauren Cohen, the festival’s director of programming, about what audiences can expect.
The slate mixes big studio titles with independent work. Cohen pointed to The Gallerist, a satire set during Art Basel with Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega and Sterling K. Brown, and Paper Tigers, which stars Scarlett Johansson, Miles Teller and Adam Driver.
Actor John Turturro is scheduled to appear in Miami for a standalone Variety conversation about his career. He is there to promote The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, a film Cohen said is already drawing Oscar attention for his performance.
Cohen said she expects several GEMS selections to compete during awards season. She cited I Play Rocky, which tells the story behind Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky. The film drew standing ovations at its Toronto International Film Festival premiere, she said. She also predicted Andrew Scott would win Best Actor.
Smaller films are on the program too. Cohen recommended Mouse, directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, which she called a hidden gem and an emotional experience.
Family films, thrillers and art-house titles are also included. Individual tickets start at $15. Details on showtimes and availability are on the festival’s website.
