Miamidade College Expects Film Festival To Meet Budget

By Sherri C. Ranta
After several years of red ink, the Miami International Film Festival is expected to complete its run Friday through Feb. 8 within budget.

Miami-Dade College took over operation of the cash-strapped film festival in the fall, leaving former sponsor Florida International University to absorb an $800,000 debt.

MDC President Eduardo Padron said festival operations have been streamlined and made more cost-efficient and it should stay within budget.

College officials are providing support such as marketing and media relations rather than outsourcing the work. Festival staffers under director Nicole Guillemet have coordinated programming that will feature dramatic films and documentaries.

The $1.18 million budget, Mr. Padron said, is being met through sponsors such as American Airlines and grants from Miami-Dade County and the cities of Miami and Miami Beach.

Revenues from ticket sales are expected to help finance the festival.

Mr. Padron said he hopes the college can help ensure a stable financial future for the festival for years to come.

Many films nominated for Golden Globe awards, which were given Sunday night by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, will be featured at the Miami festival – including "Osama," an Afghanistan documentary that won a Golden Globe.

Among guests scheduled to appear at the festival are actor Woody Harrelson and Gertrude Chaplin, granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin, whose film "Modern Times" will be screened on the final day of the festival.