THE 34TH ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
By Rafa Carvajal & Michael Bustamante
The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, better known as FLiFF, returns for its 34th edition with more than 150 films, themed parties and, most important of all, excellent talent. The Festival will take place November 1-17 and will bring features, documentaries, and shorts with an impressive array of genres, including American Independent and foreign language, plus a couple of films from sunny Florida.
Opening night will take place at the Museum of Discovery and Science with the South Florida premiere of the film CUBA on the impressive Autonation IMAX screen. According to FLIFF President and CEO Gregory von Hausch, “It’s very exciting to have, for the first time ever, a partnership with the Museum of Discovery and Science, who like FLiFF, is synonymous with the city of Fort Lauderdale and enriches the community with culture and exceptional film.”
The Centerpiece Film on November 9 will feature the southeast premiere of Safe Spaces, with both its director Daniel Schechter and star Justin Long in attendance. The Closing Night Film will be From The Vine directed by Sean Cisterna. Both events are followed by great parties. For a full lineup of films and parties, and to purchase tickets, visit fliff.com.
Wire Magazine sat down with Director Peter H. Chang to further discuss his film CUBA, and FLiFF 2019.
Rafa Carvajal: Tell our readers what the film CUBA is about.
Peter H. Chang: The film is an immersive journey into a place little known to many. Through the eyes of Cubans, we experience some of the ambiance, character and spirit, ingenuity and resilience, passions and dreams of present-day Cuba. We also explore the island broadly to glean insights into its history, culture and ecology.
RC: How did you get involved with the film?
PHC: I loved the films Buena Vista Social Club and Soy Cuba. They made me want to explore Cuba and I think the best way to explore and learn about a place is to immerse yourself in it and make a film about it. Once I was in Cuba, I couldn’t put my camera down.
RC: Why should Wire Magazinereaders watch CUBA at this year’s FLiFF 2019?
PHC: It’s a unique glimpse into a fascinating and dynamic place. This is the first time Cuba has been captured in large format for giant screen/IMAX, the most cinematic and immersive theater experience there is. We crafted the film especially for IMAX and giant screens so audiences at FLiFF will be able to see the film the way it was meant to be seen at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science’s IMAX which is 80 feet wide and 60 feet high.
RC: Describe your film CUBA in 3 words.
PHC: Immersive, illuminating, inspiring.
RC: What are the most important themes explored in CUBA?
PHC: Following one’s passion, perseverance, exploring problem-solving in creative and ingenious ways, scientific discovery, and ocean conservation.
RC: What has been your favorite project that you have ever worked on?
PHC: Usually my current one! Any project where I get to really explore a subject deeply like Cuba and Jerusalem.
This was originally published in Wire Magazine Issue 22.2019