Last year the prestigious Miami International Film Festival celebrating its 31st edition launched “GEMS” a second festival to its annual activities, a 4-day event to present the “jewels” of the fall season.  The Event was such a success that is now a permanent fixture in MIFF’s calendar.  Held at the iconic Tower Theater on 8th Street in Little Havana from 13th – 16th October 2016 it has an eclectic program previewing some of the very best new international independent movies, with a healthy mix of films from Latin America. 

Here are our Top Picks for GEMS 2016 .

The Rolling Stones Olé Olé Olé!: A Trip Across Latin America : this rather joyous account of the world’s oldest and best rock band on their latest tour which ends on with a groundbreaking Concert in Havana is the Opening Night Gala movie.  It’s a heart-warming wee gem that reminds you exactly how excellent these veteran musicians really are …… and they are quite nice chaps too.  Click HERE for your full review .

 

Christine : Since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival where it was nominated for a Grand Jury Prize, this fictionalized account of a real-life tragic story has been racking up some excellent reviews, particularly for its British star Rebecca Hall and her career-best performance. It’s the tale of Christine Chubbock who started out her promising TV career as a serious journalist in Sarasota, but got so overwhelmed by her sheer lack of ability of how to get ahead or even make friends, and so shot herself during a live broadcast. Heart-wrenching drama.

 

 

I, Daniel Blake. This latest movie, (and possibly his best)  from acclaimed British director Ken Loach and his writing partner Paul Laverty, won the coveted Palme d’Or , the highest Award given at Cannes Film Festival.  It’s a gritty blue-collar drama set in the tough economically depressed North East region of England where an unemployed carpenter with a potentially fatal heart condition is unable to get any financial aid. His one joy in life is an unexpected friendship with Katie, a quick-tempered much younger single mother and he becomes a gentle, grandfatherly figure to her two kids.  Tender & touching.

 

Neruda : from director Pablo Larraín comes this tale based on events that occurred after World War II when a change of government forced Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda, to become a fugitive in his home country  for joining the Communist Party. This then is the story of the hunt for Neruda by the intrepid Police Inspector Peluchonneau (Gael García Bernal). Variety Magazine raved about Neruda  saying it ‘represented the director at his stunning best with a work of such cleverness and beauty, alongside such power, that it’s hard to know how to parcel out praise: script, cinematography, art direction and performances all vie for kudos and awards.

 

 

For information and tickets http://miamifilmfestival.com/gems/