Entertainment
2017 Miami Film Festival Revealed Selection By Women Directors
Published
10 years agoon
By
Willie David
MIAMI, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Miami Film Festival announced Monday it will showcase a selection of films directed by women during its 2017 program. Some of these films will have their world premiere at the Festival, which runs March 3-12, 2017. The 15 films highlighted below hail from all over the world and cover a variety of topics of interest, including two timely films about Cuba. The Miami Film Festival is the only major film festival produced and presented worldwide by a college or university.
World Premiere:
– “Embargo” / U.S.A. (Director: Jeri Rice). A documentary on the origins, history, impact and evolution of the Cuban embargo, featuring rarely-seen archival interview footage with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Sergei Khrushchev, Ted Sorensen, Lucie Arnaz and many others, as well as recently declassified information. Executive produced by Miami’s Jorge M. Perez.
– “A Concrete Cinema” (“Un Cine En Concreto”) / Argentina (Director: Luz Ruciello). The quixtoic story of Omar, a humble, fragile-looking man who pursues an impossible dream to build a movie theatre for the children of his hometown in Entre Rios. With patience and resourcefulness, Omar at first succeeds, only to have family circumstances force him to start over.
International Premiere:
– “Veinte Años” (“Vinte Anos”) / Cuba, Brazil, Costa Rica (Director: Alice de Andrade). In 1992, Andrade documented the ritual of marriage in Cuba after the fall of the USSR. Twenty years later, she revisits three families, in Havana, Miami and Costa Rica, where some are exiled. Dealing only with love, the new film reflects on recent transformations in Cuban society.
North American Premiere:
– “Don’t Blame It On Your Karma!” (“No Culpes Al Karma De Lo Que Te Pasa Por Gilipollas”) / Spain (Director: Maria Ripoll). A romantic comedy about Madrid-based feather-fashion designer Sara, whose world is shaken up after a chance reunion with her long-lost high school crush after 13 years, who is now a pop music superstar Cast: Veronica Echegui, Alex Garcia, David Verdaguer.
– “Lipstick Under My Burkha” (“Lipstick Waale Sapne”) / India (Director: Alankrita Shrivastava). Four stories of four women caught in a conservative society, each in search of a little freedom. Cast: Konkona Sen Sharma, Shashank Arora, Plabita Borthakur.
– “Maria (And Everybody Else)” / (“María (Y Los Demás))” / Spain (Director: Nely Reguera). Since her mother’s death, Maria has always taken care of her dad and her brothers. When her father announces he will marry again, this time to a much younger woman, María feels her world begin to fall apart. Cast: Bárbara Lennie, Pablo Derqui, Julián Villagrán
U.S. Premiere:
– “The Night My Mother Killed My Father” (“La Noche Que Mi Madre Mató a Mi Padre”) / Spain (Director: Inés Paris). An actress in her 40s is prepared to do anything to recover her former glory and get the part she craves in a new movie. A hysterical comedy about one crazy night of show business desperation. Cast: Belén Rueda, Diego Peretti, Eduard Fernández.
– “The Empty Box” (“La Caja Vaciá”) / Mexico, France (Director: Claudia Sainte-Luce) A mixed Mexican-Haitian young woman living in Mexico City is faced with the task of caring for her Haitian father when his health begins to fail. They have never been close, and the bonds of family relations are about to undergo a severe test. Cast: Claudia Sainte-Luce, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Pablo Sigal
– “The Grownups” (“Los Niños”) / Chile, The Netherlands (Director: Maite Alberdi). Anita, Rita, Ricardo, and Andrés are four “young adults” attending a school for children with Down syndrome for 40 years. They yearn for freedoms at a more personal level, but their society is ill-equipped to handle their desire for more independence.
Florida Premiere:
– “Carrie Pilby” / U.S.A. (Director: Susan Johnson). A poignant and very funny dramedy about a highly intelligent young woman who struggles to make sense of the world as it relates to mortality, relationships, and just simply leaving her apartment. Cast: Bel Powley, Nathan Lane, Jason Ritter, Gabriel Byrne.
– “Ella Brennan: Commanding The Table” / U.S.A. (Director: Leslie Iwerks). The world renowned restaurateur Ella Brennan is the matriarch of a Creole-flavored dining dynasty dating back over half a century. Culinary luminaries such as Daniel Boulud, Emeril Lagasse, Danny Meyer and Tim and Nina Zagat reflect on the success of Brennan’s famed New Orleans establishment Commander’s Palace.
– “League of Exotique Dancers” / Canada, UK, U.S.A (Director: Rama Rau). A documentary that peels off the layers of glitter to expose the sexism, racism and widespread stigma faced by Burlesque striptease performers in the heyday of the 1960s and 70s. Many years later, these classic performers are still kicking up a storm.
– “Mr. Chibbs” / U.S.A. (Director: Jill Campbell). Kenny Anderson, a former New York City high-school basketball prodigy and NBA All-Star, loses a cherished coaching position, sending him into a midlife crisis. From his home base in South Florida, he strives to regain his footing and rebuild his family life.
– “Visitor’s Day” / U.S.A (Director: Nicole Opper). Sixteen-year-old Juan Carlos, living in a boy’s home in Mexico City, undergoes the most transformative year of his life, as he finds strength to leave his comfort zone, overcome his sense of abandonment and forgive his father for the past.
– “Take My Nose…Please!” / Mexico, U.S.A. (Director: Joan Kron). Two actors take a seriously funny and surprisingly moving look at the pressures on women in contemporary society to be attractive, and our deeply ambivalent attitude toward aesthetic surgery.
The 34th Miami Film Festival will take place March 3-12, 2017. Advance ticket vouchers on sale now for $13, only $10 for Miami Film Society members, at miamifilmfestival.com/women, or by calling 1-844-565-6433 (MIFF). Regular tickets will go on sale February 10.
Entertainment
‘SPAMALOT’ Joins Dr. Phillips Center’s 2026-27 Broadway in Orlando Season
Published
4 days agoon
August 10, 2026
Tony Award-winning musical will play Walt Disney Theater Nov. 3-5, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is expanding its 2026-27 Broadway in Orlando season with the addition of SPAMALOT, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, scheduled for Nov. 3-5, 2026, at Walt Disney Theater.
Inspired by the classic comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT brings Monty Python’s distinctly British humor to the stage through a comedic adventure following King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail.
The production comes to Orlando following a celebrated 2023 Broadway revival at the St. James Theatre, directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes.
Monty Python Comedy Comes to Orlando
Described as “lovingly ripped” from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical features British royalty, flying cows, dancing girls, shrubbery and the Lady of the Lake.
The 14-time Tony Award-nominated musical features well-known numbers including “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This” and “Find Your Grail.”
SPAMALOT features a book and lyrics by Eric Idle, with music by John Du Prez and Idle.
Cast Announced for Orlando Production
The cast features Major Attaway, whose credits include Aladdin, as King Arthur; Sean Bell (Harmony) as Sir Robin; Chris Collins-Pisano (Forbidden Broadway) as Sir Lancelot; Ellis C. Dawson III (Hamilton) as Sir Bedevere; Leo Roberts (Les Misérables) as Sir Galahad; Amanda Robles as the Lady of the Lake; Blake Segal (Mary Poppins) as Patsy; and Steven Telsey (The Book of Mormon) as the Historian and Prince Herbert.
The company also includes Lindsay Lee Alhady, Delaney Benson, Jack Brewer, Connor Coughlin, L’ogan J’ones, Graham Keen, Claire Kennard, Ben Lanham, Nathaniel Mahone, Maddie Mossner, Emilie Renier, Mark Tran Russ and Meridien Terrell.
Creative Team
The production’s creative team includes scenic and projection designer Paul Tate dePoo III, costume designer Jen Caprio, lighting designer Cory Pattak, sound designers Kai Harada and Haley Parcher, and wig designer Tom Watson.
John Bell serves as music supervisor, with Jonathan Gorst as musical director and conductor.
Derek Kolluri is associate director, Michael Fatica is associate choreographer and casting is by Geoff Josselson, CSA. RCI Theatricals serves as general manager, and Jeffrey Finn is the producer.
Tickets on Sale Now
Single tickets for SPAMALOT are on sale now through Dr. Phillips Center.
Performances: Nov. 3-5, 2026
Venue: Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Location: Orlando, Florida
Tickets and additional information are available through the Dr. Phillips Center website.
Central Florida News
Dr. Phillips Center Generates $227.6 Million Annual Economic Impact, Supports Nearly 2,500 Central Florida Jobs
Published
2 weeks agoon
July 30, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts generated $227.6 million in annual economic impact, supporting 2,483 jobs and producing $13.2 million in state and local tax revenue, according to a newly released independent study by Tourism Economics.
The analysis, conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company specializing in economic impact and tourism research, measured the direct, indirect and induced economic activity generated by the arts center’s operations, performances, visitors and related spending throughout Central Florida.
The findings underscore the Dr. Phillips Center’s role as both a premier performing arts destination and a major contributor to the region’s economy.
“For more than a decade, we’ve seen firsthand how the arts inspire people, bring communities together and create lasting value,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. “This study confirms that our impact reaches far beyond our stages—supporting thousands of jobs, driving business growth, attracting visitors from around the world and helping position Central Florida as a more vibrant, competitive and connected region.”
Economic Impact by the Numbers
According to the Tourism Economics report, the Dr. Phillips Center generated:
- $227.6 million in annual economic output
- 2,483 jobs supported across Central Florida
- $70.8 million in total labor income in Orange County
- $13.2 million in state and local tax revenue
- $73.1 million in off-site spending by event attendees, performers and production crews
- 61,600 hotel room nights generated annually
The study highlights the ripple effect created by visitors attending performances, benefiting nearby hotels, restaurants, retailers and other local businesses.
A Global Destination for Arts and Entertainment
Now in its 11th year, the Dr. Phillips Center welcomes more than 910,000 guests annually, attracting visitors from all 50 states and more than 80 countries.
Since opening in 2014, the venue has hosted:
- More than 6.2 million guests
- More than 6,200 performances and events
- Programming presented 99% of the year
- Venue occupancy rates ranging from 82% to 97%
The center has become one of the world’s busiest performing arts destinations while helping position downtown Orlando as a leading hub for arts, culture and entertainment.
Community Investment Beyond the Stage
In addition to its economic impact, the Dr. Phillips Center continues investing in arts education, community outreach and cultural programming throughout Central Florida.
According to the organization, it has:
- Served 935,920 students and community participants
- Supported and hosted 202 regional arts organizations
- Received support from 24,085 donors
- Benefited from $256 million in philanthropic contributions since its inception
Through partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, community groups and touring productions, the center continues to expand access to the performing arts while strengthening the region’s cultural and economic vitality.
Looking Ahead
Eleven years after opening, the Dr. Phillips Center continues to demonstrate that investment in arts and culture produces measurable returns through tourism, employment, education and community engagement.
As Central Florida continues to grow, the independent analysis reinforces the performing arts center’s importance as both a cultural landmark and an economic engine for the region.
Additional information about the economic impact study is available through the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Entertainment
Blue Man Group Orlando Launches $25 Kids Ticket Offer at ICON Park Through Dec. 31
Published
1 month agoon
July 6, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Families can enjoy Blue Man Group Orlando for less this summer and fall thanks to a new ticket promotion that allows children to attend performances for $25 with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket.
The limited-time offer is available for online purchases through Dec. 31, 2026, making one of Orlando’s newest live entertainment attractions more affordable for families.
Special Kids Ticket Offer
Under the promotion, guests who purchase a full-priced adult ticket may purchase a children’s ticket for $25.
The offer is valid for performances:
- Monday through Thursday
- Fridays at 5 p.m.
The promotion is not valid for:
- Saturday performances
- Sunday performances
- Fridays at 8 p.m.
New Orlando Production at ICON Park
Blue Man Group opened its new resident production at ICON Park in May inside a custom-built theater located along Orlando’s International Drive entertainment district.
The production blends music, comedy, technology and audience participation, while featuring many of the signature moments fans expect from Blue Man Group alongside new material created exclusively for the Orlando production.
Global Entertainment Phenomenon
Since debuting in 1991 at New York’s Astor Place Theatre, Blue Man Group has entertained more than 50 million people worldwide through resident productions and international tours.
The show continues to expand with performances in Orlando, Las Vegas, touring productions across North America and an upcoming tour in Japan.
Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.
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