Film Awards Announced

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Nov. 22, 2022) – The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF), has wrapped up their 37^th annual event, which ran from Nov. 4 through Nov. 13, 2022. Of the 168 films screened over the 10-day festival, there were 11 World Premieres, 7 U.S. Premieres, 7 North American Premieres, and 18 Southeast Premieres.  Among the U.S. premieres was FLIFF’s Centerpiece Film, Ride Above. The film presented by French distributor TF1 was introduced by Christian Duguay director and composer Michel Cusson.

“It was a satisfying feeling to see more moviegoers and more film talent returning to the festival this year.  Coupled with a greater selection of films available, and signature theme parties, we brought audiences back into theaters to enjoy the movie-going experience again,“ commented Gregory von Hausch, President and CEO of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.

This year more filmmaker and celebrity talent came to South Florida to attend their films and parties, among them were second-generation actors Jared Harris (son of Richard Harris) for The Ghost of Richard Harris, Zoe Bleu (Rosanna Arquette’s daughter) and Hopper Penn (Sean Penn’s son) stars of Signs of Love, and Rae Dawn Chong (daughter of Tommy Chong) for The Mistress. Actress Joelle Carter attended the IMAX film Secrets of The Sea, which she narrated, and Rob van Winkle (professionally known as Vanilla Ice), attended Ice Ice Baby Hip Hop’s 1^st Global #1.

FLIFF Chairman Steven Savor, not only increased the number of signature parties he increased the wow factor as well with top live bands, delectable buffets of food complimenting the party theme, open bars, and always a surprise or two. This year’s parties included Secrets of the Sea Soiree at the magnificent waterway estate Villa de Palma, FLIFF on the Beach at Las Olas Oceanside Park, and the western-themed Yellowstone Season 5 Premiere at Bergeron Green Glades Ranch.

A competitive film festival, this year’s Jury was composed of three personalities well-versed in film, acting, and writing. Jayce Bartok, an award-winning filmmaker, and actor in numerous films and TV shows is also a moderator and panelist for SAG-AFTRA, a contributor to the book, Now Write!, and a columnist for MovieMaker Magazine.  

Wil Shriner, as a comedian, has made dozens of appearances with David Letterman, Jay Leno, and Johnny Carson. As an actor, he co-starred opposite Joan Allen in Francis Ford Coppola’s- Oscar-nominated film Peggy Sue Got Married, and as a TV director he has worked on popular sitcoms including Frasier and Everybody Loves Raymond. Shriner also directed and wrote the screenplay for Carl Hiassen’s HOOT. 

Alissa Simon is a Variety film reviewer and currently, a lead programmer for the Palm Springs International Film Festival, She is a long-time film curator and does program consulting work through her company Cinequanon.