Key West Film Festival to Celebrate Cinema Nov. 13-17

Film buffs can enjoy screenings of more than 75 films, many with Florida ties and themes, during the 13th Annual Key West Film Festival scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 13-17.

Events include a complimentary 50th anniversary screening of Roman Polanski’s “Chinatown,” presented by the Florida Keys & Key West Film Commission. Kimberly Peirce, known for directing “Boys Don’t Cry,” is to join Rolling Stone film critic David Fear in a discussion.

Opening Wednesday night is “The Fire Inside,” an inspiring film about two-time Olympic women’s boxing gold medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields and her fight for women athletes.

This year’s Golden Key Award for Emerging Talent is to be presented to Florida writer and director Delaney Buffett, daughter of the late singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, for her breakout actress role and direction in “Adult Best Friends,” a Spotlight film. Her previous directorial credits include “The Spring,” winner of Best Documentary at the 2017 Toronto International Short Film Festival.

Florida films and shorts curated from 1,500 submissions include “The Salt Cured Life,” featuring Key West chef and rum entrepreneur Paul Menta sharing how the power of salt water can help one find balance in life.

Florida Focus films include “Mario Sanchez: Over the Beautiful Florida Keys” about the late famed wood-carving folk artist, by Roberto Otera Morfa; and “Naked Ambition: Bunny Yeager” by Miami-based Emmy-nominated Kareen Tabsch.

“The Room Next Door,” starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, is to screen Saturday as director, screenwriter and author Pedro Almodovar’s first English-language film. It focuses on a best-selling author who rekindles a relationship with a war journalist friend.

Screening venues include Williams Hall, 729 Fleming St.; The Perry Hotel & Marina, 7001 Shrimp Road on Stock Island; and Regal Key West, 3338 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

The Golden Key for Excellence in Costume Design honors Academy Award-nominated Danny Glicker, who is to participate in a discussion of his work moderated by Time magazine film critic Stephanie Zacharek.

“Danny Glicker may be the most formidable contemporary costume designer of his craft. He has built the characters of Harvey Milk, Brian Wilson, Jack Kerouac and so many other legends to grace the silver screen,” said Michael Tuckman, the festival’s director of programming.

Documentary highlights include “Men of War” by Miami-based filmmaker Billy Corbin about an international conspiracy.

This year’s LGBTQ films — programmed with the assistance of Eugene Hernandez, executive director of the Sundance Film Festival — include “Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story,” chronicling the life of singer-actress Liza Minnelli.

Sunday’s closing night is to feature an outdoor Florida premiere of “Rebel Country,” starring country music’s Jelly Roll, Sam Williams, Breland and Blanco Brown.

Information on all-access passes — priced from $399 for a VIP Premium Pass with priority seating, unlimited film screenings and invitations to special events — can be found at keywestff.com.

Event information, film schedule and ticketing: keywestff.com

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