Miami Film Festival 2026: Lineup, Honorees, and Special Events

The 43rd annual Miami Film Festival, hosted by Miami Dade College, is set to accept place from April 9–19, 2026, showcasing over 160 narratives, documentaries, and short films from 45 countries [1]. This year’s festival boasts 40 World Premieres, 2 International Premieres, 11 North American Premieres, 5 U.S. Premieres, 23 East Coast Premieres, and 63 Florida Premieres [3].

Opening and Closing Nights

Daniel Roher’s “Tuner,” starring Leo Woodall, will open the festival on April 9th [1]. John Carney’s “Power Ballad,” featuring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, will close the festival on April 19th [1], [2].

Centerpiece Selections and Notable Premieres

The festival’s centerpiece selections include “The Christophers” and “Poetic License” [1]. Other notable premieres include Jon Kean’s “The Hollywood Rabbi,” the Keanu Reeves-executive-produced “Madwoman’s Game,” and Peacock’s new South Florida-set series “M.I.A.” [3]. Additional North American Premieres include “The Gymnast” starring Ethan Embry, “Heysel 85,” “The Red Hangar (Hangar Rojo),” “Comandante Fritz,” and “Flavia,” an adaptation of the Flavia de Luce children’s book series starring Martin Freeman and Jonathan Pryce [3].

Honorees and Special Presentations

The 2026 Miami Film Festival will honor Adam Scott, Bob Odenkirk, Lili Reinhart, and Danielle Brooks [1]. Special events include the U.S. Premiere of “Milly, Queen of Merengue” at the Miami Beach Bandshell, with director Leticia Tonos Paniagua and Milly Quezada in attendance, and a 25th anniversary screening of “The Princess Diaries” at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens [2]. “Whiplash in Concert,” featuring a live performance of the film’s score by an 18-piece jazz band led by composer Justin Hurwitz, is also on the schedule [3].

Festival Vision

“This year’s lineup showcases an extraordinary range of storytelling that reflects the richness of global cinema and the vibrant creative voices shaping the future of film,” said James Woolley, Executive Director [1]. Lauren Cohen, Director of Programming, added that the lineup reflects “an extraordinary moment for Miami Film Festival,” featuring films from celebrated filmmakers like Steven Soderbergh, Sofia Coppola, Gregg Araki, and John Carney [3].