Wire Magazine Issue 10.2024 URGE Miami Festival Special Issue by Wire Media Group

FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL HEALTH & WELLNESS: FIVE HABITS FOR IMMUNE HEALTH

URGE MIAMI FESTIVAL

ADDITIONAL

LIFESTYLE CONTENT & VIDEOS

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By Family Features

FIVE HABITS TO HELP MAINTAIN IMMUNE HEALTH

Cold and flu season is here. The best way to battle cold and flu season is to prevent coming down with anything at all. While it’s impossible to stay entirely safe from germs, sniffles and coughs, there are a few healthy habits you can incorporate for extra protection. Along with the guidance you receive from your health care provider, consider these dietary and lifestyle recommendations to support your immune system naturally.

Commit to a Healthier Diet: Essential for optimizing your immune system, eating a healthy diet consisting of more foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains is recommended by experts. These foods contain beneficial plant compounds linked to health benefits in humans. Case in point: fresh grapes.

Natural grape compounds, including antioxidants and other polyphenols, may help protect the health and function of cells. At the most basic level, healthy cells are the foundation of good health. Making simple swaps such as choosing fresh California grapes instead of processed snacks or adding grapes into favorite recipes for a healthy boost are tasty ways to add these beneficial compounds.

Studies suggest some grape compounds may positively influence immune function, including resveratrol and certain flavonoids. Additional studies show adding heart-healthy grapes to your daily diet can help support brain, colon, and skin health. Grapes are also a good source of vitamin K, which may help support lung health. Incorporate the health benefits of grapes into your diet with an easy, convenient recipe like Grape and Brussels Sprout Slaw, perfect for eating on its own or pairing

a key way to prepare your body to fight back.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Staying hydrated helps your immune system by keeping the body’s defenses functioning properly. In addition to drinking water, you can increase hydration by eating foods with high water content like grapes, which contain about 82% water.

Manage Stress: You can help control stress — which has a negative impact on overall health and wellness — in a number of ways. Practice deep breathing or meditation, engage in activities and hobbies that bring joy and develop nighttime habits that promote good sleep. If snacking in the evening, choose foods such as grapes that are a natural source of melatonin, a compound which helps regulate sleep cycles. Talk with someone you trust, like a friend, family member or mental health professional, to help relieve stress.

Grape and Brussels Sprout Slaw Recipe. 6 Servings:

Preventive practices can help you avoid germs, protecting yourself and others at the same time. Frequently wash your hands using soap and water, limit contact with others who may be sick and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or elbow while coughing or sneezing.

Stay Active: Cold and flu season lines up with brisk temperatures, often making it more difficult to get outside for exercise. Find an activity you enjoy like moderate-intensity walking, jogging, biking, or playing an aerobic sport. The Journal of Sport and Health Science reports exercise can help improve immune response and reduce inflammation, making it

1 bag (12 ounces) shredded Brussels sprouts; 2/3 cup finely shredded red cabbage; 2 cups red Grapes from California; halved lengthwise; 1/2 cup finely diced red onion; 3 scallions; trimmed and thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 1/2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon or lime juice; 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon toasted (dark) sesame oil; freshly ground black pepper to taste; and 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds.

In large mixing bowl, combine shredded sprouts, cabbage, grapes, onion, and scallions. In small bowl, whisk vinegar, honey, lemon or lime juice and soy sauce. Drizzle in olive and sesame oils while whisking. Toss well with slaw mixture. Chill 45 minutes to incorporate flavors. Season with pepper and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. The nutritional information per serving is 170 calories, 4 g protein, 22 g carbohydrates, 9 g fat (48% calories from fat), 1.5 g saturated fat (8% calories from saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 60 mg sodium, and 4 g fiber.

You can visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com to find more ways to support your immune health with other delicious recipes.

Photo by Gutife via Pixabay

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without ﬁrst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: dofetilide rifampin any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY

Tell your healthcare provider if you: Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. Have any other health problems. Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of breastfeeding during treatment with BIKTARVY.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including: Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to ﬁght infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.

Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.

8.375 in

Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side e ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

BIKTARVY and other medicines may a ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.

If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

#1 PRESCRIBED HIV TREATMENT*

*Source: IQVIA NPA Weekly, 04/19/2019 through 05/19/2023.

ELIAS SWITCHED TO BIKTARVY

Listen to REAL STORIES being told by REAL VOICES. No matter where life takes you,

Person featured takes BIKTARVY and is compensated by Gilead.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

*This information is an estimate derived from the use of information under license from the following IQVIA information service: IQVIA NPA Weekly, for the period week ending 04/19/2019 through week ending 05/19/2023. IQVIA expressly reserves all rights, including rights of copying, distribution, and republication.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and at BIKTARVY.com.

PUBLISHER’S CORNER VOTE FOR DEMOCRACY & CELEBRATE URGE MIAMI FESTIVAL!

This month’s issue is our URGE Miami Festival Special Issue. The world-famous URGE Miami Festival will return to our Magic City November 29 to December 2 with four colossal night parties, the dynamic Royal Palm Pool Party and the super sexy Sunday Beach Party on the beautiful sands of South Beach. We preview the Festival for you with interviews of URGE co-owner Luis Morera; Mauricio Lagrecca, one of the main producers for Brazil’s number one LGBTQ party Guapo that is making its U.S. debut during the Festival; and DJs Jesus Montanez, Joe Gauthreaux and Erik Vilar. Also in this issue, Flix is about the star-studded 39th Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival opening Friday, November 8, and featuring an outstanding lineup of over 100 films, documentaries, and short films that includes eight world premieres and 17 U.S. premieres, plus several fun galas, parties, and special events. In Health & Wellness, we provide you five habits to help maintain immune health now that cold and flu season is here. Our photo albums are from the recent National LGBTQ Task Force Gala, which was a beautiful and memorable fundraising affair, and Meet Me at TWIST! with DJ Bill Hallquist.

A very consequential national election is right around the corner, so I am compelled to remind everyone in our LGBTQ community what is at stake. This past weekend, Donald Trump held a rally at Madison Square Garden that reinforced everything that is wrong with this bigoted man. The political event had echoes of the infamous Nazi rally also held at the Garden February 20, 1939. Trump’s so called ‘campaign event’ was filled of hate, discrimination, and lies, just like big rallies held by other failed despots in history that went on to cause severe damage to their countries. The United States of America is the greatest democracy in the world, but its very essence is being threatened by the clear and present danger of Donald Trump’s beliefs.

Believe the career generals and other members of Trump’s previous administration when they tell us that this man is not qualified to be president and vote for our democracy and against Trump’s politics of hate, discrimination, divisiveness, and constant lies! In closing, I want to remind you that our military officers swear an Oath of Office that they will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that they will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, and that they will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which they are about to enter. Donald Trump, by his own words and actions, goes against everything I learned as someone who graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy with High Honors. I believe in our great democracy and by voting you can exercise your right to protect and defend it.

Cheers,

Rafa Carvajal Publisher & Editor in Chief rafa@wiremag.com

URGE MIAMI FESTIVAL

The world-famous URGE Miami Festival returns to our Magic City Thanksgiving weekend, November 29 to December 2. It will include four colossal night parties, the dynamic Royal Palm Pool Party and everyone’s favorite, super sexy Sunday Beach Party on the beautiful sands of South Beach, hosting thousands of beautiful men from around the world. Get all the details about the parties and famous circuit DJs performing, and purchase your passes and tickets for URGE Miami Festival at urgemiamifestival.com.

URGE Miami Festival kicks off Friday, November 29 at 10:30 p.m. with the Miami premiere of Guapo, a Sao Paulo, Brazil based festival brand that has become world renowned for its happy and fresh vibe. Guapo Olé will take place at Studio B with Guapo’s resident DJ Adham, Brazilian DJ Liza Rodriguez, and Mexico DJ Jesus Montanez. The Saturday pool party will be at the Festival’s host hotel The Royal Palm South Beach. The Pool Party DJs will be gay influencer and DJ Eliad Cohen, and DJ/Producer Jerac. Saturday night will feature the Main Event, URGE Gladiator, at Studio B. DJ Edu Quintas will return to URGE from vibrant Rio de Janeiro for Gladiator and will be joined by world renowned Israeli DJ/Producer Mor Abrahami, and Miami’s DJ/ Producer Yordi. This year’s Sunday Beach Party will be headlined by DJ/Producer Joe Gauthreaux, alongside international festival DJ Erik Villar. Sunday will showcase the WE Party Kiss Me Tiger at M2 Nightclub with DJs Dani Brasil and Lope. The closing party will be The After, an after-hours bash with sounds by DJs Alison Nunes and Danny Verde at Level One.

By Rafa Carvajal

Instagram @rafa_carvajal

Photos by Photo Studio Miami

Abel Cruz & Jorge Freire

Instagram @PhotoStudioMiami @abel4all | @jorgino29ofﬁcial

To preview this year’s Festival, I sat down with Luis Morera, one of URGE Miami’s event producers, and Mauricio Lagrecca, one of the main producers for Brazil’s number one LGBTQ party called Guapo, which is making its U.S. debut during the 2024 URGE Miami Festival. I also interviewed DJs Jesus Montanez, Joe Gauthreaux and Erik Vilar.

Rafa Carvajal: Tell our readers what is new about the URGE management team producing the 2024 URGE Miami Festival.

Luis Morera: After years of successful collaboration, two of URGE Miami’s founders, Billy Kemp and Hilton Wolman, have decided to move on to new ventures in their lives. I’m incredibly grateful for the knowledge and friendship we’ve built over the years. This year, I’m excited to welcome Raul Griffith to the team. Raul brings extensive experience in the production industry, both behind the scenes and on stage. Alongside Raul and our longtime project manager Carlos Rojas, we’ve assembled a dynamic team of marketing and production assistants. Together, we’re building an even stronger URGE Miami team, ready to take the Festival to the next level.

RC: What are you looking forward to the most about this year's Festival?

LM: What I’m most excited about for this year’s URGE Miami Festival is the energy and vibe we’re creating. We’ve got an incredible lineup of DJs, some fresh new production elements, and unique party themes that are going to blow people away. The Festival has always been about creating unforgettable moments, but this year we’re turning it up even more. I can’t wait to see the community come together, dance their hearts out, and just lose themselves in the magic of it all. This year’s URGE is all about elevating the experience to a whole new level!

RC: How are you making the Festival better? I understand you are making some enhancements to the Beach Party.

LM: We’re always looking for ways to level up URGE, and this year’s Beach Party is going to be next-level fun! We’re all about listening to our crowd and keeping things fresh, which is why we make sure to evolve with what people want. While production is important, what really matters to us is that people leave with huge smiles and memories that last. For 2024, we’re moving the Beach Party to a bigger space on Ocean Drive (6th-8th streets) because of Art Basel. We’re excited about the extra room and are planning to deck out the space with a killer stage and some cool new activities throughout the party. Our goal? To make sure everyone leaves with a massive smile and a memory they’ll never forget!

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RC: What makes the URGE Miami Festival such a popular event for attendees from around the world?

LM: In my opinion, It’s all about that unbeatable Miami vibe! The city itself is the perfect backdrop — warm, welcoming, and full of life. URGE was designed to capture that energy, bringing together the best of Miami’s fun-loving spirit, and turning it into an unforgettable party experience. Miami has it all: incredible food, world-class shopping, and those stunning beaches that make you never want to leave. Plus, the city has grown into such a hot spot for culture and entertainment that it just adds to the magic. URGE embodies all of that, and that’s why people from all over the world flock here on Thanksgiving weekend to join in the fun!

RC: Why do some of the best international Circuit DJs participate in the URGE Miami Festival?

LM: The top international Circuit DJs come to play at URGE Miami Festival because it’s one of those events that perfectly blends an electric atmosphere with that unbeatable Miami energy. DJs know that the URGE crowd is here to dance, and celebrate, creating the kind of connection between the music and the audience that’s hard to find elsewhere. Plus, over the years, Miami’s global appeal and reputation as a party capital make it the ideal stage for these DJs to showcase their talent. They love the energy, the diversity of the crowd, and the chance to be part of something that’s both iconic and unforgettable!

RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers about purchasing their tickets and passes to URGE Miami Festival?

LM: I’d say to all Wire Magazine readers: if you’re thinking about coming to URGE Miami Festival, grab your passes now! Not only will you save some cash (which we all love, especially in today’s economy), but you’ll also score some sweet perks. Think express entry, no fumbling with multiple emails or QR codes for each party, and best of all, all pass holders get an exclusive URGE swag bag, complete with a cute URGE fashion piece and cool giveaways from our festival partners. So why wait? Lock in your pass and $AVE while you can!

Rafa Carvajal: Which URGE Miami Festival event are you producing this year?

Mauricio Lagrecca: The Guapo Olé party. This will be our first time at the Festival. The Guapo brand is already present in various cities worldwide, such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Barcelona, Bogotá, Toronto, and New York City, among others. We are thrilled to bring our energy and production to Miami for the first time.

RC: Tell our readers about the style of music Guapo will deliver at Olé.

ML: With its unique style, Guapo will deliver a Circuit sound that’s vibrant and vocal-driven, a style that leaves its mark wherever it goes.

RC: What is the best part of being part of the URGE Miami Festival?

ML: Being part of the URGE Festival is crucial for solidifying our brand’s presence at top festivals worldwide.

RC: Why do you think people from around the world like attending the Festival every year?

ML: URGE is a special festival, as it has brought people from all over the United States and different parts of the world to Miami for years, offering a unique blend of music and the city’s vibrant beauty.

RC: In your opinion, what makes URGE Miami Festival such a special event for our LGTBQ community?

ML: The URGE Miami Festival celebrates diversity and the LGBTQIA+ community in one of the most important cities in the United States and worldwide.

RC: Why should Wire Magazine readers attend your URGE Miami Festival Guapo party?

ML: Readers can expect an incredible party experience from us, blending Spanish culture with our 'Olé’ theme and the essence of Brazilian parties and music.

RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers?

ML: We’re excited to share our anticipation for showcasing our party, bringing the joy and energy of Brazilian dance floors to this year’s URGE Miami Festival.

Rafa Carvajal: Which URGE Miami Festival event are you DJing at this year?

DJ Jesus Montanez: I will be DJing at Guapo on Friday night at Studio B.

DJ Joe Gauthreaux: I’m playing the URGE Beach Party on Sunday, December 1st.

DJ Erik Vilar: I will be DJing at the Beach Party.

RC: Tell our readers about the style of music you will be DJing for them at the Festival.

JM: The style of music I am going to play will be very energetic. I will be playing a lot of drums and vocals. You can go to the URGE Soundcloud and find my exclusive set for the Festival.

JG: My set will be a mix of contemporary vocals, progressive melodies and bombastic beats. At least half the tracks in my current club rotation won’t work in an outdoor setting, so I put a lot of time and thought into preparing a set that translates to an outdoor beach environment.

EV: I’ll be spinning captivating vocals infused with elements of tribal and tech house sounds.

RC: What is the best part of being a DJ at the URGE Miami Festival?

JM: URGE Miami Festival is one of my favorite events of the year because many people from other cities come to visit. The venues, the energy of the people, everything is on point.

JG: Events where you can dance on the beach with your friends, from daytime to nighttime, with full production in a safe LGBTQ+ setting are a rarity these days. So when they do happen, it creates a unified, magnetic vibe that’s impossible to resist or replicate.

EV: It is the opportunity to be part of such an amazing event in a city that I absolutely love. Miami's vibrant culture and energetic atmosphere make it the perfect backdrop for a festival like this.

RC: Why do you think people from around the world like attending the Festival every year?

JM: Miami is one of the best destinations to party in the world. The venues, the DJs, performers, plus in winter it is very cold in most of the cities, but the weather in Miami for this season is perfect because it is not cold and not very hot, so it is ideal to party.

JG: I think that the outstanding production and execution from Hilton and Luis through the years has been a defining factor in URGE’s success. Of course, the fabulous South Beach setting doesn’t hurt either.

EV: For the U.S., Europe and Asia, it's almost winter, and a lot of people are thinking about months of cold weather. URGE Miami Festival is a chance for them to have a final taste of summer before that.

RC: In your opinion, what makes URGE Miami Festival such a special event for our LGTBQ community?

JM: URGE Miami Festival is one of the places where you can express yourself. The people are very friendly, and the vibe is magical.

JG: It’s a whole weekend of events catering to all members of the community, no matter your shape, size, color, or pronoun.

EV: We don't have Thanksgiving in Brazil, but I understand from my friends that celebrating this holiday with family can be stressful, and not having anyone to celebrate with can be lonely. URGE provides a fantastic alternative.

RC: Why should Wire Magazine readers buy passes and tickets to attend the URGE Miami Festival?

JM: This is the festival you don't want to miss. I have been playing in Miami for many years and this is one of my all-time favorites.

JG: I’m a planner, so I usually like to secure tickets to concerts or parties before I reach the door. It’s always more cost effective, and one less thing I have to worry about. Then I’m free to be neurotic about all the other things I usually obsess over :)

EV: Because of all the great dance events, of course, but especially because it is the first time I'm am playing a Beach Party in the U.S.

RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers?

JG: Have a great time, and please party responsibly. Wear sunblock, stay hydrated, and take care of yourself. See you at the Beach!

EV: I love Miami and URGE. The first date of my return to the U.S. tour this year was URGE Memorial Day here.

NATIONAL LGBTQ TASK FORCE GALA

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA ACOSTA, JHONNY LEON, LEE LE & RAFA CARVAJAL

By Rafa Carvajal

STAR-STUDDED 39TH ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Get ready for the start of the 39th Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) on Friday, November 8, featuring an outstanding lineup of over 100 films, documentaries, and short films that includes eight world premieres and 17 U.S. premieres, plus several fun galas, parties, and special events — all until Sunday, November 17, 2024. Visit fliff.com to review the Festival schedule of films, theatres and receptions attended by celebrities, and be sure to purchase your tickets before some sell out.

Opening Night on Friday, November 8 will showcase the film Queen of the Ring, Red Carpet, and Party at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with special guests Mena Suvari, Ray Romano, Bob Mackie, Cathy Moriarty, Gavin Casalegno, Francesca Eastwood, Emily Bett Rickards, Kevin Pollak and John Savage.

FLIFF’s schedule is always a busy one because the Festival showcases a plethora of interesting films, documentaries and shorts to watch. Four of these films are:

Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion on Saturday, November 9, with a special reception prior to the film and attendance by special guest Bob Mackie, recipient of the 2024 FLIFF Lifetime Achievement Award. Comandante (The Commander) on Friday, November 8. This was the Opening Night Film of the 2023 Venice Film Festival. Romano Twins on Saturday, November 9, with special guests, identical twins Greg and Matt Romano, their father Ray Romano (who starred in CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond) and their mother Anna Romano. Grander on Closing Night, Saturday, November 16, with cocktails and the film screening.

FLIFF also includes beloved parties every year, and Festival party-goers should not miss the Barbie’s Las Olas Beach House Party, on Saturday, November 9, hosted by Steve Savor at the luxurious Villa de Palma along with award-winning costume designer Bob Mackie, famous for designing Cher, Miley Cyrus, Pink and turning Barbie into a fashion icon. A portion of the proceeds from this party will benefit Memorial Healthcare; and the Closing Night Party, on Saturday, November 16 at Pier SixtySix South / Superyacht Pavilion celebrating the documentary Grander with Director Anthony Hsieh and Co-Producers, David Lasky and Tanner Matthews.

This year, venues for FLIFF will include Cinema Paradiso, Gateway Cinema, Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, Savor Cinema, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and the Superyacht Pavilion at Pier Sixty-Six South. Remember you can purchase a FLIFF membership that includes films and events year-round and at the Film Festival with discounts!

QUEEN OF THE RING

Director: Ash Avildsen. U.S.A., 2024

Inspired by Jeff Leen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, the true story chronicles Mildred Burke, the first million-dollar female athlete in history. Millie, a young single mother defies societal norms by becoming a professional wrestler during a time when female wrestling was illegal in most of the U.S. Starting her career by competing against men at carnivals, she builds an impressive record and paves the way for women’s wrestling to gain acceptance. Despite her success, Millie’s journey is marked by personal struggles, including raising her son on the road, the tragic death of her wrestling protege, and a tumultuous relationship with her manager and ex-husband, Billy Wolfe. Her story highlights her triumphs, such as headlining main events, bringing women of color into the sport, and participating in the first female ‘shoot match’ for a title fight. Queen of the Ring captures the golden age of female pro wrestling.

Photos Provided by FLIFF

BOB MACKIE: NAKED ILLUSION

Director: Matthew Miele. U.S.A., 2024

The Florida Premiere of the Documentary Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion showcases the six-decade career of award-winning costume designer, Bob Mackie. Like his costumes, Bob Mackie is wholly unique and unfiltered, which makes for a compelling and candid subject. The documentary examines Bob's unique upbringing, those whom he has held dear within his inner circle, and the familial surprises in his life that have all contributed to the optimism and audacity present in his work. It features original interviews with Bob Mackie clients and collaborators, along with those he has inspired — designers, stylists, comedians, and actors, as well as Bob's first-person account of some of his most iconic looks from The Carol Burnett Show's Scarlett O'Hara dress to Cher's 1986 Academy Awards look with feathered headdress and Tina Turner's iconic concert costumes. Bob Mackie is a truly peerless and timeless costume designer, with interviews from Cher to Pink, to Tom Ford and Miley Cyrus, to RuPaul and Carol Burnett a testament to that fact.

COMANDANTE (THE COMMANDER)

Director: Edoardo De Angelis. Italy, 2024

At the start of WWII, Salvatore Todaro commands the Italian Royal Navy submarine Cappellini. One dark night in October 1940, while navigating in the Atlantic, he comes upon an armed merchant ship sailing without lights. He shoots at the ship and sinks it. The Commander then makes a decision that was destined to go down in history. It is most unusual to see films depicting the Italian Navy during World War II, even more so with a story surrounding a submarine crew. Edoardo de Angelis captures the loneliness in a haunting ethereal fashion that is frightening. This true story stars Italy’s Pierfrancesco Favino, who over the past five years has appeared in more FLIFF films than any actor from any country.

GRANDER

Director: Anthony Hsieh. U.S.A., 2024

Anthony Hsieh is the American Dream. He immigrated with his family from China at the age of eight and founded multiple financial institutions to incredible success. After the passing of his father and best friend, he decided it was time to hang up the suit and pursue his lifelong passion of sport fishing. With eleven boats in all oceans, and full-time teams, he chases the one thing that money can’t buy — a thousand-pound Marlin, known as a grander. This film documents the first year of the ‘World Tour’ trying to find one of the biggest fish on planet Earth. Along the way, the film shows how it all began, fighting storms in Australia, tagging large females in Brazil for research and ultimately participating in the World Cup in Africa. It’s a high-octane adrenaline rush, a push to raise awareness for our oceans, and one man’s lifelong dream, not to be missed. This film is dedicated to everyone that loves fishing.