• By Mabel Pais

Artis-Naples, Florida presents for its 15th annual edition the Naples International Film Festival (NIFF), October 26-29, 2023.

This year, NIFF will include 57 films (12 narrative features, 10 documentary features and 35 short films) representing eight countries, with several of those films including in-person post-screening filmmaker Q&A conversations. Select filmmakers will also participate in panel discussions during the festival. All screenings and associated events will be held in-person in Hayes Hall or Norris Garden on the Artis—Naples Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus or at the festival’s new venue partner, Paragon Theaters – Pavilion.

“We are thrilled to unveil this exceptional lineup of films that promises to captivate and inspire our audiences during the 15th anniversary of the Naples International Film Festival. These offerings are a testament to our unwavering commitment to the art of independent film and to the community,” said Artis—Naples CEO and President Kathleen van Bergen. “We have pulled out all the stops with this selection of films reflecting the diverse and compelling breadth of stories from around the world, and we are eager to share these cinematic treasures with our patrons.”

“We strive every year to unite the world of cinema, the creativity of filmmakers and the enthusiasm of our audiences,” explained David Filner, executive vice president, artistic operations. “Whether we’re spotlighting documentaries that resonate with our artistic mission or sharing profound narratives about the highs and lows of life, NIFF is a unique forum where filmmakers and our vibrant community of cinephiles converge, embracing the multidisciplinary vision that defines Artis—Naples.”

Themes for the Naples International Film Festival’s curated short film programs include True Stories, Family Affair, Journeys, Viewpoints, Unexpected Outcomes and the recurring Student Filmmaker Showcase.

Films in the Naples International Film Festival’s competition categories will vie for more than $10,000 in cash prizes, including the Audience Awards for Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature and Best Short as well as the Focus on the Arts Award, given to a feature-length narrative or documentary film with an emphasis on one or more of the visual or performing arts. For the fifth consecutive year, NIFF will also present juried awards in the Narrative Feature and Documentary Feature categories.

The 2023 Naples International Film Festival (NIFF) Film Lineup

OPENING NIGHT FILM

Hard Miles – East Coast Premiere

Dir: RJ Daniel Hanna; USA; 108m

‘Hard Miles’ takes a page from the heartfelt, humor-filled coming of age sports dramas that graced our screens in the ’80s and ’90s.

CLOSING NIGHT FILM

E.T. (1982)

Dir: Steven Spielberg; USA; 105m

After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott (Henry Thomas).

NARRATIVE FEATURES

JURIED COMPETITION

All Happy Families – Florida Premiere

Dir: Haroula Rose; USA; 90m

The Problem of the Hero – Florida Premiere

Dir: Shaun Dozier; USA; 85m

Scrap – Florida Premiere

Dir: Vivian Kerr; USA; 105m

ADDITIONAL NARRATIVE FEATURES

Duelers – World Premiere

Dir: Christian Cicerone; USA; 99m

Everybody Wants to Be Loved

Dir: Katharina Woll; Germany; 80m

Grey Matter – U.S. Premiere

Dir: Arabella Burfitt-Dons; UK; 100m

Heightened – Florida Premiere

Dir: Sara Friedman; USA; 98m 

Karaoke – Florida Premiere

Dir: Moshe Rosenthal; Israel; 100m

La Syndicaliste

Dir: Jean-Paul Salomé; France; 122m

Long December – Florida Premiere

Dir: Thomas Torrey; USA; 80m

Mr. Blake At Your Service! – East Coast Premiere

Dir: Gilles Legardinier; France; 110m

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

JURIED COMPETITION

Art for Everybody – Florida Premiere

Dir: Miranda Yousef; USA; 99m

Full Circle

Dir: Josh Berman – Florida Premiere; USA; 103m

Maestra – Florida Premiere

Dir: Maggie Contreras; USA; 88m

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

Geoff McFetrige: Drawing a Life – Florida Premiere

Dir: Dan Covert; USA; 81m

Happy Clothes: A Film About Patricia Field    Florida Premiere

Dir: Michael Selditch; USA; 100m

Immediate Family – Florida Premiere

Dir: Denny Tedesco; USA; 102m

Karen Carpenter: Starving for Perfection

Dir: Randy Martin; USA; 110m

The Longest Goodbye – East Coast Premiere

Dir: Ido Mizrahy; Canada, Israel; 87m

Out There: A National Parks Story

Dir: Brendan Hall; USA; 75m

Pianoforte

Dir: Jakub Piątek; USA; 91m

SHORT FILMS

There are 27 short films and 8 student (short) films.

TICKETS

Tickets for all screenings and activities at Paragon Theaters – Pavilion go on sale September 27. Tickets for the Opening Night Film and Party; the Closing Night Awards Ceremony, Film and Wrap Party; and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert are currently on sale. For more information, visit artisnaples.org/niff.

ARTIS—NAPLES

Home of The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic, Artis—Naples is unique among cultural institutions nationwide, equally dedicated to both the visual and performing arts featuring artists of global distinction. Learn more about the KIMBERLY K. QUERREY and LOUIS A. SIMPSON CULTURAL CAMPUS, the NAPLES PHILHARMONIC, THE BAKER MUSEUM, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY at Artis-Naples, Florida at artisnaples.org.

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)