8 April 4-10, 2024 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com New Times | music | cafe | culture | Night+Day | News | letters | coNteNts | MONTH XX–MONTH XX, 2008 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | ART | STAGE | NIGHT+DAY | METRO | RIPTIDE | LETTERS | CONTENTS | I t’s an unusually windy day in Miami. The string lights out- side a quaint Edgewater coffee shop on 29th Street off Bis- cayne are in constant motion. The breeze ushers in the salty smell of the bay a block away. Filmmaker Monica Sorelle swirls her iced coffee before taking a sip. Her brown-hazel eyes are piercing, but they soften as she begins to speak about her first feature film, Mountains. The story follows a demolition worker in Little Haiti who starts to feel his work creeping closer and closer to his door- step. The 92-minute film tackles themes of gentrification and displacement while weaving a tale that’s all too familiar to lo- cals. The subject matter of Sorelle’s film is prevalent. Just within view of where she sits stands an old, derelict building with a flimsy “for rent” sign not far from the shiny new condo buildings that overtaken Edgewater. And just behind Sorelle is a fenced, empty lot draped in banners promoting a soon-to- be-erected residential tower. Although Sorelle grew up in North Miami, she spent most of her childhood in Little Haiti with her mom, who worked in social services. She has fond memories of what the neighbor- hood used to be. A sense of sadness washes over her face as she looks away and up the street. The Haitian-American filmmaker admits she learned about gentrification when she moved back home in 2014 after attending college out of state. She became fascinated with it and felt compelled to do something about it. Wanting to effect some positive change, she joined a nonprofit. Sorelle cracks a smile as she recounts the experience. Quickly, she discovered a newfound appreciation for established his now decades-long career in his hometown of Sydney, Australia. Woolley’s first time in the Magic City was when he flew in for his in-person job interview sometime in 2023. So what does an Austra- lian-born, former West Coaster think of Miami? Woolley describes his new home as “the right fit.” He continues, adding that MFF is “filled with opportunity, and that’s what I’m excited about. I’m honored to be here.” One of his goals as director is to expand the festival and offer more films, as well as hold more events and screenings throughout the city. During the festival, which takes place April 5-14, attendees will have the option to catch an MFF event at an array of locations. New this year are screenings and talks at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, triumphant returns to theaters on Lincoln Road, Coral Gables, and even events at the Miami Beach Bandshell. Woolley and his team have ensured nearly every corner of Miami has some sort of coverage. In addition to more venues, Woolley calls attention to some unique programming offerings audiences can only find at the fest. “We’ve got an immersive screening called 32 Sounds that we’re doing in conjunction with Live Arts Miami and Pérez Art Museum Miami,” he says. You wear headphones and listen to live sounds be- ing made in front of you that try to trigger memories of the visual that you’re watching.” He mimics putting on imaginary headphones over his ears. “It tries to get you to remember the womb and child- hood memories.” Woolley takes a sip of his latte, undoing the subtle swirl design left by the barista. “We’re trying to provide programming that you can’t get at home, because that’s the difference between us and watching something on a release six to 12 months later; it’s the ex- perience that comes with it.” Flipping through the program’s annotated pages, Woolley can find something to say about every square block of text. His aqua- marine blue eyes scan the pages excitedly. Of the many, many films coming to Miami—more than 100 events over the course of a ten-day festival—it’s almost impossible for the newly appointed director to narrow down the selections. He does admit, however, that he’s excited about a slew of locally made films being part of the lineup. “A personal favorite of mine is Mountains,” he says, crossing his arms and leaning his elbows on the table. “It’s about gentrification in Little Haiti, and it’s set here in Miami, filmed by a local team. It has so much to say about what the city is. And on Sunday, April 7, you’ll be able to see it in a big, grand venue with the people who made it and the community who it means something to you. “You’re not going to get to replicate that experience anywhere else.” Miami Film Festival 2024. Friday, April 5, through Sunday, April 14; at various locations; miamifilmfestival.com. Tickets cost $10 to $13 per film screening. by Carolina del Busto PEAK PERFORMANCE Monica Sorelle shines a light on gentrifi cation in Mountains. ReelAmbitions from p7 >> p10 Of the many, many films coming to Miami, it’s almost impossible for the newly appointed director to narrow down the selections. Photo courtesy of Miami Film Festival Catch Mountains on Sunday, April 7, as part of the 41st Miami Film Festival.
