Image Location: Las Olas Riverwalk, Fort Lauderdale FL

White Shark Selected into LALIFF

Emerging Filmmaker Grant recipient and Pompano Beach-based filmmaker Bima Mandic was recently selected by the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) for her short film, White Shark, a Florida-shot drama filmed in Pompano Beach. The drama was filmed in Pompano Beach and follows two individuals as they embark on a challenging and transformative journey along the Florida Coast. Bima has earned recognition at prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Sitges, and the Telly Awards. Her work has also been featured by the BBC, CNN, Bloomberg, and more.

Congratulations to Bima on this exciting achievement!

Celebrating Independent Film at Savor Cinema

On May 1st, Film Lauderdale Assistant Manager Christy Andreoni attended An Evening of Independent Film at Savor Cinema in Fort Lauderdale in support of South Florida’s thriving independent film community. The evening featured the premiere of 'Hands of Time' by Emerging Filmmaker Grantee Shanks Larsen, alongside several additional short films, including 'Forgiving Victor' from fellow Emerging Filmmaker Grantee Arash Farsi.

The night brought together filmmakers, creatives, and audiences for an evening filled with film, networking, and collaboration. Congratulations to all of the filmmakers whose work was showcased and who continue contributing to the growth of South Florida’s film industry!

South Florida Shows Up Strong at 
The Cannes Film Festival

Film Commissioner Sandy Lighterman attended the Cannes Film Festival from May 12th-18th, and made connections with many filmmakers, producers, and high-level industry executives from not only France, but all over the world, putting Broward County and Greater Fort Lauderdale on the map! From being a part of Film USA's 'Florida Day' alongside the state's fellow Film Commissioners to chat about incentives, infrastructure and diverse locations to connecting with industry partners at various events, the Cannes Film Festival served as a great reminder of how strong and connected Florida’s film community truly is. 

At the Roundtable with Miami Film Lab

On May 27th, Film Commissioner Sandy Lighterman joined fellow industry professionals as a guest panelist for a roundtable discussion hosted by the Miami Film Lab at the Coral Gables Art Cinema. The conversation highlighted how South Florida's film community is coming together to support local filmmakers in telling their stories. Sandy also provided insight into the many resources, locations, and opportunities available to productions of all sizes in Broward County.

Film Florida Legends Awards

The 2026 Film Florida Legends Awards was an unforgettable evening celebrating the individuals who have helped shape Florida’s entertainment industry. Industry professionals from across the state gathered to honor this year’s awardees and the legacy they continue to leave behind for future generations. Honorees recognized were former Florida-Los Angeles Liaison Susan Simms, former Palm Beach County Film Commissioner Chuck Elderd, posthumous tribute to Transportation Captain Larry Crenshaw, and American Rapper, Actor & TV Host Vanilla Ice. A special thank you to our incredible hosts, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and the entire team whose support and collaboration helped bring this event to life. The event was made possible with support from the Broward County Cultural Division, Film Lauderdale, Talent Direct Agency, The Gray Box Theater, Film Tampa Bay, This is Improv, Orange County, the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission, Lightship Studios, and caterers Brulee and Tasteful Thoughts.

Looking for a classic South Florida sports backdrop with a little character? 
Aqua Golf Driving Range in Hallandale Beach offers a laid-back, old school atmosphere that's straight out of a movie scene - literally! The range was featured in the iconic 1998 comedy, There’s Something About Mary, in the memorable scene where Pat (Matt Dillon) meets Mary (Cameron Diaz). Known for its waterfront driving range and retro charm, the location is perfect for casual sports moments.

Savor Cinema is celebrating Flag Day on June 14th, with a powerful documentary on the big screen, followed by a cookout in the courtyard under the South Florida sun. FLAG DAY (Documentary, 75 min) is a verité portrait of community, identity, and what it means to be American — filmed at the nation's largest Flag Day parade in Three Oaks, Michigan. Join on Sunday, June 14, 2:00 PM at Savor Cinema. Film + Cookout to follow. Tickets are now available. FREE for FLIFF Members.

For more information, click the link below!



On June 17th, join the second Casting and Networking event to help participants connect and create teams to compete in the 48-Hour Film Project. Both experienced and newbies are welcome! Have a team and are looking for more members/actors? Want to join a team or create your own? Actors - be prepared to perform a 1-minute monologue or cold read sides in front of a live audience so teams can start identifying their actors. Filmmakers, Directors, Producers, Crew, and Creatives - Please attend the casting and networking event to identify actors and crew members to join your team! For tickets and more information, click the link below.

Looking to improve your story and script development? Join Arts Accelerator on June 28th at Make It Visual Creative Studio for their Writers Room lab! The meetup will be an interactive writing experience modeled after a professional television writers' room, where writers share their works in progress, exchange feedback, and develop their ideas.

For more info and tickets, click the link below.

Looking to improve your story and script development? Join Arts Accelerator on June 28th at Make It Visual Creative Studio for their Writers Room lab! The meetup will be an interactive writing experience modeled after a professional television writers' room, where writers share their works in progress, exchange feedback, and develop their ideas.

For more info and tickets, click the link below.

Study TV/Acting for film with Nika King! Throughout four Wednesdays in June, learn from actress Nika King about on-camera technique, scene breakdown and character choices, and self-tape skills that land callbacks! Wednesdays in June, 7–9 PM. $300 total (only $50 to reserve your spot) Inspired by the kind of grounded, screen-ready work Nika King brings as Leslie in Season 3 of Euphoria. Tickets are now available. For more information, click the link below!

Looking for acting classes? Join the June Film Lab at Kim Houston Acting Studios for 3 weeks of coaching every Monday, 1 shoot day and 1 reel-ready scene! Spots are limited. Mondays in June, 7–9 PM (June 1, 8, 15). Shoot Day: Sunday June 22, on location at CVT. $450 (or 2 payments of $235) | Filming only: $350.

For more info on tickets, click the link below!

Apply for the Roy W. Dean Film Grant for Summer 2026! The grant is open to documentaries, narrative features, short films and web series budged at $500,000 or less. Films can be at any stage of production. The grant seeks films that are unique & make a contribution to society.

The winner will receive a cash prize of $3,500 and thousands more in donated film products and services. For more information on how to apply, click the link below!

CALL FOR ENTRIES IS NOW OPEN!

Born from the creative legacy of FLIFF's four+ decades, FLIFFShorts spotlights the visionary storytellers working in short form. The four day festival will present their innovative and captivating short films from around the world while proudly spotlight our local film talent.



Early Deadline: July 1st, 2026

Festival Dates: November 5th - 8th, 2026



For more information on how to submit your short, click the link below!

NSU University School's Film Forward is back this year! Film Forward is a one‑week summer camp in Ft Lauderdale for student filmmakers entering grades 8–12 in 2026–27, running from July 27th to 31st. Campers will collaborate to create a short film while learning directly from industry professionals. This camp is open to all experience levels.



Apply by: Friday, July 15th, 2026

For more information on price and how to register, click the link below!

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