Broward Student Filmmakers Shine

on a National Stage

Congratulations to West Broward High School and NSU University School on their outstanding achievements at the All American High School Film Festival in New York! We also congratulate Pine Crest School and Cypress Bay High School for earning finalist honors across multiple categories.

Broward's young filmmakers brought home top honors, including Best Drama for Remedy by Emerson Optekar, Film Invitational Complete Experience for Why the **** Stop Now? by NSU University School Team B, and Best Horror/Sci-Fi/Fantasy for Sip, Sip by Addisyn Kostzer. In addition, we are thrilled to congratulate Jim Guarasci, Executive Producer of BECON-TV and Short Cuts TV, on being honored as Teacher of the Year.

Broward Composer, Mozart Louis

Contributes to International Oscar Contender

Congratulations to Broward County resident, Composer & Producer, Mozart Louis of MZ3 Pictures! Mozart’s incredible work on the film Rumba Royale has been officially chosen as the Democratic Republic of Congo’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. In addition to composing the original music, Mozart also contributed his talents as the colorist, sound designer, and re-recording mixer, handling the film’s full finishing.

Read the full article about Rumba Royale at the link below.

Telemundo Makes Waves in Dania Beach

The Film Lauderdale team recently visited the set of Telemundo’s novela Unidad de Vida, where an action‑packed day of filming unfolded in Dania Beach. Dramatic scenes were captured both in the water and along the iconic Dania Beach Pier for an upcoming episode sure to be filled with high-stakes drama. The shoot further highlights Broward County’s versatility as a filming location and the region’s growing presence in high‑profile Spanish‑language television.

All Eyes Are on Broward County

in Season 2 of RJ Decker

Filmed throughout Broward County, Season 2 of ABC's RJ Decker showcases the region like never before, with scenes captured across Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and Pompano Beach. Viewers will recognize a variety of local landmarks and destinations, including the Hollywood Broadwalk, The Breakhouse at Deerfield Beach, Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk, Huizenga Park, The Dalmar Hotel, and B Ocean Fort Lauderdale, among many others. We’re very excited to see our municipalities shining on screen and helping to tell the story of RJ Decker!

Health Uncensored with Dr. Drew

The Film Lauderdale team grabbed some BTS shots while on set earlier this month for the live taping of an episode for Health Uncensored with Dr. Drew. BrandStar Studios is busy as daytime TV productions ramp up, and this show is leading the momentum!

Catch Health Uncensored Sundays from 5–6 p.m. ET on Fox Business, where Dr. Drew breaks down the latest medical breakthroughs and real‑world tips for healthier living.

Gems 2026: Industry Networker

Film Commissioner Sandy Lighterman represented Film Lauderdale at the GEMS 2026 Industry Networker, held at Tulum Rooftop Bar & Restaurant in Brickell. As the official kickoff event for the Miami Film Festival’s GEMS 2026 program, Sandy had the opportunity to meet new creatives while reconnecting with longtime industry collaborators. The mixer brought together both emerging and established South Florida filmmakers and key industry partners to make new connections and possible projects!

Film.Cen.Tric Screening of She'll Come Back

On October 23rd, the team behind Film.Cen.Tric, a South Florida-based independent film screening platform, gathered local content creators to Brandstar Studios in Hollywood for a special screening of the short film She'll Come Back, by Aaron Tyler Gil and Gerald Pain of ARY’L Films. The screening was followed by an insightful filmmaker presentation and Q&A alongside producer Zachariah Gil. The conversation explored the financial realities of independent filmmaking, touching on budgeting, funding strategies, and the process of translating creative vision into production.


We love to see our local filmmaking community come together through storytelling, education, and making meaningful connections!

The Miramar Cultural Arts Center offers a great variety of film‑ready locations, from elegant theatres and lush outdoor gardens to contemporary, art‑filled galleries. These versatile spaces provide dynamic backdrops for productions of all kinds, making the arts center a perfect location for filmmakers seeking flexibility and diversity!

Free Stunts for Actors Training Workshop - Space is LIMITED!
Calling All Broward County Actors! Sign up for our free training workshop in stunts on Saturday, November 14th, from 9 AM–2 PM at BrandStar Studios in Hollywood, FL. Boost your acting skills with our 'Stunts for Actors' Training Workshop, led by Veteran Stunt Coordinator now turned Director, Juan C. Bofill. Whether you're an actor wanting to learn stunt moves, new to stunt work or looking to refine your skills, this hands on workshop will teach you how to perform safe fight choreography and tactical prop movements on screen with confidence and authenticity!

Email: film@filmlauderdale.org if committed and interested. Must be 18+ and a Broward County resident.

The Savoir-Faire Shorts Film Festival kicks off Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Mad Arts with an exploration of AI filmmaking, featuring AI‑produced shorts and conversations with the creators. On Thursday, Nov. 5, enjoy a Polynesian‑themed Opening Night at Savor Cinema, including the premiere of a new Mai‑Kai documentary and celebrations for its 70th anniversary. Across five days, discover 90+ short films from around the world.

Tickets are $10 per program and free for FLIFF members. Broward filmmakers and students can also apply for a complimentary Movie Lovers membership. For more information & tickets, click the link below!

Don’t miss the next Film Florida Friday, on November 13th at 9:30am ET on Zoom for a discussion on Industry Support Companies. Panelists will share what their companies do, why they are engaged with the production industry, and services they provide the production industry. Panelists scheduled to appear: Michele Singer from Tasteful Thoughts, Scott Mendelsohn from The Hotel Guy, Carol Bressi-Cilona from Epic Insurance, Darren Johnson from First Call Location Coach Rentals.

Click the link below to register!

Experience the future of storytelling at Vertical Festival 2026 on Sunday, November 22, 2026 at Savor Cinema!


Join filmmakers, writers, actors, producers and industry professionals for an exciting celebration of vertical entertainment, microdramas and short-form storytelling. Whether you’re already working in vertical entertainment, looking to enter this rapidly growing industry or simply excited to discover the next evolution of storytelling, Vertical Festival is where creators and opportunities connect.

The Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant for Student Filmmakers is now accepting submissions! The grant seeks films from student filmmakers enrolled in university, college, community college, extension courses, or high school that need help starting or finishing their film. Student Filmmakers from any country are welcome to apply. Submitted projects can be short or feature length narrative fiction films or documentaries.

Winner will receive a cash prize of $3,000 & more! Applications must be received by November 30th, 2024. For more details and info on how to apply for this grant, click the link below.

Clearshot Film Studios is seeking local talent for their upcoming faith‑based film “How Long?”, inspired by true Broward County stories!


Casting Call: November 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Heron Bay Marriott, Coral Springs

Casting: Actors ages 16–55

Format: In‑person auditions


Interested in auditioning? Click the link below to submit your headshot.

South Florida PBS is now accepting applications for Film-maker Flip the Script, a free filmmaking mentorship and production program for aspiring student filmmakers in Broward County!

Five students will be selected to transform their original short-film concepts into completed productions for the big screen and South Florida PBS. Participants will receive guidance from experienced filmmakers and television professionals, learn how to create an impactful short film, and attend networking events with members of South Florida’s film community.

Apply by December 31, 2026! There is no cost to apply or participate. Click the link below for more information.

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