Janis FontaineNow in its third year, the event has grown to include more chances to connect.
The Subtropic Film Festival returns to West Palm Beach this week to celebrate emerging filmmakers in South Florida.
Why it matters: Now in its third year, this show focuses on independent cinema and has grown to include filmmaker conversations, panel discussions, workshops and parties with live music vinyl DJ sets.
- But the most important thing the Subtropic Film Festival does is create a space where filmmakers, screenwriters and cinephiles can connect and engage in meaningful conversations, organizers say.
Noelia Solange Rabino, the festival’s co-director, is brimming with excitement. Rabino learned to run a film festival over several years at the popular Miami Film Festival. She joined forces with Jose Jesus Zaragoza two years ago and last year, they co-founded Subtropic to begin in 2024.
- The event was formerly known as the Subculture Film Festival.
What they’re saying: Rabino thinks the name Subtropic better reflects the South Florida attitude, which she describes as a mix of “swag and humility.”
South Florida “is a melting pot of creativity. We’re so rich in the creative minds we have here, storytellers from different cultures inspiring each other. It really does feel like magic is taking place.”
- Zaragoza and Rabino say the public is the film festival’s greatest ally, and making a connection with the public through their film is what makes filmmakers feel respected, valued and appreciated.
- Rabino says this festival is important as a post-pandemic event. “We want to elevate people’s spirit,” she said. “We have a need to uplift others and make a human connection.”
Details: Opening night is Friday at The Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Hwy. It coincides with Art After Dark, The Norton’s weekly art party.
- Films include “In Collaboration with Nature,” directed by Michael Atwood; “Querido Pequeno Haiti,” directed by Diana Larrea; “Dear Florida,” directed by David W. Hamzik; “I Dream of Skating,” directed by Gregory Pesochin; and “Celluloid Dreams: Early 20th Century Experimental Montage,” directed by Ates Isildak.
- Q&As will be moderated by WLRN’s Wilkine Brutus.
In the Korman Room, guests will find a showcase of vintage and modern cameras, and a chance to meet the cinematographers who operate them. Tickets for Art After Dark are $10, available at www.norton.org.
An after-party takes place at Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, 2414 Florida Ave., with an all-female DJ set until midnight.
On Saturday, the Subtropic Film Festival moves to Afflux Studios at G-Star School of the Arts, 2060 S. Congress Ave., Palm Springs. Screenings run from 1:30 to 10 pm. Panels and workshops are planned including “Working with Celluloid,” “Grant Writing” and “Panel Discussions: AI in Filmmaking.”
- Two networking events — “Filmmakers Connect,” a karaoke pitch session, and the Studio B Party — let filmmakers and audience members bond over storytelling. The Studio B Party features live music and a vinyl DJ set.
On Sunday, back at G-Star, Subtropic Film Festival guests will find film screenings throughout the day. Workshops include “Sound Design Workshop” and “From Script to Screener Workshop.” A panel discussion is planned: “From Local Shorts to Indie Features: How to Crush It at Top Festivals and Kickstart Your Filmmaking Career,” presented by FilmGate Miami.
- The program features 11 thematic film blocks showcasing works that include, “Exposed: How Pesticides Harm Farmworkers” by Esther Poveda, Federica Narancio and Patricia Clarembaux; and “Lost Bois” by Devyn Galindo. A full film schedule can be found here.
- An award ceremony Sunday evening at G-Star wraps the festival.
If you go: Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are $60 for the public, which includes all screenings and parties, and $80 for an industry pass, which includes screenings and parties plus workshops and panel discussions. Tickets are available here.
Festival co-founder Jose Jesus Zaragoza is a member of Stet News’ Community Advisory Board.
