By Betsey Greene Freeman, Miami International Film Festival

The Miami International Film Festival (MIFF) was proud to participate in Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Cultural Passport program during its 29^th Festival.  More than 1200 high school seniors attended screenings of “In the Name of the Girl” and “Unfinished Spaces”: two of MIFF’s 2012 official selections.

Students attend Miami International Film Festival Screening at the Gusman Center.

At the screening of “Unfinished Spaces” – in Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Auditorium – students had the opportunity to interact with directors Alysa Nahimas and Benjamin Murray. The directors were very impressed with the thoughtful questions asked by audience members and indicated that this screening was one of the highlights of their visit to Miami.

At the screening of “In the Name of the Girl” – in the historic Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center – director Tania Hermida led a spirited conversation with students about her film. Ms. Hermida was impressed with the caliber and depth of questions asked, including questions about her directing experience, her thoughts and plans for the film when she started, how actors were selected and how shots were set up.

Ms. Hermida indicated that she was delighted to see how the students were positively influenced by her film and endorsed student screenings as a great way to encourage young people to look at film as a positive tool for their own development.

MIFF is dedicated to offering students unique film experiences by presenting a selection of the best films from around the world to provoke thought, encourage discussion and expand knowledge and understanding. For more information about MIFF please visit www.miamifilmfestival.com