MIAMI short FILM FESTIVAL Focus On Series
The MIAMI short FILM FESTIVAL (MIAMIsFF), in partnership with Deering Estate, presents Focus On: Celebrating our nation’s 250th Birthday on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy the screening of short films.
The event will take place indoors at the Deering Estate Visitor Center theater.
Welcome Cocktail Reception at 7PM
Screening – 7:30 PM
PROGRAM:
The Bohemian Filmmaker
Directed by Isaac Netherton – Documentary – 8:58 Min – USA
A story told through the found interviews of various people who worked at American Zoetrope, the indie-film company run by Francis Ford Coppola, and its rise and fall in the late ‘60s
Hello Whale
Directed by Kate Fleming and Darian Woehr – Documentary – 19:23 Min – USA
Delve into southeast Alaska’s remote ocean ecosystems and threatened humpback whale community through the artistic lens of Michele Oka Doner. This ecopoetic documentary explores the relationships between vulnerable wildlife and conservation researchers fighting to protect them, using creative science-driven storytelling to inspire this vital waterscape’s safeguarding.
Migrating Música: The West Texas Boys
Directed by: Adán Peña – Documentary – 29:48 Min – USA
“The West Texas Boys” is a documentary short that chronicles the journey of six brothers who transitioned from migrant farm laborers to Regional Mexican musicians. It highlights their fleeting success and enduring brotherhood, redefining the “American Dream” through the resilience and perspective of a Mexican family.
Space Coast
Directed by: Justin Barber – Documentary – 23:32 Min – USA
People from around the world gather on the Space Coast to witness the launch of Artemis-1, the ‘world’s most powerful rocket.’ But Mark, a veteran of the Space Shuttle Program, doubts this ‘moondoggle’ will ever fly.
Please note that this program features short films recommended for ages 18+.
TICKETS:
General admission: $20
Student/Senior/Military: $16
*Tickets sold online only*
Parking & Directions: Free parking is available in the Visitor Center parking lot located on SW 168 Street just west of 72nd Avenue. The event will be held indoors in the Visitor Center Theater.
Save-the-Date: 25th edition of the MIAMI short FILM FESTIVAL – Nov. 13-15, 2026
About the MIAMIsFF
Made possible in part with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Arts Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, the City of Miami Beach Department of Tourism and Cultural Development, Office of Cultural Affairs, the Miami Beach Mayor and City Commissioners, the Funding Arts Network (FAN), the Knight Foundation, and the Miami Development Authority.
The MIAMIsFF is dedicated to promoting the short film genre, showcasing films from 1-20 minutes long. The Festival is international in scope, bringing exposure to the world’s best independent up-and-coming filmmakers. MIAMIsFF’s goal year after year is focused on motivating directors, screenwriters, actors, and producers to make films and share them with fellow film makers and industry professionals. The ultimate goal is to bring exposure to independent up-and-coming filmmakers.
MIAMIsFF is an avid supporter of local and international film makers representing cinematic productions that embody the true spirit of the art. The Festival presents a unique opportunity for our local community, tourists, and the next generation of talented filmmakers from around the world to experience the true spirit of the creative film-making process.The MIAMI short FILM FESTIVAL has become a powerful cultural voice to South Florida and has created a positive influence on the arts through film.
Cultural Arts Programming at the Deering Estate is made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, and The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc. Our theater programming is also possible thanks to The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation’s CreARTE grant.