Editor

The Miami International Film Festival, at Miami Dade College (MDC), has appointed Tiziana Finzi, a seasoned film professional with more than 20 years of experience in film festival programming and coordination, as its new director. She began her new charge on December 1, 2008.

Finzi served as head of programming for the acclaimed Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland for the past nine years and deputy director since 2005. During her tenure, Ms. Finzi led the artistic renaissance of this festival's components "Cinéastes du Présent" (Contemporary filmmakers), "Compétition Vidéo" (Video Competition) and "In Progress," a visual arts collaborative section with some of the preeminent museums and galleries worldwide.

Prior to her tenure at Locarno, Finzi served as a programmer for the renowned Venice Film Festival from 1995 to 1999 and served as head of programming for the Pesaro and Taormina film festivals in 1999. Additionally, she has served as a consultant and curator for several international film festivals and institutions such as Italia Cinema and the Trieste Film Festival, among others.

"I am looking forward to building on the great successes of the first quarter century of The Miami International Film Festival so that we can chart a course for the next 25 years that will expand the art of film to new audiences and, more importantly, the role of film as an educational tool," said Finzi. "I am extremely pleased such a respected festival is housed in such a renowned academic institution. This unique arrangement makes the possibilities endless. I also look forward to connecting with greater Miami's dynamic community."

Born in Trieste, Italy, Finzi studied architecture in Venice and history of cinema in Trieste where she prepared a thesis on American film director Robert Kramer.

Finzi is also an accomplished curator in the visual arts and has published several articles in the field of contemporary cinema, film experimentation and visual culture. Fluent in six languages, including Spanish, she brings a wealth of experience and industry relationships worldwide to the Festival.

"On behalf of the Miami Dade College family, I welcome Tiziana to our dynamic college and our unparalleled community," added Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, president of Miami Dade College. "I know her strong film programming background and emphasis on education will serve the Festival very well and continue expanding its international profile."

The Miami International Film Festival brings the best of world cinema to South Florida and plays a leading role in maintaining and further enriching its film culture. MIFF uses the unique geographical and cultural position of Miami to be a premiere venue for the exhibition of international and US films, with a special focus on Ibero-American cinema. Next year's Festival, the 26th edition, will take place March 6 -15 and will have a special emphasis on water.

During its storied history, the Festival has presented films from more than 60 countries, including 200 East Coast, U.S. and World Premieres, scores of Oscar winners and nominees, and many international prizewinners.
Miami International Film Festival runs March 6-15, 2009 and we will be reporting with dailies on fest21.com