This year marks the 23rd installment of the Miami International Film Festival, which takes place March 3-12, 2006.

The Miami International Film Festival will feature approximately 117 films and shorts from all over the globe.

Given that the festival is headlined as being of the "International" variety, MIFF coordinators from Miami Dade College are truly striving to fulfill those expectations by presenting 77% of the works by non-American filmmakers.

Films that highlight this year's lineup include, the opening-night film, Heartlift, by Argentine director Eliseo Subiela (Man Facing Southeast). As well as the French production Cannes-winner, the Child, and the South African crime drama, Tsotsi, that won the audience award last year at the Edinburgh and Toronto film festivals.

The Miami International Film Festival will also be honoring German filmmaker Wim Wenders with a career achievement award and playing his latest film, Don't Come Knocking, which was nominated for the top prize last year at Cannes.

As for English films, MIFF's closing-night features Friends With Money, Nicole Holofcener's follow-up to Lovely & Amazing. Friends With Money has been receiving a lot of buzz as its cast includes the heavy hitting Jennifer Aniston, Catherine Keener and Frances McDormand.

We at MPR hope that the article gave some insight to those not sure of what to expect this year. Make sure to come out and support Miami's only legitimately recognized international film festival.

For more information on the Miami International Film Festival, including its complete 2006 lineup, call 305-237-3456 or visit www.miamifilmfestival.com – hope to see you there.