Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Turns 40, Still Built on Experience, Community, and the Big Screen
- Evan Snow
- 18 hours ago
- 5 min read
For forty years, the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival has quietly done something remarkable. It has adapted, endured, and remained culturally relevant in an industry that has transformed almost beyond recognition.
As FLiFF celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, Managing Director Hal Axler sees longevity not as an accident, but as a direct result of staying responsive to audiences, filmmakers, and the moment.
“When FLiFF started in 1986, most homes only had network television and less than half had VCRs,” Axler explains. “Film festivals were one of the only ways people could see independent films. Obviously, a lot has changed since then.”
What has not changed is FLiFF’s commitment to creating something that cannot be replicated at home.
Why Experience Has Always Been the Point
Today’s audiences have unlimited content at their fingertips, yet Axler believes that abundance has actually strengthened the case for film festivals.
“Everyone has enough content at home to last a lifetime,” he says. “So we’ve always focused on giving our audiences an experience that goes beyond just watching the film.”
That experience includes filmmaker conversations, panel discussions, and yes, memorable parties that have become part of FLiFF’s identity. While some critics have joked that the social side can sometimes steal the spotlight, Axler embraces that reality.
“People in Fort Lauderdale like to go out and have a good time,” he says. “We want people to enjoy our films, meet the filmmakers, and connect. The films are always the core and the driving force, but the community experience matters.”
Savor Cinema as the Cultural Hub
Savor Cinema has become the heart of FLiFF and the year-round home of the Broward County Film Society. For Axler, having a permanent, intimate venue has been essential.
“Savor Cinema is the hub for filmmakers and film organizations to celebrate films from all over the world,” he says.
Beyond FLiFF, the Broward County Film Society hosts the Savor Faire Shorts Film Festival, screens roughly 150 films annually, and opens the space multiple days each week to other cultural organizations. Dance performances, theater, music, fundraisers, and film-related events all flow through the same doors.
That openness is intentional.
“Collaborating with others helps us offer more cultural experiences to the community,” Axler notes. “It is also important to our operating budget, especially as state funding for the arts becomes more limited.”
With 200 seats, updated projection and audio technology, and a courtyard ideal for receptions, Savor Cinema offers something increasingly rare. It is a professional theater that still feels personal.
Why Film Festivals Still Matter
Axler paints a familiar picture of modern home viewing. A streaming service suggests what to watch, phones stay nearby, and the pause button is always within reach.
“Watching a film in a theater with other people is a completely different experience,” he says.
Film festivals curate films that audiences would likely never discover on their own, then surround those screenings with conversation. Post-film discussions, filmmaker Q&As, and informal chats in the lobby or courtyard deepen the impact.
Festivals also remain vital for filmmakers themselves. Networking, exposure, and distribution opportunities often begin with a single screening at a festival.
“Everything from connections to distribution deals happens at or because of a film’s inclusion in festivals,” Axler says.
What to Expect from the 40th Anniversary Lineup
Programming for FLiFF begins with one guiding question. Will the audience connect with this film?
A programming committee reviews submissions with artistic merit at the center, while also considering how films will resonate with South Florida audiences.
This year’s theme is variety.
The lineup includes serious documentaries and dramas alongside films that are intentionally fun and hilarious. The guest list reflects that same range, with appearances from Chevy Chase, Paul Reiser, Terrence Howard, Jeremy Piven, Jamie Kennedy, and Rutanya Alda.
The festival will also welcome filmmakers from across the United States and internationally, including Sweden, Morocco, Chile, Spain, with more expected as the dates approach.
Supporting the Local Film Community Year-Round
FLiFF’s impact does not begin and end with the festival.
Axler describes Savor Cinema as a shared resource for the entire local film ecosystem. The theater is made accessible and affordable for local filmmakers, student filmmakers, societies, and partner festivals.
“We find a way to make Savor Cinema a resource for everyone,” he says.
The Film Society also offers a complimentary Movie Lover’s Membership to members of the local film industry and film students, providing discounted tickets and free member screenings throughout the year.
Importantly, FLiFF does not position itself in competition with other South Florida festivals.
“We see a symbiotic relationship,” Axler explains. “We are proud of the success of other festivals and want to support them however we can.”
Looking Ahead
As FLiFF enters its next chapter, the vision is clear.
Axler wants the festival and Savor Cinema to continue serving as the center of a vibrant film community, one that supports industry professionals while welcoming audiences who love film for its cultural and entertainment value.
After forty years, FLiFF is still proving that the shared experience of cinema matters.
Festival Details
40th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
February 20 to February 28, 2026
FLIFF Shorts Film Festival
November 5 to November 8, 2026
Location:
Savor Cinema
Fort Lauderdale
503 SE 6 Street, Fort Lauderdale
For tickets, full schedules, and film listings, visit fliff.com.
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