DocMiami International Film Festival
Tito Puente, Jr. and Nigerian Prince Emmanuel Abiodun Abderele
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Choreographer Kamili Nilata Olosun, Chief Nathaniel Styles, Jr., Tito Puente, Jr. and Prince Emmanuel Abiodun Aderele (Photo Credit: photosbytree.com)

 

The comparison is inevitable. How could it be otherwise? Tito Puente Jr. carries his father with him - imprinted on his physical being and locked in his soul. It's in his looks, his joy, his music. Tito Puente Jr., was joined by Prince Emmanuel Abiodun Aderele, Nigerian
 Prince and International Visiting Artist  to Osun's Village Miami and African Caribbean Cultural art Coriddor Miami to perform at the DocMiami Awards Gala for a second magnificent year!

Adolfo "Fito" de la Parra
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(Photo Credit: photosbytree.com)

Adolfo "Fito" de la Parra has been the long time drummer of The legendary Canned Heat -- a band which defines Woodstock for many people. DocMiami was honored to have Fito perform with Javier Batiz at this years awards celebration.   
Spoken Word Poet Rich Ferguson & Bo Blount
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(Photo Credit: photosbytree.com)

There are few writers who have been able to transcend the labels of prose, poetry and storytelling to create a synthesized artform unique to the literary world. Three come to mind: Charles Bukowski, William Borroughs and Rich Ferguson. Rich has performed at both DocMiami 2010 & 2011 -this year with musical accompaniment performed by Bo Blount.
Kiki Sanchez & Eloy "Rali" Guanche 

(Photo Credit: sonyamoralobo.

fototime.com)


Kiki Sanchez has worked on numerous projects with Grammy winning producer, Glen Kolotkin, who is known for his work with many great musicians including Carlos Santana on the album,
 "Supernatural."  Eloy "Rali" has opened up for such acts as: Kenny Rogers, Betty Wright, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Vicky Sue Robinson. 
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Film, Music & Hope
Dear DocMiami Supporter, 

DocMiami 2011 was a very special gathering of international documentary filmmakers, musicians, artists, film enthusiasts and worthy causes.
9.25.11 And the Documentary Film Winners Are...
Best Feature Documentary: The Invocation
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Best Investigative Documentary: Overlooked Suspect - What If O.J. Simpson Didn't Do It? Photo Credit: photosbytree.com

Best Short Documentary: Challenging Impossibility
Best Contemporary Issue Documentary: Peace Through Education: Stealing The Light

Most Entertaining Documentary:  

Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone

Audience Award: INSIDE THE PERFECT CIRCLE: The Odyssey Of Joel Thome

Most, Inspirational Documentary: Happy

Best Historical Documentary: The Mexican Suitcase

Best Investigative Documentary: Overlooked Suspect - What If O.J. Simpson Didn't Do It?  

Best Local Documentary: Zapata Vive!

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR WINNERS!

9.25.11 Documentary Film Screenings, Workshops & International Music
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The Godfather of Mexican Rhythm and Blues Javier Batiz performing at the DocMiami 2011 Awards Gala (Photo Credit: photosbytree.com)

 

September 25th included a day full of documentary film screenings at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa followed by a special awards gala ceremony hosted by Univision 23's Gloria Ordaz, and a special pre-recorded "Thank You" from DocMiami' 2011s "El Rey" Tito Puente Contribution to the Arts Award recipient Carlos Santana. The evening included a MUSIC packed celebration of the arts with performances by Tito Puente, Jr., Javier Batiz, Prince Emmanuel Abiodun Aderele, Fito de la Parra, Kiki Sanchez, Rich Ferguson, Bo Blount & Eloy "Rali" Guanche.  

9.24.11 Documentary Film Screenings, Workshops, Filmmaker Networking Lounge & Fito Espinola Concert for Tanzania
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Star of "Baby Let Your Hair Hang Down" Georgia Van Cuylenburg & Fito Espinola (Photo Credit: photosbytree.com)
This year DocMiami hosted a Filmmaker Networking Art Lounge in order to raise funds and awareness for the non-profit Brick by Brick for Tanzania which builds schools for the children of Tanzania who are facing challenges such as poverty and the AIDS crisis. This event was made possible with the support of wonderful organizations such as: Life is Art, StarMar EventsEvent X, PARK Project , Contempo Linens, Frank Sibeiro of Atrium Office Park and  Manny Cartoon.  The day also included  professional workshops with industry professionals and an evening concert with Fito Espinola to benefit Brick by Brick. Fito has played all over the world and is now based in Miami. Originally from Paraguay, he plays a unique blend of Flamenco-pop and Dance music He writes his own music and has had hits in both South America and Europe. Espinola has two albums "Nost�lgica" and "Sin T� Soy Nada" and is presently working on his third. 
9.23.11 Special Documentary Film Screenings at Millenia Atlantic University
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Photo Courtesy of Westland Hialeah Senior High School
This year DocMiami launched its "DocMiami Save the Arts in Public Schools" initiative. As part of this effort we partnered with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and participated in their Cultural Passport Program. Students from Westland Hialeah Senior  High School  attended screenings hosted by  Millennia Atlantic University.  Students where able to experince the films and participate in Q & A Sessions with filmmakers. Students where greeted by members of the non-profit  U R Awesome an organization dedicated to reminding people that they are AWESOME by spreading the ideals of love, compassion, and awesomeness throughout the world in order to help people discover and maximize their potential, while empowering them to do the same for others. Honest Tea was also present and donated proceeds from tea sales to Save the Arts in Public Schools. Sincere thanks to DocMiami's Technical Director, Nick Toutoungi of Twilight Features for his professional service during all of our events.
9.23.11 Filmmaker Appreciation Dinner Sponsored by Savor Miami Cuban Bistro & Wine Market 
Paco Aguilera & Fito Espinola (Photo Credit: sonyamoralobo.fototime.com)
 
A special  Filmmaker Appreciation Dinner was hosted by Savor Miami Cuban Bistro & Wine Market special thanks to Ray Knight of  The Raynmakers, Annabelle Bovet of Belle Plume Communications, Carlos Zambrano Entertainment and Marly Quinconces of StarMar Events. Filmmakers and guests enjoyed performances by flamenco guitarist Paco Aguilera and new singing sensation Maikel Santalla. The night also included a special screening of  "Stories from the Bay of Pigs: An Intergenerational Educational Experience" a Momentum Miami and Miami World Cinema Center collaboration.
9.22.11 Opening Night Cocktails & Dinner Celebration sponsored by Romano's Macaroni Grill of Doral - Guest Speaker Jacqueline Ripstein  
Returing sponsor Romano's Macaroni Grill of Doral, hosted our opening night cocktail dinner for a second year in a row . We were honored to have Jacqueline Ripstein, Artist of the Invisible  and World Peace Envoy , United Nations special representative of the International Association of Educators  for World Peace  join us as our special guest speaker. Jacqueline shared her message of  spreading peace via the arts and her support of DocMiami's vision of saving the arts in public schools.

 

DocMiami is a non-profit 501c3 organization and every aspect is only made possible through the generous support of The City of Doral, the wonderful contributions to the arts by the City of Doral Cultural Affairs Advisory Board and of course, all of our sponsors and numerous self-less volunteers.  Special thanks are also extended to all of the City of Doral employees and officials both past and present who continue to support  the DocMiami International Film Festival vision and mission to share documentary filmmaking at a local,  national and global level.

Sincerely,
 
Monica Rosales, Executive Director
DocMiami International Film Festival
Genuine thanks are also extended to the following volunteers and contributors: Maria and Roberto Valdes, Krystal Oliva, Vanessa Dalama, Jamie Catto, Lance Miccio, David Caines, John Kenworthy, Maria Lanao of EC Communications, Ana Gomez, Varena Faden, Marcus Mayoral, Veronika Quispe, Oxal Ortiz,Vincent Youmans, Dr. Arturo Sanchez and Emma Garcia-Mendoza.