Independent films don’t often make their way to South Florida, but the selection available this month proves otherwise. Here, six flicks for all tastes.
Movie buffs will enjoy a documentary based on Roger Ebert's novel.
Life Itself
For: Movie buffs
Based on Roger Ebert's novel, Life Itself is a documentary that explores the life of the acclaimed movie critic with interviews, sound bites, and then some.
Playing at O Cinema Wynwood (90 N.W. 29th St., Miami, 305-571-9970) through July 17, and at Miami Beach Cinematheque (1130 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-4567) on various dates in July and August.
Yves Saint Laurent
For: Fashionistas
This biopic tells the tale of Yves Saint Laurent's rise to fame—and the hiccups on the way—from 1957, when he took the reigns at Christian Dior at the age of 21.
Playing at O Cinema Wynwood from July 25-31.
Snowpiercer
For: Sci-fi action fans
Based on the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige by Jacques Lob, Benjamin Legrand and Jean-Marc Rochette, this sci-fi thriller takes place in 2031. An ice age that kills nearly all life on Earth takes over—and the only survivors are the inhabitants of the Snowpiercer, a massive train powered by a perpetual-motion engine.
Playing at Miami Beach Cinematheque through August 3, and at O Cinema Wynwood from July 18-24.
Venus in Fur
For: Theater lovers
Based on the two-person play by David Ives, this adaptation by Roman Polanski is shot entirely in French and stars his wife, Emmanuelle Seigner.
Playing at Miami Beach Cinematheque from July 25-August 3.
A Thirsty World
For: Conservationists
Famed photographer Yann-Arthus-Bertrand takes a look at one challenge to human survival today—water—through his trademark aerial view of the world. Filmed in some 20 countries, you'll see the everyday reality of those who are deprived of water, the people engaged in the daily struggle to find it or purify it, and the ones who bring it to those in need.
Playing August 6 at Miami Beach Cinematheque.
Magic in the Moonlight
For: Woody Allen fans
Woody Allen loves his period pieces, this time taking us to the French Riviera in the roaring '20s, as a British stage musician (Colin Firth) attempts to expose a fraud spiritualist (Emma Stone).
Playing at Coral Gables Art Cinema (206 Argon Ave., Coral Gables, 786-385-9689) from August 8-14.