The Miami International Film Festival (MIFF) has launched MIAMI FILM 2016 with The Related Group to develop projects from Argentine filmmakers.

Jaie Laplante

The grant will support three projects from Argentine directors with at least one feature under their belt that has been distributed internationally.

With funding from The Related Group, MIFF will award cash prizes of $32,500 to be divided among three development projects.

The call for entries to the programme will be September 15-October 31 and finallists selected by MIFF will be announced on November 15 and progress to the live pitching round at Ventana Sur in Buenos Aires towards the end of the year.

The winning directors will be invited to attend the 33rd Miami International Film Festival in March 2016 where they will be the subject of a retrospective of their work.

“Given the outstanding commitment Miami audiences have shown for Argentine films through the festival’s history, it makes great sense for us, with The Related Group’s phenomenal commitment to aiding artists as part of the essential fabric of urban living, to focus on the filmmakers of Argentina this year,” said MIFF executive director Jaie Laplante (pictured).

“Developing a new project can be one of the longest and most daunting aspects in the process of making a film – our aim is to lend the moral support that comes with financial support at this crucial stage.”

“A core belief of The Related Group is that in order to develop an urban mecca and bolster a positive social environment with a thriving economy, nurturing the arts is a must,” said Jorge Pérez, chairman and founder of The Related Group.

“Argentina is home to some of the world’s most respected and beloved filmmakers, and through our continued partnership with Miami International Film Festival, we aim to support their continued development, growth and connection with the US.”