MIFF 2016: The Five Most Anticipated Women-Produced Films at the Fest

This year, the Miami International Film Festival dedicates a significant portion of its lineup to female filmmakers. If you don't have time to make it through the 20-plus films by women at the festival this year, check out our picks.
Honorable Mention: Weiner
Even before its debut at Sundance, Weiner had everyone excited, and the buzz is growing louder by the minute. The documentary by Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg covers American politician Anthony Weiner's second sex scandal as he mounts his political comeback and all the crisis management that follows. Sounds hard and messy.
7 p.m. Friday, March 11, at O Cinema Miami Beach and 4:15 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at Regal Cinemas South Beach 18 & IMAX.
5. My King (Mon Roi)
Actress-turned-filmmaker Ma'wenn has already delivered two films – Pardonnez-moi and Polisse – that have created great excitement. Her latest feature, My King (Mon Roi), competed for the Palme d'Or at Cannes last year. It focuses on romance and domesticity. What makes it one to watch, outside of Ma'wenn's presence, is its stars: the great Vincent Cassel and Emmanuelle Bercot, the latter tying with Rooney Mara for Best Actress at Cannes.
6:30 p.m. Friday, March 11, at Tower Theater and 4 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at O Cinema Miami Beach, 500 71st St., Miami Beach; 786-207-1919; o-cinema.org.
4. Hearts of Palm
Miami filmmaker Monica Peña's second feature, Hearts of Palm, was hotly anticipated after the success of her debut, Ectotherms. The trailer and synopsis promise another curious and experimental treat from the filmmaker:"a love story told through science, literature, and music, invoking Miami's mystical undercurrents." The film is part of MIFF's Florida Focus film series.
9:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 13, at Regal Cinemas South Beach 18 & IMAX. 
3. Summertime (La Belle Saison)
Catherine Corsini's Summertime (La Belle Saison) looks exactly like the kind of French feminist film everyone should want to check out at a festival. It tells the story of two women – a Parisian Spanish teacher and the daughter of Limousin farmers – who meet and fall in love in the 1970s. Then it documents all the frustrating stuff that comes between them.
3:45 p.m. Saturday, March 5, and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 6, at Regal Cinemas South Beach 18 & IMAX, 1120 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; 305-674-6766; regmovies.com. 
2. Viaje
Are there people who aren't fond of meandering romances that might last only a few days and then dissipate due to exterior factors? If so, don't show them Before Sunrise or Paz Fabrega's Viaje, a great little film. Shot beautifully in black-and-white, it tells the story of two individuals whose relationship begins during a hookup after a party, but slowly they realize maybe there's more to their meeting than what they expected.
7 p.m. Friday, March 11, at Coral Gables Art Cinema, 260 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables; 786-385-9689; gablescinema.com.
1. Cameraperson
Of all the features by women at MIFF, Kirsten Johnson's Cameraperson is the centerpiece. It covers her extensive career in cinematography, working with filmmakers Laura Poitras, Kirby Dick, and Michael Moore. This is a must-watch that has received rave reviews. Plus, Johnson will be in attendance at the screening.
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, at Tower Theater, 1508 SW Eighth St., Miami; 305-642-1264; towertheatermiami.com.

Miami International Film Festival
Friday, March 4, through Sunday, March 13, at various venues throughout Miami. For a complete schedule and tickets, visit miamifilmfestival.com.