Events
39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Kicked-off Opening Night.
Ray Romano & Twin Sons, Emily Bett Rickards, Francesca Eastwood, Gavin Casalegno, John Savage, Bill Barrett, Jayce Bartek, Joe Cortese, Sofia Vassilieva and Bob Mackie.
November 17th, 2024
The 39th year of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) kicked off their 10-day festival with a star-studded opening night at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The red carpet dazzled with talent and filmmakers from “Queen of the Ring,” the opening night film, “Romano Twins,” “Beyond the Rush,” “Here’s Yianni!” , “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion,” and more.
“We are thrilled to present over 100 films & documentaries, Including (8) world premieres and (17) U.S. premieres during the festival.,” says FLIFF President & CEO, Steve Savor.
The evening started with red carpet arrivals including: Ray Romano (CBS’s “Everybody Loves Raymond”); Greg & Matt Romano (“Romano Twins”); Emily Bett Rickards (“Random Acts of Romance”, “Dakota’s Summer”, “Brooklyn”, “Axis”, “Funny Story”, “The Clinic”, “We Need to Talk”, Autumn and the Black Jaguar”, “Clamity Jane”); Francesca Eastwood (“Attention Attention”, “Running on Empty”, “Fargo”); Gavin Casalegno (“The Summer I turned Pretty”, “The Vampire Diaries”); Kailey Latimer (professional wrestler); Bill Barrett (“Fly me to the Moon”, “First Wives Club”); John Savage (“The Deer Hunter”, “The Onion Field” and “Hair”); Jayce Bartok (“The Cake Eaters”, “Now They See Us”); Heather Aboff; Joe Cortese (“Green Book”, “American History X”); Sofia Vassilieva (“The Little Things, “My Sisters Keeper ”); Bob Mackie, fashion and costume designer for Cher, PINK, Carol Burnett and Tom Ford. Mackie has transformed the way fashion is perceived on screen, dressing iconic characters in films such as Barbie and has designed 47 Barbie Dolls for Mattel, turning Barbie into a fashion icon.
Following red carpet arrivals, guests watched a screening of the opening night film, “QUEEN OF THE RING,” the biopic of Mildred Burke, the first-ever million-dollar female athlete and champion pro-wrestler who pioneered the sport in a time when all girl wrestling was banned in most of America. Directed by Ash Avildsen, (“Paradise City”, “Human Capital”), who was joined on the red carpet by cast members, Emily Bett Rickards, Francesca Eastwood, Gavin Casalegno), Kailey Latimer (professional wrestler). The Film’s co-stars include Josh Lucas and Walton Goggins. *Following the film, guests enjoyed a cocktail party with live music by The Jersey Girls.
The 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) ran from Friday, Nov. 8th to Nov. 17th, offering a diverse array of galas, special presentations, film features, documentaries and short films.
Visit FLIFF.com for more information.
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Lisa Griforian of FLIFF - center, with Joe McFate, left, and Bob Mackie of 'Naked Illusion' attend 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Greg, Ray and Matt Romano of the 'Romano Twins' attend 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Alexandra, Greg, Anna, Ray and Matt Romano of the 'Romano Twins' attend 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Kailey Latimer of 'Queen of the Ring' attends 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Producer Jennifer Stolo of 'No Address' attends 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Heather Aboff of 'Beyond the Rush' attends 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Entrance to the Premiere 'Queen of the Ring', 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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'Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion' Special Screening, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Savor Cinema, on November 9, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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'Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion' Special Screening, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Savor Cinema, on November 9, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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'Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion' Special Screening, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Savor Cinema, on November 9, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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Francesca Eastwood receives an award for Star On The Horizon, from Steve Savor, during 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Bob Mackie signs autorgraphs prior to 'Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion' Special Screening, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Savor Cinema, on November 9, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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'Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion' Special Screening, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Savor Cinema, on November 9, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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'Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion' Special Screening, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Savor Cinema, on November 9, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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Bob Mackie of 'Naked Illusion' attends 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Emily Bett Rickards of 'Queen of the Ring' attends 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Emily Bett Rickards, and Francesca Eastwood of 'Queen of the Ring' attend 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Alexander Wrath, and Francesca Eastwood of 'Queen of the Ring' attend 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Jayce Bartok of 'Beyond The Rush' attends 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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'Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion' Special Screening, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Savor Cinema, on November 9, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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Gavin Caselegno of 'Queen of the Ring' attends 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Bill Barrett of 'Beyond The Rush' attends 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Ash Avildsen, from left, Kailey Latimer, Amy Schoof, Emily Bett Rickards, Francesca Eastwood, Gavin Caselegno, and Alexander Wraith of 'Queen of the Ring' attends 'Queen of the Ring', 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Entrance to the Premiere 'Queen of the Ring', 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Joe Cortese, from left, Director Christina Eliopoulos, and Sofia Vassilieva of 'Here's Yianni!' attend 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
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Producer Candy Potts, from left, Heather Aboff, Director/Producer Roberth John Sayegh, John Savage, Bill Barrett, and Jayce Bartok of 'Beyond the Rush' attend 'Queen of the Ring' Premiere, 39th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Nov. 8, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida
The Miami born app celebrated a major milestone with a seriously fun South Florida party, but 100,000 downloads are only part of what’s next.
September 26, 2026
Zéya had plenty to celebrate, and they definitely knew how to throw a party.
The Miami-born swapping app recently marked 100,000 downloads, and SFL Insider joined the celebration for a night that felt much more like a fun Miami get-together than a typical tech event.
The atmosphere was lively, social, and genuinely welcoming, which actually made a lot of sense once we learned more about what Zéya is trying to build. This isn’t supposed to be another faceless marketplace where you post something and hope a stranger buys it. Zéya wants swapping to feel social, easy and connected to your community.
And after spending the evening celebrating with the people behind it, that part of the concept clicked.
Because we all have stuff.
The dress you wore once. The bag you loved until you didn’t. The camera you were definitely going to learn how to use. The random purchase that seemed necessary at the time and has barely moved since.
Zéya’s question is pretty simple: Why keep buying more when someone nearby might want exactly what you already have?
Even better, the app is now getting ready to move beyond swapping just things.
Services are coming too.
And that could make Zéya a whole lot more interesting.
Swipe. Match. Swap.
The easiest way to describe Zéya is old school bartering with a very modern makeover.
You browse what’s available nearby, see something you want and connect with the person who has it.
Then you offer something of your own.
Swipe. Match. Swap.
If the values don’t quite line up, Zéya allows an optional cash top up to help make the trade work.
So maybe your bag is worth a little more than the item you want. Or theirs is worth more than yours. You don’t necessarily have to abandon the swap because it isn’t perfectly even.
It feels less like traditional bartering and more like shopping without automatically reaching for your credit card.
100,000 Downloads Is a Pretty Big Deal
Zéya has now officially surpassed 100,000 downloads across iOS and Android, an exciting milestone for a company that started right here in Miami.
Founder and CEO Mehdi Taifi sees that number as something bigger than just downloads.
“One hundred thousand downloads is exciting because it shows that swapping can become a real habit, not a last resort,” Taifi said.
That idea stuck with me.
We’re so used to thinking buy when we want something new. Zēya is trying to get us to think swap first.
Earlier this year, the company also closed a $2.45 million strategic growth round led by Storage Innovations LLC, helping support its next stage of development.
Judging by the energy at the celebration, Zéya certainly isn’t treating 100K like a finish line.
Zēya 4.0 Makes the Whole Thing Easier
The company has also rolled out Zéya 4.0, designed to make getting from “I want that” to actually completing a swap much faster.
One of my favorite additions is the AI Listing Assistant, mostly because writing listings is probably the least exciting part of selling anything online.
Take a photo, upload it, and the app can generate the item name, description, and category in seconds.
Done.
The update also adds chat before making an offer, group chat, and a visual balance meter that makes it easier to see whether a proposed swap feels fair.
Zéya has expanded its categories too, including Baby & Toddler and Sports & Outdoors.
So that barely used handbag has value.
But so do the golf clubs in the garage.
And Now Zēya Is Moving Beyond Stuff
This might be my favorite part of what’s coming next.
Zéya is adding services.
That changes the whole idea of what you can bring to a swap.
Maybe you don’t have a designer bag to trade, but you’re an amazing photographer.
Maybe you tutor.
Maybe you’re a personal trainer, stylist, graphic designer, pet sitter or the magical person who actually knows how to organize a closet.
Your skills have value too.
The full details of how services will work are still to come, but opening Zēya to services takes it beyond simple bartering. It becomes more about exchanging value, whether that value happens to be sitting in your closet or comes from something you know how to do.
And suddenly the possibilities get much bigger.
It All Feels Very Miami
Maybe that’s another reason I enjoyed the celebration so much.
Zéya feels very Miami.
It’s social. It’s stylish. It’s a little entrepreneurial. And it revolves around discovering something you want without necessarily paying full price for it.
We can absolutely get behind that.
The party reflected that same energy. People were mingling, talking about the app and celebrating what is clearly a big moment for the team, but it never felt overly corporate or stuffy. It felt like a community celebrating something that started locally and is beginning to grow.
That seems especially fitting for a company that wants its marketplace to feel like a community too.
Swap, Don’t Shop
There is an obvious sustainability benefit to giving perfectly good things another life instead of constantly buying new ones.
But Zéya doesn’t make that feel like a lecture.
The appeal is much simpler.
You have things you don’t use. Someone else wants them. And chances are, they have something you want too.
Add AI-assisted listings, local discovery, cash top-ups, community features, and soon the ability to exchange services, and it starts looking very different from the bartering most of us remember.
Zéya’s tagline is “Swap Don’t Shop.”
After a fun night celebrating 100,000 downloads and getting a closer look at where the Miami company is headed next, we’re curious to see just how far people are willing to take that idea.
Because if swapping can be this easy and this social, maybe we really don’t need to buy everything new.
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Luli Fama celebrates its Paradise Found Cruise ’27 swimwear and resortwear collection with a luxury Miami launch at its Dadeland Mall boutique.
August 20, 2026
Miami swimwear favorite Luli Fama is stepping into Cruise ’27 with Paradise Found, a new swimwear and resortwear collection inspired by tropical escapes, exotic prints and effortless vacation glamour.
South Florida Insider has already taken a closer look at the Luli Fama Paradise Found collection, and it feels made for Miami.
The new Cruise ’27 collection combines the bold, body-confident swimwear Luli Fama is known for with elevated resort pieces designed to move effortlessly from the beach and pool to cocktails and dinner.
On Thursday, August 20, Luli Fama will celebrate Paradise Found with an exclusive evening at its newest Dadeland Mall boutique in Miami, complete with fashion, light bites, personalized surprises, and a luxe espresso martini bar.
Inside Luli Fama’s Paradise Found Cruise ’27 Collection
Paradise Found is inspired by the feeling of discovering a hidden tropical retreat.
Think lush landscapes, warm golden hour light, exotic patterns, and silhouettes made for somewhere beautiful.
The collection features Luli Fama signatures, including flattering ruched details, seamless construction, adjustable fits, and statement swimwear, alongside an expanded selection of resortwear.
We especially love the pieces that blur the line between swim and ready-to-wear.
Flowing dresses, sleek coverups, and body-skimming silhouettes make it easy to transition from a sun-drenched afternoon to an evening out without losing that relaxed resort feeling.
It is sensual, polished, and unmistakably Miami.
Luli Fama Brings Luxury Resort Style to Miami
There is a reason Paradise Found feels so natural in South Florida.
In Miami, resortwear is not reserved for vacation.
A swimsuit can become part of an outfit. A coverup can take you to lunch. A flowing resort dress can carry you from an afternoon by the water straight into cocktails and dinner.
Luli Fama has always understood that lifestyle.
Paradise Found takes it a step further, creating a Cruise ’27 wardrobe that feels as appropriate for a tropical getaway as it does for a weekend in Miami.
The campaign captures that mood beautifully, pairing the collection with palms, lush greenery, tropical architecture and the kind of sun soaked setting that makes you want to extend your vacation indefinitely.
Paradise Found Comes to Luli Fama at Dadeland Mall
Luli Fama will bring the world of Paradise Found to life on Thursday, August 20 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at its newest boutique at Dadeland Mall in Miami.
The intimate celebration will bring together invited guests, influencers, celebrities and media for an early look at Cruise ’27.
Luli Fama is also dressing invited guests in pieces from the brand, allowing the new collection to be experienced the way it was designed to be worn: in motion, styled and out for the evening.
Luli After Hours Espresso Martini Bar
Fashion is only part of the experience.
For the Paradise Found celebration, Luli Fama is introducing Luli After Hours, an Espresso Martini Bar inspired by the glamour of the collection.
Guests will be able to sip three specialty espresso martinis created for the evening.
The Luli Babe puts a polished spin on the classic espresso martini, while Golden Hour pairs salted caramel with edible gold shimmer. Miami After Dark takes a richer approach with chocolate hazelnut and a cocoa dust finish.
Along with cocktails, guests can expect light bites, curated details and a special personalized surprise.
The result feels less like a traditional retail event and more like checking into a private resort for the evening.
A Miami Swimwear Brand Celebrates at Home
For a brand with such a strong connection to South Florida, launching Paradise Found in Miami feels especially fitting.
Luli Fama has built its identity around colorful, confident swimwear and resort fashion with a distinctly tropical point of view.
Paradise Found carries that identity into Cruise ’27 while giving it a more elevated, escapist mood.
And with Luli Fama’s newest boutique now at Dadeland Mall, Miami shoppers have another destination to experience the brand in person.
After getting our own closer look at Luli Fama’s Paradise Found Cruise ’27 collection, we can safely say the name fits.
Paradise has officially been found, and this time, it is in Miami.
Check out the collection HERE
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