The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival is a far cry from its initial incarnation as a minor US indie gathering. The 20-day long event now draws thousands of film fans and industry types from all over the world.
With Hollywood fast waking up to the burgeoning South Florida film industry, Fort Lauderdale is increasingly gaining recognition as one of the most important regional film festivals in the US. Its duration also makes it the longest in the world, consisting mostly of film screenings until early November, when directors, producers and actors congregate at premières and award ceremonies.