FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The 40th annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival kicks off Friday, celebrating four decades of bringing global cinema right here to South Florida.

This year’s festival runs through Feb. 28 and features more than 50 films from around the world, plus red carpet premieres, filmmaker Q&A’s, and special events happening all across Broward County.

Opening night starts with “Miami Nights” at Savor Cinema — complete with a red carpet, reception and even a street party to launch the celebration.

“Film festivals are important because it adds a sense of community to watching a movie,” Steve Savor, of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, said. “We all know we have content to last us five lifetimes at home now, with all of our streaming services. But it’s special when you get to watch a film with an audience and feel their reactions, and also share it with the filmmakers that made the film. Also with the festival, which is amazing, is you’re going to discover films that you didn’t even know were out there. Each film is really an experience.”

Throughout the week, big names like Chevy Chase, Jamie Kennedy and Guy Harvey are set to appear, along with international filmmakers, sharing everything from comedies to powerful documentaries.

For a full schedule and ticket information, click here.

40th annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival brings global cinema to South Florida

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Alexis Frazier