Ronald Baez

Take a seat with us at FIRE’s first-ever classical music concert in support of free expression: “Outspoken: Music for Free Speech.” At the podium is conductor Rebecca Bryant Novak, a former doctoral student at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music. Taking the stage for the first time since she was expelled without due process after speaking out about alleged harassment, Rebecca leads an all-volunteer orchestra in an unforgettable evening of music. Internationally acclaimed musicians, violinist Lara St. John and oboist Katherine Needleman, bring the stage to life with works by composers who themselves faced censorship, from Mozart to Shostakovich. Between performances, FIRE staff and special guests reflect on why free expression is essential for artists, and for all of us. The arts cannot thrive without free expression. Thank you to everyone who made this night possible!

Minutes before her perfectly planned evening, Lily accidentally summons a genie from a vinyl record. The fairy-godmother-like Reggaetonero is convinced he can help her woo her date, but Lily is skeptical about his methods.

Inspired by true events, a Haitian refugee fights to survive the inhuman conditions at Guantánamo Bay.

A young Haitian-American learns how to dance Konpa to impress his crush.

A 23 weeks pregnant young actress, struggles to find the perfect name for her daughter.

At only 19 years old, an Argentinian filmmaker emigrates to Miami looking for better opportunities. She soon finds herself falling for her very first boyfriend, someone she thought was good for her. That would quickly change, making her feel trapped in an abusive relationship that she would hide from everyone around her for years. In a detailed search for healing, she explores the events that led to the morning when he sexually assaulted her to understand that she is not to blame.

Longtime Instagram pen pals Jean and Nina meet in person for the first time and stumble through a well-meaning dinner with Nina’s ultra-conservative father.

A middle-aged mother of two reflects on her emotional decision to immigrate to the United States some 30 years earlier, in this reflective documentary short that borrows its title from a uniquely powerful poem by the legendary exiled Cuban writer Lourdes Casal.

Eight miles inland of Miami’s beaches, Liberty City residents fight to save their community from climate gentrification: their land, sitting on a ridge, becomes real estate gold.