Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival Blasts Off at Oaks 10 Theaters Oct. 16

Will honor Space Coast heritage and enduring legacy of NASA's human spaceflight program

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Prepare for a cosmic collision of creativity, comedy, and community as the 27th annual Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival blasts off at Premiere Theaters Oaks 10 from October 16-18.

Under the enchanting theme Space Dance, this year’s event celebrates the boundless artistry of independent filmmaking while honoring Florida’s Space Coast heritage and the enduring legacy of NASA’s human spaceflight program.

Attendees won’t just witness groundbreaking stories; they’ll help raise vital funds for the No Limits Academy, which provides innovative education to children with complex physical disabilities.

In a festival lineup that fuses heart-pounding documentaries, laugh-out-loud comedy, and nostalgic retrospectives, MIFF promises an unforgettable weekend of screenings, panels, and star-studded moments.

Kicking off on Thursday, October 16, at 6 p.m. is the Florida premiere of ‘Making Megaforce’, a high-octane behind-the-scenes saga chronicling the wild production of the 1982 cult classic action flick.

Packed with archival footage, star interviews, and explosive revelations, this film revs up the adrenaline while paying homage to the DIY grit of independent cinema’s golden era. The after-party will be at Tide & Tonic and feature recording artist Char Good.

“This year’s Space Dance theme isn’t just about rockets and stars. It’s a tribute to the innovative spirit that propels both filmmakers and explorers forward,” said MIFF Program Chair and Co-Founder Dr. Terry Cronin.

“It’s wonderful when our community comes together to celebrate the artistry of filmmaking and is able to do it while raising money for a great cause.”

Anchoring the festival is the world premiere of the riveting documentary The Man Behind the Six Million Dollar Man: The Untold Story of Martin Caidin, a deep-dive into the life of the visionary author and aerospace pioneer whose groundbreaking work inspired one of television’s most iconic sci-fi franchises.

Audiences will be transported through Caidin’s untold contributions to aviation and space exploration, revealing the human ingenuity that blurred the lines between fiction and reality.

History buffs and space enthusiasts will orbit around ‘A Brief History of NASA Human Spaceflight’ with Jay Honeycutt, former NASA Manager and Kennedy Space Center Director.

This exclusive presentation, delivered by Honeycutt himself, charts the triumphs and trials of America’s journey to the stars —from Mercury to Artemis —offering insider insights that make the cosmos feel intimately attainable.

Laughter launches into orbit during the festival’s comedy segment, hosted by the incomparable Lisa Corrao, a comedian whose sharp wit has lit up stages from coast to coast.

Corrao’s high-energy hosting will intersperse hilarious takes on space-age absurdities with festival shorts, ensuring every screening ends on a high note of joy and connection.

Capping the cinematic constellations is the glamorous red carpet event —complete with photo ops, singing, dancing, and local celebrity mingling. Guests will step into a galaxy of glamour before diving into the cinematic cosmos of the always enjoyable VIP program with awards at Hemingway’s/One Oak after-party with Rockstar Entertainment.

The festival’s diverse film programs span 50+ shorts, features, and panels across three action-packed days, all screened in state-of-the-art theaters at Premiere Theaters Oaks 10, located at 1800 W. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, Florida 32901.

From animated visions of interstellar battles to narrative dances with destiny, ‘Space Dance’ weaves a tapestry of films that challenge, inspire, and unite.

Don’t miss your chance to join this stellar celebration. Tickets and full schedules are available now HERE or at the box office.

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