» In December Florida International University sponsors the JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL (PHONE: 305.576.4030 ext. 14), which presents screenings of new work as well as workshops and panel discussions with filmmakers in several Miami Beach locations.

» The MIAMI FILM FESTIVAL unspools each February with three dozen Florida premieres of Hollywood and international fare.

» In April the MIAMI GAY AND LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL (PHONE: 305.534.9924) offers a program of screenings and events at the Colony Theater on Lincoln Road and at other nearby venues.

» South Beach also has its own film event, the SOUTH BEACH FILM FESTIVAL (PHONE: 305.532.1233), traditionally held at the Colony Theater in April. This weeklong fest shows films neglected by larger festivals.

» The WOLFSON MEDIA CENTER (300 N.E. 2nd Ave., Miami, PHONE: 305.375.4257) on the downtown campus of Miami-Dade Community College shows a collection of rare videos, including TV images of the Cuban Missile Crisis, John F. Kennedy's visit to Miami, and the 1968 Republican Convention. Bus tours of Miami neighborhoods allow passengers to compare modern-day Miami with video from yesteryear.

» ABSINTHE HOUSE CINEMATHEQUE. Art films are the draw at this theater in the heart of prosperous Coral Gables. 235 Alcazar Ave., Coral Gables, PHONE: 305.446.7144.

» ASTOR ART CINEMA. Sophisticated audiences enjoy the stimulating independent and foreign selections at this small theater. 4120 Laguna St., Coral Gables, PHONE: 305.443.6777.

» BILL COSFORD CINEMA. For imaginative and unconventional film programming, visit this theater on the campus of the University of Miami. Named after the late, noted Miami Herald film critic, the Cosford screens provocative independent releases and foreign films that get little or no play in the area's commercial houses. Off Campo Sano Ave., Coral Gables, PHONE: 305.284.2861.

» ALLIANCE CINEMA. Independent movies both high-profile and obscure, as well as films for gay audiences, are presented at this theater tucked into an appealing nook off Lincoln Road Mall. Sterling Bldg., Suite 119, 927 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach, PHONE: 305.531.8504.

» TOWER THEATER. Originally built in 1926, this was the first Miami cinema to show films with Spanish subtitles. Miami historian Arva Moore Parks described the Little Havana landmark as "the Plymouth Rock for Cuban people," because it was such an important cultural center for exiles in the 1960s. An extensive rehabilitation and construction of a new cinema and arts complex are slated for completion by 2001. The cinema will show subtitled Spanish-language films, and the arts complex will mount live performances. 1508 S.W. 8th St., at 15th Ave., Miami, PHONE: 305.416.1454.