Meet Hal Axler

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hal Axler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hal, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
The Broward County Film Society will proudly celebrate its 41st season in 2027. In addition to producing the annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and the Savoir-Faire Shorts Film Festival, the Society operates Savor Cinema year-round.

Our mission is to unite individuals throughout the year through cinema—educating, connecting, and empowering communities by supporting and honoring visual storytellers from South Florida and around the globe. We strive to inspire audiences through the transformative power of film. This mission is realized by showcasing independent, foreign, and documentary films; operating arthouse cinemas; offering educational programming for emerging filmmakers; and curating a variety of film-focused experiences.

While we embrace all forms of cinema, we are particularly committed to presenting films that might not otherwise be accessible through mainstream theaters. The curated selections at Savor Cinema and our festivals offer audiences unique perspectives and stories, transforming the traditional moviegoing experience into a forum for community engagement and thoughtful dialogue.

A vital component of our mission is to serve as an incubator for aspiring filmmakers, students, and local creatives—many of whom are just beginning their journey in the world of filmmaking. Through accessible space and supportive programming, we aim to foster the next generation of storytellers.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up surrounded by music, film, and the arts, it almost seemed inevitable that I would eventually lead a cultural arts organization. Today, I serve as the Managing Director of the Broward County Film Society, a nonprofit cultural arts organization that operates Fort Lauderdale’s Savor Cinema and produces two annual film festivals: the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) and FLIFFShorts.

My path here, however, was anything but direct.

Entertainment and creativity have always been part of my family’s story. My maternal grandparents were involved in vaudeville as performers, bookers, and theater operators, and my grandmother even appeared in several long-lost silent films as a child. My mother was an accomplished artist who dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. Because of that environment, I grew up immersed in music, film, and the arts.

Music became my passion early on, and I worked in record stores throughout the Miami area while pursuing a music degree at Florida State University. Shortly after graduating, I joined Handleman Music Distribution Company, where I spent 14 years moving through various management positions.

As the entertainment industry evolved, so did my career. When prerecorded music sales began to decline, my focus shifted to video games and the newly introduced DVD format. Yet, as became a recurring theme during those years, those formats eventually faded as well.

After spending the first two decades of my career in the corporate home entertainment industry, an opportunity presented itself to transition into the cultural arts world. Following short stints with the Palm Beach International Film Festival, Young At Art, and ArtServe, I ultimately found my home with the Broward County Film Society.

Was the journey easy? Not really. But it was rewarding every step of the way. It involved a lot of moving, adapting, and learning, and none of it would have been possible without the support of my family.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned may sound cliché, but it’s true: never give up and always keep looking forward. I remember arriving at the School of Music at Florida State and realizing within about 20 minutes that I probably wasn’t going to become a professional musician. But that realization never discouraged me from pursuing a career in the music industry—and eventually in the cultural arts.

What I want people to understand is this: if you love the arts, don’t give up on the dream. There are countless opportunities in this field. Most people may never see their name on the marquee, but simply having the opportunity to work in a venue with a marquee can be incredibly fulfilling.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that every cultural arts organization is also a business. Passion alone is not enough. If the programming you present is not profitable, you must find creative ways to sustain and grow your organization. Balancing art with smart business practices is essential.

And in the end, the greatest reward is simple: seeing happy guests walk through your doors and leave inspired.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Considering we’re talking about South Florida, the weather always plays a huge factor!

I would definitely recommend visiting the new Everglades Elevated Boardwalk, Flamingo Gardens in Davie, The Ridge at Tree Tops Park, and taking an airboat ride through the Everglades. Of course, after all that, I would also make sure they experience Savor Cinema. Beyond that, it really depends on what’s happening around town at the time.

And then there’s the food!

My go-to spots are always Little Japan at Shenandoah Square Shopping Center, Las Esquina on State Road 84, Nando Grill on Peaceful Ridge Road, and Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine in Plantation.

As you can probably tell, I really don’t venture too far from my home in Davie. My perfect mornings usually include coffee at Filomena’s, also in Shenandoah Square, and when the weather cooperates, birdwatching from my backyard or hiking the many trails throughout the area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A big shout out to all of those who support film in our community by attending our movies at Savor Cinema and being a part of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and the Savoir-faire Shorts Film Festival.

Website: https://www.fliff.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fliffofficial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FLIFFest/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FLIFF