Redfish Film Fest is a documentary-only festival in Historic Downtown Panama City, Florida. We are one of the few doc-only festivals in the Southeast U.S. and one of only a handful in the country.
WHY SUBMIT YOUR DOC TO REDFISH?
1) We are dedicated to docs.
We love the documentary artform and those who practice it. We understand docs don't sometimes get the love they deserve, it is hard to fund and make them, and they are usually passion projects. We get it. So we've built Redfish for you. If your film is selected, your work will be honored. You will see other quality docs and meet other quality doc makers. You can make connections and get leads. You will feel welcome and loved.
If you love docs like we do, Redfish is your home.
2) Our town is cool.
Redfish is in Historic Downtown Panama City, FL. Think of an quaint, walkable, restored downtown with Southern charm and an artistic soul. That's us.
Our venues are unique - they are embedded right in downtown buildings so you are knitted right into our community. Our lodging partner sits on beautiful St. Andrews Bay and is a few minutes' walk to all our locations. Every room has a water view. And the town shows out of our Redfish guests. Restaurants and bars have special Redfish menus and discounts, they light up their storefronts in red, their staffs wear red. And they make you feel loved.
Downtown is a character in our story. You should come meet her.
3) You'll likely get media coverage.
We do lots of press and partner with VIE Magazine to do a podcast and media room during Redfish. We love for filmmakers to tell their stories so, if you're there, you have a great chance of getting free promotion.
4) The School of Redfish
We believe in education and networking, so we've planned a whole schedule of workshops, panels, and industry Q&As, all free to attend. We celebrate documentary films, but we also want to educate and celebrate veteran and aspiring filmmakers. Our dream is that you screen your film and build your career at the same time at Redfish.
5) Events and Afterparties
We're a hardcore film fest, but we have fun. Redfish is known for throwing great parties and we have some planned for you this year. So come see films, then see and be seen at our events and VIP mixers. You'll meet important people, enjoy our waterside town, and make memories for the ages.
6) Redfish is an experience.
We've heard it from so many of our guests. Redfish has a character that is unlike any other fest. The combination of great films, interesting people, and soulful setting, and creative events is something you've never seen.
We hope you come.
All our Official Selection films will receive the official Redfish laurel and will be screened at Redfish.
Here are our awards:
Redfish Regal (Best of the Fest)
- This is our top honor. It is chosen by our selection committee.
Florida's Finest
- We pride ourselves on being a leader in the arts community in our beautiful state. We value filmmakers who demonstrate their commitment to supporting our local workforce and economies. We hope to encourage future documentarians to film in Florida and share the unique (and sometimes outrageous!) stories that can only be captured here.
- The Florida's Finest Award will be given to a film that is made in Florida about a Florida topic. The crew must be at least 50% from Florida. It is chosen by our selection committee.
- Though not required, we would love to know how much of your budget was spent in Florida and / or paid to Florida residents. We like to capture and communicate the economic impact of filmmaking in Florida.
Audience Choice
- Chosen solely by votes from our audience.
Big Pond
- Awarded to a first-time documentarian, a small fish who wants to grow into a big fish in a big pond. It is chosen from a combination of selection committee voting as well as attendee voting.
