Experience four vibrant autumn days in charming, walkable Fairhope, Alabama. Located on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay—just 30 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico and 2.5 hours from New Orleans—this picturesque town offers a unique setting that blends Southern hospitality with artistic flair.

The Fairhope Film Festival (FFF) features 4 venues throughout the downtown area and showcases compelling films, lively parties, and distinguished judges, including past guests like Talia Shire and Prudence Farrow Bruns. With the renowned Grand Hotel as one of our partners, the festival promises both elegance and excitement.

Come be inspired by the beauty of our location and captivated by the exceptional quality of the films.

Awards & Prizes

Awards in all the short film categories.

Rules & Terms

Short film submissions must be no more than 20 minutes in length and produced within the last three years. No music videos will be accepted.

Short film submissions over 20 minutes will be considered in the Extended Short Film Category. Films in the Extended Short Film category must be no more than 45 minutes.

Feature length films are selected from current festival winners, not by submission.
8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Aaron Reynolds

    We had a great time at the Fairhope Film Festival! My RAFF Studios co-creator and myself had a wonderful reception for our film Social Awareness, and we were honored to receive the Audience Choice Award for Short Animation. It was a blessing to get to be involved with this festival, we hope to come back!

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Linda Corley

    Thank you for screening Marina, The Fire Eating Mermaid at your wonderful festival. So glad Marina could attend. She had nothing but great things to say about her experience up in Alabama.

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Catherine Cobb Ryan

    This festival was just wonderful! As another reviewer said the Southern hospitality was in every aspect throughout the week. As a filmmaker, I couldn't have felt more valued and appreciated by not just the festival and its organizers and volunteers, but the whole - they come out to see the screening and are so engaged with the films. Great event, great food, wonderful hosts, charming town on the gorgeous Gulf coast. BEST time!

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • James M Myers

    This festival was fantastic. The hospitality is unmatched! True Southern Hospitality at is finest!
    The whole town supports the festival, banners everywhere! Not to mention its an adorable town with lovely shops and restaurants all over.
    Networking and events were wonderful I cant say enough about this fantastic festival. A must see!

    December 2023
    Helpful
  • Matt Webb

    We were so honored to be selected to be a part of this awesome festival.

    November 2023
    Helpful