Did you know Historic Downtown Panama City is home to one of only two documentary film festivals in the Southeast U.S.?
Redfish Film Fest – in its second year – is on track to become the premier event of its kind in this area. Last year was a smash, and festival organizers say they have more films and immersive live events planned for this year.
“We were awed how people embraced Redfish in its first year,” said Kevin Elliott, Director of Redfish. Elliot moved to Panama City in 1988, at the age of 13, and was smitten. A life-long arts kid, he has always wanted to help build arts and culture in Panama City like he sees in the big cities he visits with his film company, Wewa Films.
“Our town and people helped us make this what it was. We are thrilled and honored to do it again.”
This year’s fest happens April 24-27 in Historic Downtown Panama City. The fest will be screening at five venues this year – Panama City Center for the Arts, Downtown Boxing Club, Mosey’s, Gallery of Art and Bay County Historical Museum – with more than 60 documentaries and immersive arts events happening each night.
Redfish is not a typical film festival. Its signature evening arts events are not usually seen at film festivals.
“Last year we had a 3D projection art block party, a blues jam, a Redfish comedy show, and bourbon tastings,” Elliott said. “Our arts community gathered round us and helped make Redfish so much better. It’s happening again this year.”
In addition to documentaries, Redfish will have an opening night party on April 24 called From Bayou to Beyond that celebrates Panama City’s past, present, and future. Friday, April 25 includes an “urban fantasy street party” called Storyteller’s Row that will feature musicians, light projections, and a nighttime art market from local group Trash Market, all in downtown’s Gateway and McKenzie Parks.
That same night, local haunt Mosey’s will host a concert by Matt Siegel Music called Music in the Movies, then Panama City Comedy will host its Redfish Comedy Showcase.
Saturday night, April 26 will see Masque of the Red Death, a “dark masquerade party” based on the short story by Edgar Allen Poe.
The Redfish team have a brunch planned for Sunday, April 27 that includes a boat journey across St. Andrews Bay to Papa Joe’s Bayside, where guests will be entertained with a true crime adventure.
But why documentaries only?
Redfish co-founder and head programmer, Lex Benedict, said it comes down to real stories about real people. Benedict is a producer, editor, and VFX artist who has been working professionally in L.A. for over two decades. She has spearheaded the post-production and delivery process of over twenty feature-length films, several docu-series, music videos, shorts and branded content distributed on platforms such as Array for Netflix, HBO/MAX, HULU, Buzzfeed, Billboard, FOX, COMPLEX and Amazon.
“In the end, Redfish is about people and their stories,” Benedict said. “Personal stories are our most treasured possessions as humans. We want Redfish to be a place where people can share their stories, celebrate them, and create some new chapters with us.”
For more information on Redfish Film Fest or to buy tickets, visit www.redfishfilmfest.com. Volunteers interested in assisting with set-up April 19-27 can email Lex Benedict at lex@redfishfilmfest.com for more information.
