PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – MARCH 2024 – Inaugural event will include more than 75 films, panel discussions and special events, throughout an eclectic mix of downtown venues

On the shores of St. Andrews Bay on the central northern Gulf Coast, historic downtown Panama City, Florida has undergone a bit of a rebirth, with a variety of new businesses and extensive streetscape upgrades. It is a transformation welcomed by locals and a boost providing even more facets for visitors to enjoy. Along with the physical changes, Redfish Film Fest is adding to the variety that sets this downtown destination apart.

The documentary film festival will make its debut April 11-13, 2024 and organizers aim to produce the premier event of its kind in the Southeastern U.S. The effort is successful so far, as interest and support from the filmmaking community is strong, with more than 75 films scheduled for screening.

The festival is also garnering support from local leaders and the business community. “Enthusiastically championing the creative spirit of our community, Destination Panama City is honored to support the Redfish Film Festival,” said Destination Panama City President & CEO Jennifer Vigil. “We believe in the impactful storytelling that documentaries bring to the forefront, uniting and inspiring audiences. This festival embodies the dynamic energy defining our city and is sure to be enjoyed by our locals and visitors.”

Films will be shown over two days and the festival will also include several other events, including filmmaker panel discussions and social events such as an opening night red carpet event, block party, closing night gala, VIP events and more.

The screenings, events and eclectic collection of venues where they will happen speaks to Festival Director Kevin Elliott’s love not only of the documentary film genre but also of Panama City. Elliott is a local and co-founder of Wewa Films, the company producing Redfish Film Fest.

“I love the documentary form. I always have. I also love downtown Panama City,” says Elliott, who has been involved in the downtown arts community since 1988. “I want people to fall in love with downtown as much as they fall in love with the festival. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be here and we want to show off our town now.”

All screening and event venues are within Panama City’s walkable downtown and showcase the mix of attractions, businesses and venues that are a part of the city’s expanding entertainment and business blend.

Panama City Center for the Arts (19E 4^th Street, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-640-3670) The Center, built in 1925, is now a modern museum, home to diverse permanent and changing exhibit galleries, interactive classes, special events and a gift shop filled with local art

Downtown Boxing Club (320 Luverne Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-257-5783) This state-of-the-art gym features and old school vibe and offers boxing training, group classes and private sessions. It takes pride in providing artisan leather heavy bags, speed bags, gloves, and mitts.

Mosey’s (425 Grace Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-215-4802) Pizza is the mainstay here, but there is more on the menu and Mosey’s is known as a favorite local music venue.

Gallery of Art (36 West Beach Drive, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-257-5568) This versatile event space features changing fine art exhibitions, retail art, concerts and more.

Bay County Historical Museum (133 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-818-0964) The museum is dedicated to providing public access and enjoyment of its collections, which have been curated to nurture an appreciation of the rich history of Bay County.

El Weirdo Taco Pub (24 W. Oak Avenue, Panama City, Florida; 850-842-7685) This self-proclaimed “weird spot” is a taqueria and craft brewery that celebrates local art with numerous installations throughout the property.

Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar (5 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-979-5550) Located at Panama City Marina, this is downtown’s newest restaurant. It has upscale coastal flair and beautiful waterfront views and serves seafood and Southern dishes.

The official lodging of the festival is the waterfront Hotel Indigo Panama City Marina (7 Harrison Avene, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-402-5100), a boutique hotel which opened downtown last year. The hotel’s modern design and coastal casual style bring a refreshing new element to Panama City’s lodging options. Overlooking St. Andrew Bay, the guest rooms have luxury appointments and sunset views. Amenities include two onsite dining options, bayfront pool, firepit, promenade and a rooftop bar overlooking the water, with spectacular sunsets.

One of the few film festivals in the country dedicated to documentaries, the Redfish line-up includes films produced and directed by an impressive list of headliners. The names include Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning producer Cori Shepherd Stern, whose most recent work, “Shiny Happy People,” is the number one documentary series on Amazon Prime. Florida native and an Emmy and GLAAD Award winning television executive Rebecca Sirmons is the first director of the global streaming platform NASA+. Her previous work includes “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “Bill Nye Saves the World” and more.