The 15th Annual Key West Film Festival Is Coming to Town!
Wed, November 18 – Sun, November 22
Passion meets paradise during the upcoming 15th Annual Key West Film Festival — a curated event built by Islanders, for film lovers. Created in 1998 by a small group of local visionaries, the festival celebrates contemporary cinema and is now heralded as one of the 25 coolest film festivals in the world.
This year’s festival kicks off on Wednesday, November 18, with a buzz-worthy Welcome Party from 8 – 10:30 pm on the lawn of the Truman Little White House, 111 Front St. Opening Night also belongs to the screening of “Paper Tiger,” directed by the great James Grey, one of the most critically revered directors of modern times. Boasting an all-star cast, Grey’s latest drama wowed audiences at the Cannes and New York Film Festivals.
From premieres and filmmaker Q&As to star-studded celebrations, the festival brings movie magic to paradise with dozens of screenings and an exciting roster of special events. It also provides a critical platform for independent filmmakers and new works.
Throughout the immersive five-day celebration, you can enjoy both new and classic feature films, documentaries, student shorts, critics’ panels, and awards presentations each afternoon and evening.
Highlights include the 20th Anniversary screening of “Cocaine Cowboys” by celebrated Florida filmmaker Billy Corben. The riveting documentary chronicles the rise of a local cocaine dealer in the 1970s and 1980s during the “Miami Drug War” and the crime spree that followed. In “The Fish Don’t Care When It Rains,” producer Tony Armer takes a deep dive into the world of Jen Msumba, an autistic filmmaker and artist from Florida. After being institutionalized and having survived seven years of painful electric shock “treatments,” Msumba reclaims her voice. Armer’s genius turns her trauma into music, film, and a reckoning with the system that tried to erase her.
After a sneak preview earlier this year, “Unspoken Bond” returns for its official Key West premiere. The award-winning documentary explores the life-changing power of human-animal connections through three compelling stories of loss, healing, and redemption. Created by Jackie Ducci and directed by Don Hardy, the film challenges you to reconsider the role animals play in human well-being, connection, and coexistence.
“Our Body Electric,” from Academy Award-shortlisted director Dana Reilly, follows the relentless journey of three elite women bodybuilders during their quest to become Ms. Olympia. Delving into themes of strength, resilience, and self-discovery, the documentary sheds light on the challenges of achieving success as women in the world of bodybuilding. FYI: Rumor has it that the Miami-based contestant, Ariel Khadr, will be at this special screening.
The Florida Keys premiere of Patrick Xavier’s “First They Came for My College” follows the brazen efforts to dismantle Florida’s public honors college after Governor Ron DeSantis’ appointment of six conservatives to its Board of Trustees. Two of the college’s students will also be on hand for a Q&A.
This year’s festival is also showcasing an exciting new section of programming, called “Florida and Friends.” Culled from hundreds of submissions of Florida-based films, these three incredible screenings capture the spirit of Florida through the lenses of some of Florida’s most talented filmmakers.
Making its World Premiere is the new JAWS documentary, “The Farmer and the Shark.” The film explores the extraordinary life of Craig Kingsbury, the local Martha’s Vineyard legend who served as the inspiration for Robert Shaw’s iconic shark hunter character, and who also had a big influence on the Spielberg blockbuster — from both behind and in front of the camera.
The festival’s 2026 Short Film Lineup also delivers. The dynamic slate includes lots of festival favorites, critical hits, and local stories, selected from a record pool of nearly 1,000 submissions across 50 countries. Expect lots of laughs, a healthy dose of drama, and, of course, that unmistakable Florida spirit.
Notable selections include SXSW Audience Award-winner, “We Were Here,” and the Sundance standout, “Balloon Animals,” as well as several other acclaimed festival winners, “Meeting Your Maker,” “Disc,” and “The Platform.”
The Short Film Lineup also spotlights local artistry with the award-winning documentary “Body of Work.” Directed by award-winning filmmakers Cassidy Rast and Odin Wadleigh, this riveting story of resilience, creativity, and the power of the human spirit explores the life and art of Key West painter Eric Anfinson.
This year’s roster of Special Events is just as exciting. Topping the list: the 12th annual KWFF Critics Panel and a special screening of the 1953 romantic comedy, “Roman Holiday”. FYI: Be sure to stick around after the show for a feisty conversation with nationally renowned film critics, Alison Willmore of Vulture.com and Esther Zuckerman of The Wall Street Journal, as they banter about one of their favorite classic romantic comedies.
Another not-to-be-missed event: The Golden Key Award for Costume Design, which celebrates the art of costume design and is the only award of its kind at any film festival. Past honorees include multiple Academy Award winners and nominees.
Per annual tradition, the festival’s final screening will be a music themed film, this time celebrating the recent release of “Occupation Hazard: The First Coral Reefers.” Producer John Cunningham will be on hand to receive the inaugural “Spirit of the Keys” award at the festival. After the film, The Coral Reefers will perform at Smokin’ Tuna, 313 Duval Street.
Now in its 15th year, the Key West Film Festival is a world-class event that has attracted some of the biggest names in the business. Festival guests have included Burt Reynolds, John Waters, Mariel Hemingway, Harmony Korine, Marisa Tomei, Paul Haggis, Alan Cumming, Sebastian Junger, Tom Berenger, Paul Verhoeven, Billy Corben, Delaney Buffett, Terry George, Corey Glover, Steven Bauer, Anson Mount, Celia Weston, Angus MacLachlan, Judy Blume, Chris Cooper, Thomas McGuane, Billy Connolly and Ondi Timoner.
But perhaps one of the most enchanting elements of the Key West Film Festival is how different it is from the other festivals taking place across the U.S. With its historic tropical setting, beach town vibe, and breathtaking sunsets, it’s the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in dozens of brilliant and consuming films.
The Key West Film Festival 2026 runs from Wednesday, November 18 through Sunday, November 22. For a complete schedule of screenings and events, hit up keywestff.com.
Special Note: The whole festival can be yours with an “All Access Pass.” One pass gets you into every film, every conversation, and every party across five days in Key West. It’s the closest thing to living inside the festival. Capped each year, these passes often sell out before the lineups go public.
Snag one while you can at keystix.com.
