WHO WE ARE
The Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival based on Estero Island in Southwest Florida celebrates and promotes independent filmmakers locally as well as from around the globe. Over the course of five days, the Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival endeavors to curate an inclusive festival culture where experienced professionals to first-time filmmakers can network,
benefit from Q & A sessions, educational programs and community events all while enjoying the natural beauty of the Southwest coast of Florida.

Founded in 2001, the Festival event welcomes screenwriters, directors, actors, and industry professionals as well as students and regional film aficionados. The hub for the Festival is the Beach Theater, a locally-owned cinema who has partnered with and played host to this beloved film festival since the Festival’s inception as they recognize the importance of indie films and supporting burgeoning filmmakers.

We invite you to save the date for the Fort Myers Beach International Festival, one of Film Freeway’s “2019 Top 100 Best Reviewed” festivals.

“Filmmaking is a chance to live many lifetimes.”
Robert Altman

Many thanks and we’ll see you at the movies,

Janeen Paulauskis, Festival Director
Kyle Thompson, Programming Director
Tanya Kaish Keller, Festival External Communications

OUR VISION

By 2022, the Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival will be:

  • A thriving, engaging, and financially stable and sustainable film festival that has grown an international reputation among filmmakers and festival-goers by showcasing films that feature unique voices and quality production.
  • A festival with a leadership team drawing upon top professional and volunteer talent to direct the organization, volunteers, and local community members to produce a successful annual program.
  • A Festival that offers educational programs and unique opportunities for all ages, with professional growth available to filmmakers, locals, and festival attendees.
  • A Festival which highlights our local community, its culture and natural setting.