From indie gems to immersive experiences, FMFF will once again bring the energy to premier venues across the region, including the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Lab Theatre, Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, Alliance for the Arts, and IMAG History & Science Center.

Expect an exciting celebration of film, creativity, and community—featuring a diverse mix of local and international storytelling, along with the vibrant spirit that defines the Fort Myers film scene.

The Fort Myers Film Festival was founded by Eric Raddatz and continues to celebrate independent film while supporting both local and international filmmakers.
To get your VIP PASS click here now! Individual tickets will be made available closer to the event!

Sponsors & Community Partners
We’re proud to be supported by an incredible network of partners and sponsors, including The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Luminary Hotel, Gulfshore Life Magazine, Riverside Realty Group, Hilfiker Missions LLC, City of Fort Myers, Aux Delices Cafe, Downtown House of Pizza, Starbucks, Pamela Templeton Unlimited, Captiva Spirits, IMAG, J. Bert Davis MD FACS, Kearns Restaurant Group, Black Tie Tuxedoes, Martin Law Firm, and the International Olympic Committee supported Fédération Internationale Cinéma Télévision Sportifs.

Along with the continued support of organizations making a difference in our community, including Lee County Schools, United Way, Raddatz Foundation, SalusCare, Lighthouse of SWFL, ACT, Kimmie’s Recovery Zone, Uncommon Friends, Charity Pros, #KindLee, FODASA, Family Initiative, and Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Opening Night

The Fort Myers Film Festival (FMFF) kicks off its 16th annual event on May 20, 2026, at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center with a dynamic opening night lineup.

Headlining the evening is Multiple Choice, a powerful documentary by Ted Dintersmith that challenges the traditional “college-for-all” mindset and highlights innovative, career-connected education models. Dintersmith previously opened FMFF in 2015 with Most Likely to Succeed.

Also screening is Szypliszki, an award-winning short film by Fort Myers native Jordan Axelrod, winner of the Special Jury Prize at the Palm Springs International ShortFest. The film explores themes of love, identity, and illusion through a cross-cultural family encounter.

Opening night begins at 7 p.m. and features a red carpet, filmmaker appearances, and the start of five days of independent films from around the world.

More festival details and the full schedule will be announced soon.

The Fort Myers Film Festival’s 16th annual festival will be held in the sunny, beautiful SW Florida region at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center May 20-24, 2026 with other venues, restaurants and private parties to be announced including screenings at Alliance for the Arts, IMAG, Calusa Planetarium and Lab Theatre.

May 20, 2026: The event will begin with a red carpet opening night and will be celebrated with excitement and style at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center at 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy drinks and treats with an opportunity to meet with the stars of the evening’s film, other filmmakers and event VIPs. The event will provide the delicious foods and beverages. Watch last year’s video here https://vimeo.com/552417263.

May 21-24, 2026: Then join us for all of the films with official programming at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and other event centers around town including iMag, Alliance for the Arts, Calusa Nature Planetarium, Lab Theater and more!

May 24, 2026: Finish off the weeklong celebration with an awards ceremony. Join all of the local and international filmmakers as we celebrate the winners of the Fort Myers Film Festival. Champagne and dessert will be shared, short award winning films will be played and toasts will be deservedly pronounced and afterparties will commence.

The Fort Myers Film Festival’s 16th annual festival will be held in the sunny, beautiful SW Florida region with private parties and dinners at select venues. A VIP TICKET will make you ALL ACCESS to ALL of our events VIP and screenings. *Affiliate partners may ask to see VIP for standby seating.

The Fort Myers Film Festival is an intelligent independent filmmaker’s preferred event to create, unite and showcase the finest artistic cinematic works. The Fort Myers Film Festival is known for world-class swagger and support of local filmmakers. The festival event offers ‘the most vibrant intellectual and edgy crowd to grace Lee County in decades.’ The event has featured hundreds of local filmmakers and is a must attend for cineasts who love indie film and film festivals living in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties. That’s right, Fort Myers has a film festival now, so come out for the excitement!

The Fort Myers Film Festival supports Lee County Schools filmmakers, United Way, Raddatz Foundation, SalusCare, Lighthouse of SWFL, ACT, Kimmie’s Recovery Zone, Uncommon Friends, Charity Pros, #KindLee, FODASA, Family Initiative and Golisano’s Children’s Hospital. Sponsored by and partnered with The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Happenings Magazine, Luminary Hotel, The Banyan, Gulfshore Life Magazine, Riverside Realty Group, Hilfiker Missions LLC, City of Fort Myers, Wild About Popcorn, Aux Delices Cafe, Jordan’s, Outlier Brands, Downtown House of Pizza, UNIT A and Marcus Jansen Foundation, Starbucks, Babcock Ranch, Pamela Templeton Unlimited, Captiva Spirits, IMAG, J. Bert Davis, Clarity Certified Public Accountants, Kearns Restaurant Group, Black Tie Tuxedoes, City Tavern, Martin Law Firm and the International Olympic Committee supported Fédération Internationale Cinéma Télévision Sportifs.

The Fort Myers Film Festival was awarded the prestigious 2015 Chrysalis Award for Cultural Achievement by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Inc. at their annual Celebration of Business & Tourism Awards Luncheon and Trade Show at the Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers.