05/26/2026
Top Honors Awarded at the 16th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival Champagne Celebration
Fort Myers, Florida — May 24, 2026 — The 16th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival concluded Sunday evening with a vibrant Awards Ceremony and Champagne Celebration honoring outstanding achievements in independent filmmaking from around the world.
Founded by Eric Raddatz, the Fort Myers Film Festival has grown into one of the most exciting, freshest, and culturally significant independent film festivals in the world, attracting visionary filmmakers, actors, artists, and audiences to Southwest Florida each year.
Hosted throughout downtown Fort Myers and anchored at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, the 2026 festival showcased groundbreaking features, documentaries, shorts, environmental films, student productions, and immersive cinematic experiences that celebrated innovation, storytelling, and artistic excellence.
Festival organizers praised this year’s selections for their emotional depth, originality, and global perspectives.
The closing night celebration featured champagne toasts, filmmaker appearances, audience favorites, and the announcement of the festival’s top awards.
2026 Fort Myers Film Festival Award Winners
Best Feature
If I Go Will They Miss Me
Directed by Walter Thompson-Hernández
Set in Watts, South Los Angeles, the film follows twelve-year-old Lil Ant as he struggles to reconnect with his father after his release from prison, blending social and magical realism in a moving exploration of family, legacy, and belonging.
Best Documentary
Outlaws of the Everglades
Directed by Brian Holaway & Rob Hoovis
A visually stunning documentary exploring the lives of pioneer families deeply connected to the waters and wilderness of the Florida Everglades.
Best Local Film
Blisters and Brotherhood
Directed by Bryson Robbins
A heartfelt short documentary chronicling a 50-mile backpacking trek through Philmont Scout Ranch and the brotherhood formed along the journey.
Best Environmental Film
Fighting for Florida
Directed by Wilson McCourtney
A powerful environmental documentary highlighting Florida’s natural beauty while exposing threats including shark finning, toxic red tide outbreaks, and nutrient pollution.
Best Short Film
Szypliszki
Directed by Jordan Axelrod
An emotionally layered story centered around an unexpected overnight layover in Queens and quietly unraveling relationships.
Best Short Short
Materializing Dog
Directed by Kathleen Krenitsky & Samantha L. Keller
A creative allegorical project pairing bluegrass music with themes of love, curiosity, and human connection.
Best Student Film
Beaver Fever
Directed by Nya Chambless & Lana Phelan
A satirical and imaginative student production exploring free speech, privatization, and modern American culture.
Audience Favorite Film
A Matter of Time
Directed by Ana Milena Rojas
Featuring Priscila Buiar
A timely and emotional story focused on immigration, family, and survival amid an impending ICE raid.
Best Innovation Film
Shuffle
Directed by Benjamin Flaherty
A gripping and innovative exploration of the treatment industry and insurance fraud.
Best Director
Michael Glover Smith
For Hekla
Recognized for his compelling artistic vision and contributions to independent filmmaking.
Best Actor
Danny Wolohan
For Szypliszki
Honored for his standout performance and acclaimed work across stage and screen.
Best Actress
Priscila Buiar
For A Matter of Time
Celebrated for her emotionally powerful performance and growing international acclaim.
The Fort Myers Film Festival extends heartfelt thanks to its sponsors, community partners, volunteers, filmmakers, and audiences whose support continues to elevate independent film culture in Southwest Florida and beyond.
https://fortmyersfilmfestival.com/f/and-the-winners-are
