Homeless: A Los Angeles Story
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Ghost Fleet
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Send Me Home
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Our Time Machine
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And Then We Danced
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Midnight Traveler
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End of the Century
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Cunningham (3D)
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Circus of Books
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Atlantics
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Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins
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Portrait of a Lady on Fire
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The Whistlers
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Synonyms
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Saint Frances
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American Factory
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After Parkland
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A Woman’s Work: The NFL’s Cheerleader Problem
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40th Anniverary of Alien w/ Tom Skerritt
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Bacurau
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Waves
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The Infiltrators
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The Farewell
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Pahokee
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MAPPLETHORPE The Director’s Cut
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Driveways
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Havana
Celebrating the deep cultural connections between Key West and its island neighbor just 90 miles to the south - Cuba - we are honored to bring to the festival for the first time a selection of four, award-winning, Cuban shorts from rising filmmakers living and working in Havana, the USA, and Spain, and starring some of Cuba's most…
Animation and Student Documentary and Drama
This phenomenal assortment of serious subject matter told through diverse genres of animation, documentary, and drama, shows the broad range of young Floridian and national talent, and how an important story can be made even more compelling by their cinematic imagination and skill. The following short films are included in this category:The Phantom 52 Director:…
Environmental Documentary and Animation
The fragile health of our ecosystems, oceans, and marine life are becoming critical issues to filmmakers and the public. At this year's festival we present a selection of "eco" documentary and animated shorts from concerned artists across Florida and the greater Americas. These are films that all ages can learn from and be moved and inspired by. The following short films are…
Florida Student Comedy
From light to dark, north to south, Florida film students are all over the funny map with morticians and mannequins, bizarre family dinners, bullied and bicycling and bibliophile high-schoolers, hapless two-timing killers, a normal dude in a boring marriage, and a guy that looks an awful lot like Hitler. The following short films are included…
Florida Mystery and Thriller
Who dunnit? In this chilling cache of mystery and psychological dramas from Florida’s finest cinematic thrill-givers, the answer is desperate dads, dead moms, immersive tech, terrorists, and the Devil himself. Hope that wasn’t a spoiler?! The following short films are included in this category:Catatonia Director: Mike Greene | 16 min. A psychologist attempts to help…
Florida Documentary
Through these engaging documentaries, meet Floridians making art from the excesses of our throw-away society, a brave woman battling her disease with dignity, and equally brave survivors of the spreading societal disease of school shootings. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and moved. The following short films are included in this category:Here for the Free Wine…
Florida and World Student Comedy
Off-beat and sooo Florida (plus other weird places like the suburbs): Day cults, night rituals, stay-at-home suicide moms, washed-up slasher stars, and the Florida Keys film commissioner as a freaky AF clown dentist. "Florida man” gets a run for his pesos in this wacky tranche of sunshine-state comedies. The following short films are included in this category:Old…
World Comedy II
If you like your comics dark and stormy, this tranche is for you: Wise-cracking sharks from outer space and wise guys laying low in Key West, kamikaze diva directors and female hunters (of a certain breed), nighttime delivery drivers and Really Bad Dates, bitter ex-lovers and designer baby-shoppers. Fun! The following short films are included…
World Comedy I
Whether it’s the end of the world or a lonely bar or mattress store post-breakup, whether you're trying to get hitched or knocked up, or if you’re just trying to get your actors to say their damn lines, these five films find the hilarity in everyday tragedy. The following short films are included in this…
World Student Documentary and Drama
A survey of the most inspiring student films from around the world in 2019: Intimate and poetic portraits of aging, death, and the passage of time, plus riveting tales of taking care of one’s own and following one's heart for the betterment of others. The following short films are included in this category:The Jacket Director:…
World Drama and Thriller
Where can a movie take you? In this selection, it’s from a claustrophobic closet and a cabin in the woods to the desertlands of Latin America and even outer space. These films also take you on an inner emotional journey from impossible childhoods to improbable quests for lost loves. The following short films are included…
Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn
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GIMME SHELTER
Coffee Butler Amphitheater 35 E Quay Rd, Key West, FLSpecial performance by country artist Nick Norman prior to the filmBuy Tickets Add tickets (+) to the cart, then select Get Tickets.
WORLD DRAMATIC SHORTS
Perry Hotel FLThis event is free with RSVP!RSVP NOWPowerful stories selected from submissions from over 35 nations, a mix of both narrative and documentary. Directed by KWFF alum Foster Wilson. 7 minutes. Florida Premiere! A lost and grieving Elizabeth Taylor returns to work and courageously delivers one of the greatest performances of her life. Winner of Best…
COMING CLEAN
The Oldest House MuseumThe nation's tragic opioid crisis is explored as recovering addicts and policy makers join forces to make a positive change.
DOUBLE FEATURE: WOMEN
Ernest Hemingway House and MuseumThe great American documentary filmmaker Julia Reichert, who is honored with this year's Golden Key Award, co-directed this 2019 doc with partner Steven Bognar, on the labor movement that inspired the movie.
CAN YOU HEAR MY VOICE?
The Oldest House MuseumBuy Tickets Add tickets (+) to the cart, then select Get Tickets.
Max Richter’s Sleep
Perry Hotel FLEmmy-nominated director Natalie Johns follows composer/performer Max Richter in the process of creating his epic 8-1/2-hour piece, Sleep – played live in overnight shows where the audience is invited to doze.
I AM GRETA
The Oldest House MuseumTeenage climate activist Greta Thunberg was an unknown Swedish schoolgirl who became the face of a global movement in 2018. Director Nathan Grossman tracks her unlikely bid to save the planet in this intimate documentary.
WORLD COMEDY SHORTS
Perry Hotel FLThis event is free with RSVP!RSVP NOWA collection of comedic films from around the world that are funny in any language. Director: Leslie Alejandro, Kevin Alejandro. 10 minutes. Florida Premiere! Starring Lesley Ann-Brandt and Kevin Alejandro of Netflix hit Lucifer. In an attempt to “live colorfully,” the strength of a couple’s relationship is tested by a…
Truman & Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation
Ernest Hemingway House and MuseumLiterary icons Truman Capote and Tennessee Wiliams spring with genius into the limelight in the 1950s, unabashed gay men who found fame and trouble in their dual journeys. This documentary recaptures those lives in the mens' own voices, and those of actors Jim Parsons and Zachary Quinto.
SWEAT
The Oldest House MuseumThe successful life of an Instagram fitness influencer in Warsaw takes an unexpected turn in this surreal drama, from Swedish filmmaker Magnus von Horn.
Revolution Rent
Ernest Hemingway House and MuseumCuban-American theater director Andy Señor Jr. dreams of staging the musical Rent in his family's homeland. With 12 weeks to prepare, can he pull it off?
Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President
Perry Hotel FLA peanut farmer's dark horse quest for the U.S. Presidency would not have succeeded without the help of some of America's best-loved musicians – including the Allman Brothers Band. This is the story of how Jimmy Carter's love of rock'n'roll propelled him to the White House.
CRITICS CHAT
Rams Head SothernmostGet insights on the best films of the year, early predictions of the Oscars, and thoughts on the general state of film criticism in a continually changing media landscape.
THE HUMAN VOICE
Ernest Hemingway House and MuseumThe legendary Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar revisits the classic Jean Cocteau monodrama – an introductory facet of his 1988 international breakthrough Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown – in this rare short film, which stars another legend, arthouse superstar Tilda Swinton, as a woman whose lover is dismissing her. On the phone.
DOUBLE FEATURE: FLORIDA
Perry Hotel FLIt's been making a comeback since the global pandemic wreaked havoc on movie screenings in actual indoor theaters. In Key West, though, you can't have just a drive-in. Down here, you have a boat-in.This event is free with RSVP!RSVP NOW On June 25th 2019 the flagship of the Conch Republic Schooner Wolf, set sail from…
STUDENT FILMMAKER SHORTS
The Oldest House MuseumThis event is free with RSVP!RSVP NOWSubmitted from schools across the globe, the winning films will receive cash prizes totalling $3000 as part of the Inaugual Kimberly Peirce Scholarships for Student Filmmakers. Directed by William Stead of Florida State University. 8 minutes. Live Audience World Premiere! Georgia, USA, 1973. Glam rocker Billy rebels against his…
I CARRY YOU WITH ME
Ernest Hemingway House and MuseumDirector Heidi Ewing (Jesus Camp) tells the story of two gay men who risk everything to leave Mexico for New York City. Mixing documentary and fictional styles, the film uses actors in flashbacks to portray the subjects at a younger age.
FLORIDA SHORTS
The Oldest House MuseumThis event is free with RSVP!RSVP NOWFrom the panhandle to the Keys, the most talented filmmakers across Florida showcase their latest work. Free with RSVP! Scroll to the bottom of the page to reserve your seat. Directed by Naples filmmaker Brad Holloway. 9 minutes. Florida Premiere! When a snooty Realtor suspects a Latino couple is…
GOLDEN KEY AWARD FOR COSTUME DESIGN
Rams Head SothernmostFrancine Jamison-Tanchuck began her 40-year-plus career as a Hollywood costume designer with one of the most auspicious assignments of the 1980s: The Academy Award-laden Civil War epic Glory.
This year, the Key West Film Festival presents her with its Golden Key for Excellence in Costume Design award.
ROCK CAMP: THE MOVIE
Perry Hotel FLSummer camp meets Spinal Tap in this documentary about Rock Camp. Now in its fourth decade, the annual getaway adventure brings rock'n'roll dreamers together with famous "counselors," like Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Alice Cooper,
BRIAN WILSON: LONG PROMISED ROAD
Coffee Butler AmpitheaterBrian Wilson, the visionary pop genius of the Beach Boys, takes a roadtrip through his life and times. Paired with short film Blondie: Vivir en la Habana: New wave rockers Blondie bring their classic '70s and '80s hits to Cuba.
Opening Night Reception
Audubon HouseJoin us after the opening-night showing of BRIAN WILSON: LONG PROMISED ROAD. This is a ticketed event.
Blind Ambition
Williams HallFour friends from Zimbabwe, now South Africa's reigning sommeliers, go against the odds to win a coveted prize in a global wine-tasting competition.
The Humans
San Carlos InstituteJust in time for the holiday season, this family drama features an all-star ensemble gathered for an unsettling Thanksgiving, in Stephen Karam's adaptation of his own Tony Award-winning play,
DOCUMENTARY SHORTS
Williams HallYou’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll love every minute of this year’s program. This lineup is loaded with compelling documentaries from renowned film festival around the globe, including Sundance, Tribeca, and South by Southwest, and an Oscar Nominated Short that will take your breath away.
Jockey
San Carlos InstituteClint Bentley, Golden Key winner for Breakthrough Florida Director, presents his drama about an aging jockey yearning for one last championship ride.
LATE NIGHT SHORTS AT WILLIAMS HALL
Williams HallJoin us for a late night lineup of sexy, scary, and scintillating short films, at Williams Hall!
KWFF Welcome Party
General HorseplayJoin us at General Horseplay for our annual Welcome Party!
Coffee with the Critics: Limbo
Key West TheaterEnjoy a movie and a cup of joe with LA Times critic Carlos Aguilar! A Syrian refugee kills time and ponders his fate as he waits on a remote Scottish island for his asylum to be granted.
Great Freedom
Key West TheaterA gay man struggles for freedom in the post-war era amid repeat incarcerations for the crime of homosexuality, as mandated by German law.
Listening to Kenny G
San Carlos InstituteLove him or hate him, you'll never hear top-selling hornman Kenny G. in quite the same way after watching this thought-provoking documentary about music and taste.
US & WORLD SHORTS
Key West TheaterOscar Nominees, stars from iconic TV shows and movies, plus jury winners of prestigious festivals all across the globe lead this year’s US & World Shorts roster.
Final Set
Williams HallA failed tennis prodigy takes one last shot at greatness in this French-language drama.
Parallel Mothers
San Carlos InstituteThe latest film from Spanish master Pedro Almodovar stars Penelope Cruz as one of two new mothers whose lives become intertwined in a twisty saga with a dark undertow.
Bernstein’s Wall
Key West TheaterAn archivally rich portrait of the legendary conductor (and "West Side Story" composer) who became a pioneering cultural icon.
STUDENT FILMMAKER SHORTS
Williams HallThe next generation of filmmakers is in the spotlight as directors from across the globe and also throughout the state of Florida lead this diverse and dynamic set of shorts. “Student Filmmaker Shorts.”
C’mon C’mon
San Carlos InstituteA shambling journalist (Joaquin Phoenix) and his young nephew (Woody Norman) transform each other's lives when they embark on an unexpected roadtrip together.
Alien on Stage
Key West TheaterA crew of theatrical bus drivers stage an unlikely amateur adaptation of the Ridley Scott space-horror classic.
FLORIDA SHORTS
Williams HallComedy, action, drama, documentary, animation… this year’s Florida Shorts has it all. The best in filmmaking all across the state, from Miami to St. Petersburg to right here in Key West.
Event
Join us after the day's screenings at the Key West Legal Rum Distillery!
ANIMATED SHORTS
Key West TheaterAudience Award Winners and celebrity cameos highlight the 2021 lineup. Imaginative and visionary animation from around the world lands here at the Key West Film Festival.
The Hand of God
San Carlos InstituteOscar-winner Paolo Sorrentino turns from the spectacle he's known for to tell an intimate, personal story based on real-life tragedy.
7th Annual Critics Panel
Viva SaloonGet insights on the best films of the year, early predictions of the Oscars, and thoughts on the general state of film criticism in a continually changing media landscape.
Golden Key for Costume Design
Viva SaloonGet insights on the best films of the year, early predictions of the Oscars, and thoughts on the general state of film criticism in a continually changing media landscape.
Firebird
Key West TheaterAt the height of the Cold War, a troubled soldier forms a forbidden love triangle with a fighter pilot and his female comrade amid the dangerous surroundings of a Soviet air force base.
Red Rocket
San Carlos InstituteGolden Key Award winner for Excellence in Filmmaking Sean Baker comes to the festival with his new film, about a washed-up male porn star trying to manifest a comeback.
Boulevard! A Hollywood Story
Key West TheaterThe wild story behind "Sunset Boulevard" star Gloria Swanson's attempt to make the classic film into a 1950s musical is told at last in this documentary.
The Power of the Dog
San Carlos InstituteDirector Jane Campion offers a fable of toxic masculinity in this period drama about two cattle-ranching brothers. Actor Kodi Smit-McPhee will be honored with the Golden Key Award for Breakthrough Actor for his performance.
Bolivar
Key West TheaterWhen Maggie's addict brother shows up on her doorstep asking for help, she is forced to make sense of a reality that may not be what it seems.
KWFF 2021 Awards
San Carlos InstituteJoin the KWFF 2021 VIPs, filmmakers, staff, and local community for an evening celebrating this year's award-winning films!
High School Showcase
Key West TheaterKey West High School's award-winning "Conch 5 Studios" is one of the nation's top-rated high school television production programs, sending NINE films to the National High School Film Awards in New York.
Cocaine Cowboys
Key West TheaterThe classic documentary about Miami's transformation into America's drug (and murder) capital in the 1970s marks its 15th anniversary.
Ludi
Key West TheaterA health care worker in Miami's Little Haiti struggles to achieve the American Dream in South Florida filmmaker Edson Jean's emotinally nuanced indie.
The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions
The Perry HotelAmid the UK's pandemic lockdown, British rocker Eric Clapton stages a private concert in the countryside.
Sideways
Williams HallJoin us for a special movie-themed wine tasting with local sommelier, Daniel McCurdy, and light bites from Chef Martha Hubbard, followed by the 2004 hit film Sideways, presented by the Key West Film Festival.
Top Gun
Mary Ellen'sJoin us for the film screening of the famous, Top Gun at Mary Ellen's hosted by Comedy Key West!