Fairhope, AL — The Fairhope Film Festival is thrilled to announce the opening of its short film submission portal for the 13th annual festival, taking place November 13–16, 2025. Filmmakers from around the globe are invited to submit their short films via FilmFreeway for consideration. For submission and eligibility details, visit www.filmfreeway.com/fairhopefilmfestival.
The festival welcomes films with a runtime of 20 minutes or less, providing a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their storytelling talents in a dynamic, competitive environment.
Since its inception, the Fairhope Film Festival has been dedicated to bringing the “Best of the Best” in world cinema to the Gulf Coast. Held in the picturesque town of Fairhope, Alabama, the festival offers a carefully curated selection of independent films, fostering a vibrant community of filmmakers and film lovers. With venues conveniently located in Fairhope’s charming downtown, attendees can enjoy screenings, industry panels, and networking events, all within walking distance of local restaurants, shops, and scenic waterfront views.
Building on the success of previous years, the 2025 festival will continue its tradition of celebrating cinematic excellence. Last year’s Short Film Award winners set a high bar with compelling narratives and outstanding direction, including:
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Best Short Film Winner: Right to Privacy, directed by Julie Herlocker
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Audience Award Winners:
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Twilight Cafe, directed by Michael Brant DeMaria (Pensacola Beach, FL)
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Snapped, directed by Darshell Sandefer (Pensacola, FL)
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Walkie-Talkie, directed by Chris Smith and Evan Greig
Filmmakers eager to participate in this prestigious event are encouraged to submit their work early. The Fairhope Film Festival remains dedicated to spotlighting exceptional storytelling through thoughtfully curated programming, engaging discussions, and a vibrant community of film enthusiasts.
The Fairhope Film Festival’s continued success is made possible through the generous support of sponsors and donors who share our passion for independent cinema. As we prepare for the 2025 festival, we invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to partner with us in celebrating the art of storytelling. Sponsorship opportunities offer valuable brand visibility, while donations help sustain our mission of bringing world-class films to the Gulf Coast. To learn more about sponsorship tiers or to make a contribution, visit FairhopeFilmFestival.org/become-a-sponsor.
For more information on the 13th annual Fairhope Film Festival, visit www.fairhopefilmfestival.org.
