Kevin Elliott and the Redfish Film Fest: Celebrating Bay County's Blossoming Culture

PANAMA CITY, FL - Bay County has seen significant growth and development in recent years, and the Historic Downtown area has truly blossomed, attracting visitors and businesses alike. The completion of the downtown Panama City road project has opened up access to the area, allowing for a flourishing community.

Kevin Elliott has been a part of this community since 1988 when his dad was stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base. Growing up, Kevin was actively involved in the arts, participating in theater, music, and art programs that shaped his passion for creativity. This love for the arts has driven him to share his passion with others and give back to the community that has supported him throughout the years.

In 2022, Elliott launched the Redfish Film Fest, an annual event that aims to showcase the creative talents of Bay County residents and filmmakers across the country. The documentary-only festival features a variety of film screenings, music performances, and art exhibitions, all carefully curated to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the area and tell great stories.

Even in its first year Redfish has grown to catch the attention of locals, filmmakers, and film industry professionals. Elliott's dedication to promoting local talent and providing a platform for artists to showcase their work has been instrumental in the festival's success. He and his team have worked tirelessly to ensure the event remains accessible and inclusive, welcoming artists of all backgrounds and skill levels.

“I have an amazing, incredibly talented team that has surrounded me in this dream,” Elliott said. “We put this vision out and passionate people have run to it. It makes my heart happy to see out town rally around Redfish. We’re ready for something like this.”

One of the key aspects of the Redfish Film Fest is its commitment to showcasing independent documentary films. Elliott believes that these films are an important part of the cultural landscape, and he has made it his mission to provide a space for artists to share their unique stories and perspectives.

This year, Redfish will take place from April 11th to April 13th, 2024, at five venues across Historic Downtown Panama City: The Downtown Boxing Club, Moseys, the Gallery of Art on Beach Drive, the Bay County Historical Museum, and the Panama City Center of the Arts. Tickets went on sale on February 5th and are available for purchase on the festival's official website, https://redfishfilmfest.com/

As the Redfish Film Fest continues to grow and evolve, it will remain a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the arts in shaping the cultural identity of Bay County. With Kevin Elliott at the helm, the festival is poised to become the best of its kind in the Southeast, inspiring artists and audiences alike to embrace and celebrate the rich tapestry of talent, stories, and culture the region has to offer.