The Key Biscayne Film Festival Expands With Star-Studded 2026 Edition

KEY BISCAYNE, FL

The Key Biscayne Film Festival (KBFF) is swiftly establishing itself as a distinctive and essential part of South Florida’s cultural landscape. Created as an intimate, community focused alternative to larger metropolitan festivals, KBFF brings world class cinema and international talent to local movie lovers in a place where cinephiles from all over the world love to meet. The third annual KBFF is set to take place January 29 – February 3, 2026 in the idyllic setting of Key Biscayne, Florida, a precious jewel of the Greater Miami area.

KBFF founders, Key Biscayne residents Isabel Custer and Maite Garrido Thornton, bring deep industry experience to the festival’s foundation. Custer is a local filmmaker whose resume includes stints with cinematic giants Darren Aronofsky and Julie Taymor, and Garrido Thornton is an Emmy-award winning television producer with a background at CNN, CNBC, and CBS 4 News. They combined their experience and expertise to bring a shared vision – a festival that celebrated film and brought the Key Biscayne community together – to life.

“Championing local stories has always been our compass,” said Custer. “But we’re just as energized about our ever expanding slate, and embracing comedy this year, which is a genre audiences have been truly craving this year.”

“Part of my vision in co-founding the Key Biscayne Film Festival was to bring award winning films from some of the world’s most reputable and respected filmmakers directly to our community,” said Garrido Thornton. “That, alongside highlighting local filmmakers and bringing together panels from some of the industry leaders. Our goal is to bring the island stories that uplift us, move us, and spark meaningful conversations and I’m confident this year will not disappoint.”

Intimate Screenings, Big Stories, Unforgettable Conversations 

Over the past two years, the KBFF has established a reputation for screening films from renowned storytellers and local talent, and allowing festival attendees to connect with talented storytellers. The buzzworthy From Russia with Lev, produced by Rachel Maddow was featured in this year’s festival followed by an exclusive discussion with director Billy Corben and producers Nicole Pritchett and Alfred Spellman. The festival also featured the directorial debut of actor and Miami-native Danny Pino, Union de Reyes. Natalie Martinez, another Miami-native and star of Apple TV’s Bad Monkey joined producer Alexis Garcia for a captivating Q&A and mingled with festival guests afterwards. One of the most unique moments was the screening of the award-winning In the Whale. Festival guests were treated to a conversation with director David Abel and surprise guest Michael Packard, the fisherman who was swallowed by a whale and is the real-life subject of the film. Another winner from the previous edition of the festival is A Swim Lesson, directed by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack.

“It’s a beautiful festival that inspires filmmakers to make great films,” said director/producer David Frankel of Devil Wears Prada, the upcoming Devil Wears Prada 2, Collateral Beauty and so much more.

Events are held at the Key Biscayne Community Center and Paradise Park, where guests can watch films under the stars and even enjoy a picnic.

Spotlighting Community and the Next Generation of Storytellers

The Key Biscayne Film Festival’s mission extends to inspiring and cultivating the next generation of storytellers right here in South Florida. Each year, the festival hosts a Youth Filmmaking Workshop where middle and high school students can learn the craft of movie making from experienced filmmakers. This year’s event featured director Frank Kelly and festival co-founder Isabel Custer. The workshop is totally free and students are able to submit and screen their own films at the festival. Last year, student filmmaker Gaby Mesa’s short film In the Blink of an Eye, took home the festival’s prize for Spotlight on Youth.

The festival also partners with community organizations like It Takes a Village (ITAV) to ensure that every member of the community can participate and have their voices shine. It Takes a Village is an organization dedicated to creating an inclusive community for neurodivergent children and their families. The partnership between the organizations allows participating children to exercise their creativity, develop skills, and tell their own stories.

“Creating their own artistic work is both therapeutic and empowering,” says ITAV founder Chiara Bergonzi.  “It allows children to explore a new field, express themselves through the arts, collaborate with peers, volunteer, and gain confidence.”

The emphasis on community and highlighting local artists extends beyond the screen. The official poster for the upcoming festival was created by Sonia Sanchez Nieto, a local artist and art teacher at St. Agnes Catholic Academy.

A Bigger, Bolder KBFF Celebrates Year Three

With the third annual film festival fast approaching, organizers are preparing to announce the latest slate of films. While previous years highlighted themes related to the oceans, environment, and the South Florida community, the KBFF has opened its submissions to a wider range of genres and subject matters, promising its most dynamic lineup of films yet. Additional news and announcements, including official selections, will be forthcoming.

“I feel like it’s a very intimate environment, just the right size. You’re surrounded by people who love film and you get access to the filmmakers. Being able to ask questions and get into details with the filmmakers is a wonderful experience,” said Underwater DP, Pete Zuccarini (Avatar, Life of a DP.

The upcoming festival will also debut showings at the newly opened Village Chamber Theater as well as screenings at the iconic Paradise Park. Attendees can expect to enjoy the same amazing access to filmmakers along with opportunities to connect with their neighbors over a shared passion for film.

To be the first to learn about the upcoming film showings and to reserve tickets as soon as they become available, follow @kbfilmfestival on Instagram or subscribe and get get more information in general at kbfilmfestival.org.