Fort Myers Film Festival screens 94 films in 6 locations starting May 14 and running through May 18
The Fort Myers Film Festival announced that all schedules are now released, tickets are on sale, and the full festival guide is available for download. The 15th annual event will take place May 14-18, 2025, across six dynamic venues throughout Southwest Florida.
Opening Night – Wednesday, May 14 at 7 p.m.
Feature Film: “Curveballs” by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker John Biffar
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
A powerful documentary about the Louisville Sluggers, the only amputee baseball team in America.
The world premiere of the documentary “Curveballs… Lessons In The Game Of Life” will take place on May 14 at 7 p.m. during the Fort Myers Film Festival, hosted at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. The film tells the inspirational story of the Louisville Slugger Warriors, the world’s only amputee baseball team, founded by Estero resident David Van Sleet, a prosthetics expert who has dedicated his career to supporting disabled veterans. Directed by nine-time Emmy Award winner John Biffar, the documentary features powerful stories of resilience, including veterans who lost limbs in combat, and civilians like Luke Brittian, who lost a hand in a lawnmower accident, and Derek Holcom, accidentally shot by a hunter. Despite their challenges, the team regularly competes-and often wins-against able-bodied players. The Warriors are coached by former Major League athletes, including head coach Curtis Pride, who played 11 seasons in the MLB while deaf and recently released his memoir “I Felt The Cheers.” Also featured is legendary pitcher Jim Abbott, who famously threw a no-hitter for the Yankees with one hand and continues to inspire a new generation of one-handed players. More than a baseball story, the film is a moving exploration of perseverance, hope, and the power of attitude and gratitude.
Live Q&A with players featured in the film
Rooftop after-party with live music and signature cocktails
Movie Only: $20 | VIP Experience: $100 – Reserve your seats now!
Festival Screening Venues + Tickets
VIP Tickets (FMFF25): All-access to films and VIP parties
Venue Lineup:
• The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (May 14-18)
Main stage screenings, filmmaker panels, and nightly events in historic downtown Fort Myers.
• Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium (May 15-16)
Featuring immersive full-dome cinema curated by Eric Raddatz in one of Florida’s only domed planetariums.
• Alliance for the Arts (May 15-18)
A community hub for visual and performance arts; screening powerful short films and student showcases.
• BIG ARTS Sanibel (May 15-17)
An island institution presenting award-winning features and world-class indie cinema.
• IMAG History and Science Center (May 17)
A creative space for experimental films and interactive cinema experiences.
• Babcock Ranch (May 15)
Screening nature-centered films in one of America’s first solar-powered towns. Tickets are free, first come first served.
What To Expect In 2025
• 94 Films – local, national, and international selections
• Bold documentaries, riveting shorts, immersive full-dome experiences, student showcases, and avant-garde experimental works
• Filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, rooftop parties, and surprise pop-up events
• A vibrant celebration of creative storytelling, artistic vision, and the global independent film movement
STREAMING NOW: The Eric Raddatz Show Catch live interviews, filmmaker spotlights, and exclusive previews-now available on Zeam.
ABOUT THE FORT MYERS FILM FESTIVAL
Founded by Eric Raddatz, the Fort Myers Film Festival has earned its place as a respected platform for emerging and established filmmakers. It was recognized with the 2015 Chrysalis Award for Cultural Achievement by the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau and the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.
SPONSORS & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The Fort Myers Film Festival proudly supports:
Lee County Schools filmmakers, United Way, Raddatz Foundation, SalusCare, Lighthouse of Southwest Florida, Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Kimmie’s Recovery Zone, Uncommon Friends Foundation, Charity Pros, #KindLee, Family Initiative, and Golisano’s Children’s Hospital.
Generously sponsored by:
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Happenings Magazine, Luminary Hotel, Gulfshore Life Magazine, City of Fort Myers, Aux Delices Cafe, Downtown House of Pizza, Starbucks, Babcock Ranch, Pamela Templeton Unlimited, Captiva Spirits, IMAG, J. Bert Davis, Kearns Restaurant Group, Black Tie Tuxedoes, The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, Notorious Productions, Martin Law Firm and the International Olympic Committee supported Fédération Internationale Cinéma Télévision Sportifs.