Sanibel Wins Best Florida Film at the 2024 Naples International Film Festival
Director Jamie Winterstern and Producer Kevan Rayden celebrated after Sanibel won the award for Best Florida Film.
October 2024 – We are proud to share that Sanibel, our feature-length documentary exploring Southwest Florida’s seashell culture and the community’s resilience after Hurricane Ian, has been honored with the Best Florida Film award at the 2024 Naples International Film Festival. Even before the award was announced, all three of Sanibel’s screenings at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Naples sold out, reflecting the community’s genuine enthusiasm and support for this deeply personal story.
From the outset, Sanibel set out to celebrate an offbeat tradition: the island’s famed shelling community and its beloved annual Shell Show. When Hurricane Ian struck, however, the narrative took an unexpected turn. The film now stands as a testament to the extraordinary determination of an island community to rebuild and preserve its heritage.
The festival experience itself was as memorable as the film’s subject matter. On the first night, Local Devot Cadillac hosted an exclusive after-party for the cast, crew, and friends of Sanibel, creating a welcoming space for celebration and reflection. Following the Saturday matinee screening, audience members were invited to “jump through the screen” on a special shelling excursion with members of the cast and crew—an interactive experience that connected viewers more closely to the world they had just witnessed on film.
The final day of the festival wrapped with the awards ceremony, where Sanibel proudly accepted the Best Florida Film title. To close out the festival, attendees were treated to a screening of Batman accompanied live by the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra—a fitting finale that underscored the event’s commitment to blending cinematic artistry with cultural enrichment.
This year’s festival, presented by Artis—Naples, offered a vibrant lineup of films that resonated with both juries and audiences. In addition to Sanibel’s recognition, several other standout works took home top prizes:
Naples International Film Festival 2024 Award Winners.
Juried Award, Best Narrative Feature: Sheepdog, directed by Steven Grayhm
Juried Award, Best Documentary Feature: Between the Mountain and the Sky, directed by Jeremy Power Regimbal
Audience Award, Best Narrative Feature: The Paper Bag Plan, directed by Anthony Lucero
Audience Award, Best Documentary Feature: Between the Mountain and the Sky, directed by Jeremy Power Regimbal
We are deeply grateful to the residents and collectors of Sanibel who trusted us to share their stories in such a vulnerable time.
For those who joined us at the festival, thank you for making each moment unforgettable.
Congratulations to all the 2024 Naples International Film Festival winners and participants. Your work continues to inspire, uplift, and remind us of the enduring power of storytelling.