Fort Myers Film Festival gains reputation for provocative, powerful films

FORT MYERS, Fla.- The Fort Myers Film Festival is now five years old, and filmmakers say it’s gaining a reputation for presenting powerful works.

“A few years ago, we’d say, come to the Fort Myers Film Festival, and people would say, ‘the what?'” said Eric Raddatz, founder of the festival.

But no more. This year, the festival is presenting 85 films from more than 20 countries. Some films have not been screened much before. One film has been seen only at the Sundance Film Festival and South by Southwest, before Fort Myers.

“We have films that touch you, that make you think and feel. You experience something. That’s what films are supposed to do,” said Melissa DeHaven, who promotes the festival alongside Raddatz.

The event now uses five locations around Lee County for screening. Click here for a link to the schedule of films.