Shining light on our delicate ocean ecosystem through the arts
As the brilliant blue Miami sky deepens into twilight, I find myself standing in the back of Paradise Park on Key Biscayne, taking in the scene. The iconic Cape Florida lighthouse logo glows on the big screen as the crowd settles into their white chairs lined neatly across the grass. The buttery aroma from the vintage popcorn machine floats on the breeze, mingling with the faint scent of the ocean. It’s opening night of the Key Biscayne Film Festival, and the excitement is palpable.
I spot Isabel Custer, one of the festival’s co-founders, standing at the back of the gathering in a flowy yellow dress adorned with red roses. Her expression is a mix of pride and wonder as she absorbs the moment. “The outdoor screening in Paradise Park was wonderful,” she tells me later. “It was a triumph. I think people were happy, and films like Uncle Bully’s Surf Skool really moved the audience.”
Custer, along with Maite Thornton, conceived of the Key Biscayne Film Festival in 2019 with a shared vision: to use the arts to foster awareness of global climate challenges and inspire positive action. With backgrounds in documentary filmmaking and TV production, respectively, they assembled an all-star committee to bring this vision to life. Both women have strong ties to this barrier island community, with its stunning scenery and unique ecosystem embraced by two protected parks. Their mission is as ambitious as it is timely—to blend environmental responsibility, sustainability, and the arts into a celebration of culture and connection.
The festival’s inaugural theme, Island Cultures & Our World Ocean, reflected that mission perfectly. Over several days, audiences were treated to a diverse lineup of films—more than 36 hours of screen time spanning all five oceans and multiple languages. Youth filmmakers were prominently featured, their work embodying a hopeful message for the next generation of environmental stewards.
The event kicked off with a cocktail reception and remarks from Mayor J. Rasco, followed by the screening of Life of Bill Baggs, a moving tribute to the influential journalist who helped shape Key Biscayne’s identity. The festival’s programming ranged from short films to feature-length documentaries, showcasing a rich tapestry of cultures, ecosystems, and perspectives.
Panels featuring an impressive roster of guest speakers brought an added layer of depth to the event. Filmmakers like David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada, Inventing Anna), cinematographer Pete Zuccarini (Avatar, Life of Pi), director Billy Corben (Cocaine Cowboys), and biological oceanographer and champion freediver Dr. Claire Paris shared stories from their careers and their commitment to environmental storytelling. “The highlight of the event was definitely the panels,” Custer told me. “Hearing these filmmakers’ experiences firsthand was thrilling, and it reinforced a shared sense of stewardship for our planet.”
One of the most touching moments came during the awards ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton. A young filmmaker, Nico De La Rosa, received recognition for his film about his life as a youth with autism. Although Nico couldn’t attend in person, his sister Paula accepted the award on his behalf, video-calling him to share the excitement. It was a poignant reminder of the festival’s ability to connect and uplift voices from all walks of life.
Among the winners were Sea of Time by Theu Boermans (Best Feature), Uncle Bully’s Surf Skool by Leah Warshawski (Best Short), Ola by Clara Gil (Best Film, Spotlight on Youth), and Sarah Curry of Sereia Films (Best Local Filmmaker). The closing film, All That Is Sacred, paid tribute to the arts scene in 1970s Key West and featured one of Jimmy Buffett’s final collaborations—a fitting end to a festival that celebrated creativity and community.
With around 600 attendees, the first-year turnout exceeded expectations. “It’s a great start,” Custer said, her eyes sparkling with excitement for the next festival with films that continue to inspire environmental consciousness and artistic expression.
As I left the park that evening, the glow of the screen lingering in the distance, it struck me how deeply the festival resonated with its audience. It wasn’t just about films; it was about fostering community—people, stories, and the planet we share.
The Key Biscayne Film Festival returns January 30 – February 2, 2025. To learn more about past films or to inquire about future programming and opportunities, visit their website, kbfilmfestival.org.