Redbreast Irish Whiskey has returned to the SXSW Film & TV Festival for the second year of its Redbreast Unhidden platform, a global initiative designed to discover and elevate emerging short filmmakers. Irish actor Andrew Scott has expanded his role in the program and will serve as executive producer for the 2026 award winner’s next film.
The Redbreast Unhidden Award is an official SXSW award recognizing one exceptional filmmaker from a curated shortlist of short film finalists. Last year’s inaugural winner was Andy Reid for Brief Somebodies.
The recipient receives a project grant sponsored by Redbreast and creative support to develop their next project. Scott’s involvement this year adds his creative experience and industry profile to help bring the winning project to wider audiences.
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READ THE STORY“Short films are where so many bold, original ideas begin, and are often where emerging filmmakers find their voice,” said Andrew Scott, BAFTA-winning Irish actor. “It’s a privilege to be part of ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ to help discover those stories, and I’m excited to support this year’s winner as their work moves out into the world.”
Scott curated a shortlist of five finalists from standout SXSW submissions. The selection features Can I Put You On Hold (James Cutler), Visitors (Cali ‘Minnie’ Schedeen), We Were Here (Pranav Bhasin), Imago (Ariel Zengotita) and Winter Ceremony (Sidi Wang). The films span drama, comedy and horror, covering themes including intergenerational conflict, identity, belonging and the tensions of modern life.
The 2026 winner will be announced at the SXSW Film & TV Awards on March 18.
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“SXSW has always been about discovery and championing new voices that push the art of filmmaking forward,” said Francis Román, Senior Film & TV Festival Programming Manager at SXSW. “Seeing this initiative grow in its second year with Andrew Scott stepping into an Executive Producer role reinforces our shared commitment to giving emerging storytellers meaningful support and a global platform at a pivotal moment in their careers.”
Redbreast is also activating at the festival with immersive experiences including the Unhidden Showcase and a speakeasy-style Redbreast Unhidden Bar featuring live music and cocktails.
“‘Redbreast Unhidden’ is rooted in the brand’s global ‘Quite the Find’ campaign, which celebrates the thrill of discovering hidden gems — from a remarkable short film to the first sip of Redbreast Irish Whiskey,” said Aurelie Torre, VP Marketing for Redbreast Irish Whiskey. “We are proud to evolve the Redbreast Unhidden platform with Andrew Scott’s continued partnership and our shared commitment to creative exploration.”
Redbreast is produced by Irish Distillers, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, and is imported to the U.S. by Pernod Ricard USA.
