This year, the Redbreast Unhidden platform is evolving, with Irish actor Andrew Scott expanding his role to be the Executive Producer for the Redbreast Unhidden Award winner's next film. His creative experience and industry profile will help elevate the winning project and support its journey to audiences around the world.
Central to the platform, the Redbreast Unhidden Award is an official SXSW award that recognizes one exceptional filmmaker from a curated shortlist of SXSW short film finalists. Last year's inaugural 2025 winner was Brief Somebodies by Andy Reid. The honor celebrates bold storytelling in short films with the recipient receiving a project grant sponsored by Redbreast and creative support to help develop their next project and bring it to wider audiences.
"Short films are where so many bold, original ideas begin, and are often where emerging filmmakers find their voice," said Andrew Scott, BAFTA winner, Golden Globes and SAG nominee 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."
From standout SXSW submissions, Andrew Scott carefully curated a shortlist of finalists, whose works exemplify authenticity, depth, resilience and uncompromising craftsmanship. The final selection features five original works by up-and-coming filmmakers: 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 collection spans a range of genres, from drama and comedy to horror, covering themes including intergenerational conflict, the complexities of love and identity, belonging and the evolving tensions of modern life. The 2026 Redbreast Unhidden Award winner will be announced at the SXSW 2026 Film & TV Awards on March 18th.
"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. "With the return of Redbreast Unhidden, we're proud to continue spotlighting exceptional short filmmakers whose work reflects bold storytelling. 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."
Throughout SXSW 2026, Redbreast will bring the spirit of discovery to life with a series of immersive experiences. At the Unhidden Showcase, festival goers can explore Andrew Scott's selection of cinematic hidden gems, while the Redbreast Unhidden Bar is a speakeasy designed for evenings full of discovery and surprises. With vibrant music, flowing conversation and expertly crafted Redbreast cocktails, the space offers a lively setting to gather with fellow creatives and celebrate the art of storytelling. Additional moments across Austin will invite audiences to uncover something unexpected. To learn more, visit Redbreast's SXSW page.
"'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. "Building on the success of last year, we are proud to evolve the Redbreast Unhidden platform with Andrew Scott's continued partnership and our shared commitment to creative exploration. We look forward to shining a light on the next generation of creative talent and the cinematic gems waiting to be discovered."
To explore Redbreast Unhidden, watch finalist trailers, and discover delicious Redbreast Irish Whiskey serves, visit RedbreastWhiskey.com and follow @RedbreastUS for SXSW updates and event announcements.
*Based on the tasting results of eight global blind tasting competitions in 2025, including The Irish Whiskey Masters, International Wine & Spirit Competition, International Spirits Competition, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, World Whiskies Awards, Beverage Testing Institute, New York World Spirits Competition and Asia World Spirits Competition.
Please Taste Responsibly.
REDBREAST® Irish Whiskey. 40% Alc./Vol. (80 Proof). Product of Ireland. ©2026 Imported by Pernod Ricard USA, New York, NY
About Irish Distillers
Irish Distillers, a Pernod Ricard company, is a producer of some of the world's most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys and Ireland's leading supplier of spirits. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the success of Irish whiskey globally. Jameson, crafted for smoothness at the Midleton Distillery, is the world's bestselling Irish whiskey, a top 3 international whiskey brand and a top 10 international spirits brand*. Our Midleton Distillery whiskeys are exported to 130+ markets around the world. Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son, and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. In 2025, Midleton Distillery was named 'Most Awarded International Distillery' at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and celebrated 200 years of distilling excellence. We employ over 800 people across our operations in Cork, Dublin and Northern Ireland. *IWSR Report 2024
About Pernod Ricard USA
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world's second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company's leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Código 1530, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson's Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate and Sainte Marguerite en Provence rosé.; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines Perrier-Jouët Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne, Mumm Napa. Pernod Ricard USA is headquartered in New York, New York, and has more than 1,000 employees across the country. As creators of conviviality, we are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in service of our customers, consumers, employees and the planet. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible drinking. For more information, visit: www.pernod-ricard-usa.com.
Media Contacts:
Pernod Ricard USA
[email protected]
Articulate
[email protected]
SOURCE Redbreast Irish Whiskey
Share this article