Andrew Scott expands Redbreast partnership
Bafta-winning actor Andrew Scott and Irish Distillers’ Redbreast Irish Whiskey will return to the SXSW Film & TV Festival from 12 to 18 March.
Scott and Redbreast will collaborate for the second consecutive year on the Unhidden platform to support short films and the next generation of filmmakers.
The partnership debuted last year in Texas and was followed by the whiskey brand’s ‘Quite the Find’ campaign.
This year, Scott will expand his involvement by serving as executive producer of the next film created by the Redbreast Unhidden Award winner.
He commented: “Short films are where so many bold, original ideas begin, and are often where emerging filmmakers find their voice. 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.”
Throughout the festival, Redbreast will host immersive experiences, such as the Redbreast Unhidden Bar speakeasy.
Aurelie Torre, vice-president of marketing for Redbreast Irish Whiskey, added: “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.
“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.”
2026 finalists
The Redbreast Unhidden Award is an official award presented at SXSW that honours one outstanding filmmaker from a curated shortlist of the event’s short film finalists.
Brief Somebodies by Andy Reid was the inaugural winner for 2025.
The winner of the 2026 Redbreast Unhidden Award will be announced at the festival on 18 March.
The award is said to celebrate bold storytelling in short films and includes a project grant sponsored by Redbreast, as well as creative support to help the recipient develop their next project and reach a wider audience.
Scott has carefully curated a shortlist of finalists. The final selection features five original works by emerging filmmakers: Can I Put You On Hold by James Cutler, Visitors by Cali’ Minnie’ Schedeen, We Were Here by Pranav Bhasin, Imago by Ariel Zengotita, and Winter Ceremony by Sidi Wang.
The final works span drama, comedy, and horror genres and address themes such as intergenerational conflict, the complexities of love and identity, belonging, and the evolving tensions of modern life.
Francis Román, senior film and TV festival programming manager at SXSW, said: “SXSW has always been about discovery and championing new voices that push the art of filmmaking forward. 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.”
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