Bob Yari’s (The Illusionist) Ernest Hemingway biopic Papa, shot on location in Cuba, will screen at the upcoming Key West Film Festival as the centerpiece film followed by a Gala event at the historic Hemingway House. The festival opens Wednesday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Nov. 22.

Set and shot on location in Havana, Papa is the autobiographical story of the friendship between journalist Denne Bart Petitclerc, played by Giovanni Ribisi (Selma, Avatar), and Ernest Hemingway, played by Adrian Sparks, during the great author’s years living in Cuba. The production received special permission from the U.S. Treasury Department exempting Papa from the restrictions of the outgoing embargo of Cuba, allowing Yari to shoot in Havana. Yari will attend the festival. The film also stars Joely Richardson and Minka Kelly.

The Key West Film Festival marks the Florida premiere of the film.

"Key West and Cuba are iconic locales in the life and work of Ernest Hemmingway and this epic film presents a rare and perfect opportunity for our festival to both honor the cultural heritage of Key West while heralding in a new era of artistic relations between the U.S. and Cuba. We’re honored to present Papa and to have Bob Yari attending,” said director of programming Michael Tuckman.

Also announced is a new partnership with The Studios of Key West, a non-profit multi-disciplinary cultural organization. Key West Film Festivals screenings will be hosted in conjunction with other artistic collaborations with the Festival at The Studios of Key West facilities, located on Eaton Street in Old Town.

Celebrated filmmakers and actors will attend the festival this year, including returning guests Sebastian Junger, Anson Mount, as well as director Neil Labute, actress Lori Singer and others.

Key West Film Festival also announced the Sunday Local Spotlight films, Writers on Bicycles: Literary Key West by Carey Winfrey and Quincy Perkins' documentary Little Firemen. Winfrey's film presents a vision of Key West that emerges through interviews with more than 30 writers who have lived and worked there.

Perkins, just back from the world premiere of a short film in Cannes, presents his film about young boys who work 18,000 feet up in the Andes Mountains, saving stranded truckers on some of the world’s most dangerous roads.

Last month, the Key West Film Festival announced a new annual Critics Focus program in which the nation’s top film critics will be invited to curate spotlight selections. This year, Ann Hornaday, Chief Film Critic of The Washington Post, and Eric Kohn, Chief Film Critic of Indiewire, will attend and host audience Q&As. Also recently announced was the new annual Brett Ratner Florida Student Filmmaker Scholarship.

Visit kwfilmfest.com for full program information, a schedule of events, and travel and lodging details.