Entertainment
Unearthing Hidden Treasures: Redbreast Irish Whiskey and Andrew Scott Join Forces with SXSW Film & TV Festival
In a delightful fusion of cinematic artistry and whiskey craftsmanship, Redbreast Irish Whiskey has announced its partnership with acclaimed Irish actor Andrew Scott and the prestigious SXSW Film & TV Festival to launch ‘Redbreast Unhidden.’ This ambitious initiative aims to celebrate and showcase the hidden gems within the film industry, providing talented filmmakers with a platform to shine and audiences with a chance to discover unique stories.
A New Era for Film and Whiskeys
The ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ campaign marks an exciting chapter in Redbreast’s new global initiative, ‘Quite the Find,’ which emphasizes the joy of discovery. Just as the first sip of Redbreast reveals a complex tapestry of flavors, this partnership seeks to uncover extraordinary films that might otherwise fly under the radar. The campaign is a testament to both the art of filmmaking and the tradition of whiskey-making that Redbreast has perfected over the last century.
Nodjame Fouad, CEO of Irish Distillers, expressed the essence of this collaboration beautifully when he said, “We invite whiskey enthusiasts and newcomers on a journey that celebrates craftsmanship, character, and complexity in the creative worlds of whiskey and film.” Redbreast’s rich and complex profiles perfectly mirror the multifaceted stories told by independent filmmakers, making this partnership a match made in creative heaven.
Handpicked by Talent: The Short Films Selection
At the heart of ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ lies an exciting selection of six short films that exemplify the spirit of this initiative. Curated by Andrew Scott, the films span a variety of genres, reflecting themes of authenticity, resilience, and discovery. Here’s a glimpse at the exceptional works that will be showcased at SXSW:
- One Day This Kid by Alexander Farah
- Entre Tormentas by Frank Zayas
- Nervous Energy by Eve Lui
- Sweetbriar by Danny Rivera
- Brief Somebodies by Andy Reid
- I’m The Most Racist Person I Know by Leela Varghese
Each film captures a unique perspective, ranging from poignant dramas to clever comedies, inviting audiences to engage with pressing societal themes like identity, familial love, and personal struggles.
Celebrating Emerging Voices with the ‘Redbreast Unhidden Award’
The collaboration doesn’t stop at showcasing remarkable films; it also aims to uplift emerging voices in the industry. At this year’s SXSW Film & TV Festival, the inaugural ‘Redbreast Unhidden Award’ will be presented. One deserving filmmaker will be honored with a financial award, providing them the support needed to pursue their artistic vision. Andrew Scott himself will participate in selecting the winner, embodying the initiative’s aim to nurture the next generation of creators.
An Invitation to Experience Cinema Like Never Before
From March 11 to 13, 2025, Redbreast will host a series of immersive events at SXSW, inviting attendees to enjoy curated film screenings and explore a hidden speakeasy cinema-inspired bar. For those unable to attend the festival in Austin, fear not! Redbreast is also bringing the spirit of SXSW to major cities across the globe with exclusive film and cocktail experiences, allowing fans to uncover hidden gems from the comfort of their local community.
As Francis Román, Senior Film & TV Programming Manager at SXSW, aptly put it, “The beauty of programming is finding those hidden gems.”
Join the Adventure
The ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ platform opens up a world of discovery for film lovers and whiskey aficionados alike. Whether you’re a long-time fan of independent cinema or new to the scene, this initiative encourages exploration and appreciation for the artistry behind the camera.
To dive deeper into this collaboration, discover the films being showcased, and stay updated on local events, head to Redbreast’s SXSW page and follow @RedbreastUS on social media.
So, pour yourself a glass of Redbreast, sit back, and prepare to embark on a cinematic journey that will surely reveal stories worth discovering! Cheers to celebrating creativity and the joy of the unexpected!
Follow Redbreast on social:
Instagram @RedbreastUS
Facebook @RedbreastSinglePotStill
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 and wines. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the success of Irish whiskey globally. Jameson is the world’s bestselling and most awarded Irish whiskey, a top 3 selling international whiskey brand and a top 10 international spirits brand, achieving +1% net sales growth globally in FY24. Our brands 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 celebrates 200 years of distilling excellence by unveiling stories from the Irish Distillers archives and hosting a series of special whiskey launches and events.
We employ over 800 people across our operations in Cork, Dublin and Northern Ireland.
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 Tequila, 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
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
SOURCE Redbreast Irish Whiskey
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
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health and wellness
Millions of mobile gamers prize stress relief over winning
Mobile Gamers Prize Stress: In the school’s car pickup line, five minutes before it starts moving. In the doctor’s office waiting room for an appointment that you’ve been heavily anticipating. In bed, just before going to sleep. In these transitional moments, many people reach for their phones — not to scroll, but to play.
Millions of mobile gamers prize stress relief over winning
(Sheeka Sanahori) In the school’s car pickup line, five minutes before it starts moving. In the doctor’s office waiting room for an appointment that you’ve been heavily anticipating. In bed, just before going to sleep. In these transitional moments, many people reach for their phones — not to scroll, but to play.
According to a June 2026 survey of more than 128,000 KashKick mobile gamers, playing a mobile game is more than a way to pass the time. Stress relief and relaxation are the top reasons respondents play, beating out entertainment and fun. As KashKick reports, for many people, this means mobile games are less a simple distraction and more a coping mechanism for the daily stress of life.
A quick reset for life’s transitional moments
Most respondents identify as women, and 60% live in households that earn less than $50,000 per year. In the ranking of their reasons for playing, stress relief and relaxation topped the list, with boredom relief, entertainment and fun close behind.
The ranking reads less like a profile of a gaming hobby and more like a profile of a coping behavior.
More than half of the respondents play games daily or multiple times a day. When they reach for a mobile game, about 53% of the time it’s for a short session—usually 30 minutes or less. Where and when people play tells its own story: 58% play in bed before going to sleep and 40% play in the bathroom. These are private, solitary moments, not the times people typically plan entertainment into their day.
Coping with stress by gaming
To understand why respondents play games for stress relief more than for fun, it helps to look at who they are. Among those surveyed, 19% say they’re unemployed or looking for work, and 60% live in lower-income households. There are likely some areas of their life where they must make every dollar stretch to cover the things they need.
The survey findings coincide with research from the American Psychological Association’s 2025 Stress in America report. According to the report, 18% of men and 22% of women under age 65 rate their stress level at eight or higher on a scale of one to 10. Although the KashKick survey didn’t measure stress, respondents are mostly women and fall within the age and income groups the APA found to carry the most stress.
The APA’s report also describes loneliness as a major strain for Americans. The KashKick survey didn’t measure feelings of isolation, but 55% prefer to play alone, and 60% rarely or never discuss their gameplay with friends or family.
Overall, the survey identifies a group of people who have found a routine, low-cost approach to cope with stress. They’re not necessarily there to get the highest score. They’re playing a mobile game to help them navigate a day that, with all of life’s to-dos and challenges, could quickly feel overwhelming.
Methodology
The KashKick Gaming Habits Survey was fielded from June 8, 2026, through Aug. 10, 2026, among KashKick members in the United States who play mobile games. The Gaming Habits Survey was available to all members on KashKick’s Surveys page post-profile completion. The survey received 128,218 total responses, with question-level response counts ranging from approximately 109,793 to 128,218 depending on attrition. All findings describe KashKick mobile gamers and should not be interpreted as representative of U.S. mobile gamers overall. Industry and stress context references publicly available data from the American Psychological Association, Statista, and Newzoo.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
KashKick
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Entertainment
BronzeLens Film Festival Returns to Atlanta for Two Weekends of Global, Diverse Storytelling
BronzeLens Film Festival Brings International Lineup to Atlanta Across Two Weekends
Atlanta becomes a hub for filmmakers and film lovers this month as the BronzeLens Film Festival marks its 17th annual celebration of cinema. Running August 21–23 and August 27–30, 2026, the festival brings together industry leaders, emerging creators, and audiences for two weekends centered on one idea: diverse storytelling deserves the biggest possible stage.
Founded to elevate underrepresented voices in film, BronzeLens says its 2026 lineup continues that mission with more than 150 Official Selections. The slate spans projects connected to creators and stories from across the globe, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ghana, Guadeloupe, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, South Africa, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Festival organizers note that every film in the program is either produced by creators of color or focuses on stories about people of color.
Opening Night spotlight: “Love Patrick: Nothing is Impossible”
This year’s Opening Night feature is Love Patrick: Nothing is Impossible, directed by the Horne Brothers. The documentary chronicles the life and legacy of fashion designer Patrick Kelly, whose work and vision helped reshape how Black creativity and style were seen on a global stage.
For audiences, it’s a fitting kickoff: a story about artistry, identity, and ambition—exactly the kind of conversation-starter BronzeLens aims to put in front of the public.
A festival built for films—and the conversations after
BronzeLens founder and executive producer Kathleen Bertrand says the festival’s purpose goes beyond screenings.
“We believe the true magic of film happens both on the screen and in the conversations it inspires,” Bertrand said. “Our mission is to champion outstanding filmmaking while creating dynamic opportunities for filmmakers, creators, talent, and audiences to connect, collaborate, and help shape the future of storytelling.”
That emphasis on community and connection has helped BronzeLens become a key cultural event in Atlanta’s film ecosystem—one that continues to grow in reach as the industry increasingly looks for authentic, globally resonant stories.
Notable names tied to the 2026 Official Selections
This year’s Official Selections are associated with a wide range of acclaimed artists, including:
- Academy Award® winner Viola Davis, narrator of The Ebony Canal: A Story of Black Maternal & Infant Health
- Academy Award® winner Jordan Peele, producer of Spilled Milk
- Emmy Award winner Loretta Devine, co-star in Black Seeds Continue to Grow
- Golden Globe nominee Blair Underwood, producer and co-star in The Listeners
- Grammy Award-winning artist T.I., featured in The Birth of Trap Music and director of Da’Partments 2
- Ambyr Michelle, co-star in Escape Room
- The late Erica Ash, starring in The Making of a Classic
- Lauren E. Banks in Channels
Where it’s happening
Festival headquarters will be located at The Tara Atlanta, 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road NE.
For the full schedule, the complete list of Official Selections, and ticket information, visit www.BronzeLens.com. The official hashtag is #BronzeLens2026.
If you’re looking for a late-summer event that blends culture, craft, and community—BronzeLens is positioning itself as one of the film festivals where the industry (and the audience) will be paying attention.
Source
- PRNewswire press release: “The World Will Be Watching as BronzeLens Celebrates Its 17th Annual Film Festival”(BronzeLens Film Festival), published Aug. 7, 2026
Related links
- BronzeLens Film Festival (schedule, Official Selections, tickets): www.BronzeLens.com
- Official hashtag: #BronzeLens2026
- Festival HQ venue info: The Tara Atlanta, 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road NE, Atlanta
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amusement and theme parks
Six Flags and Travis Kelce Kick Off 2027 Season Pass Sales With Lowest Prices Through Sept. 7
Six Flags launches 2027 Season Pass sales at its lowest price through Sept. 7, with unlimited visits now through 2027, parking perks, and regional access.
Six Flags is officially in “season pass season” — and it’s starting with a headline deal. The company announced Aug. 7 that it has launched sales of its 2027 Season Passes at the lowest price guests will see this season or next, with a limited-time offer running through Sept. 7, 2026. To mark the 8/7 launch date, Six Flags teamed up with brand ambassador Travis Kelce, celebrating the biggest pass offer of the year on a number that’s become part of his legacy.
The big takeaway for fans: buy early, and you’re not just locking in 2027 access — you’re getting the rest of 2026, too. That includes major seasonal events like Halloween and holiday celebrations, plus the chance to start using the pass right away across participating parks.
What the 2027 Season Pass deal includes
Guests can purchase a 2027 Gold Pass or Prestige Pass at launch pricing and receive admission for the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027.
Kelce framed it in simple terms: unlimited visits, especially heading into fall and winter event season, is the kind of value that would have been “mind-blowing” as a kid — and it’s built for families and friend groups who want more reasons to get together.
Gold Pass: the value play for frequent park visits
The 2027 Gold Pass is positioned as the core option for guests who want maximum visits at the lowest price point. Benefits include:
- Unlimited visits for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027
- Free general parking (restrictions apply)
- Regional park access (East, West, Midwest, or Texas)
- Admission to fall haunt events and seasonal holiday celebrations
- Discounts on select food, merchandise, and tickets
- One bonus Bring-A-Friend Free ticket for renewing passholders and new members who purchase by Sept. 7
Prestige Pass: VIP perks and nationwide access
For guests who want more premium access and in-park benefits, Six Flags is also pushing its Prestige Pass tier. Prestige perks include:
- Access to all Six Flags parks across North America
- Preferred parking at many parks
- Complimentary fountain beverages
- VIP entrance access at participating parks
- Free Bring-A-Friend tickets
- One free single-use Fast Lane per visit
- A $20 in-park credit for new Prestige members and Prestige passholders who renew by Sept. 7
Memberships: month-to-month flexibility
Six Flags also announced 2027 Memberships for guests who prefer a monthly payment option. Memberships include unlimited visits and a range of benefits similar to Season Passes — including multi-park access (based on tier), parking benefits, discounts on food and merchandise, and member-exclusive rewards and offers.
Premium membership tiers add expanded park access and additional VIP-style perks, giving guests more ways to customize how they visit.
Why Six Flags is making a big push now
The 2027 pass launch arrives as Six Flags prepares what it calls one of its most ambitious attraction lineups ever, with major additions planned across regions.
Highlights announced so far include:
- East: Six Flags Great Adventure will debut Bakunawa, billed as the world’s tallest and fastest spinning coaster (382 feet, 100 mph), anchoring a renovated Boardwalk area inspired by Jersey Shore culture. Carowinds will introduce Rip Roarin’ Falls, a super-flume featuring a 100-foot drop.
- Texas: Six Flags Fiesta Texas will debut Werewolf Gorge, described as the world’s longest family launch coaster with immersive storytelling.
- Midwest: Six Flags Great America will open Camp Timber Trail, a family adventure area anchored by Sky Hawk, a suspended family coaster.
- West: Knott’s Soak City will introduce Coral Craze and Kelp Kraze, new family raft slides featuring ride systems making their West Coast and North American debuts.
Six Flags also teased that more major announcements are still on the way.
You can start using the pass in 2026 — and more is coming
Beyond the 2027 pipeline, Six Flags says guests who buy now can take advantage of new or recently opened additions in 2026, including:
- Quantum Accelerator (Six Flags New England)
- Tormenta: Rampaging Run (Six Flags Over Texas)
- Shoreline Pier (Six Flags Great Adventure)
- Daredeviler (Canada’s Wonderland)
- Speedway Stunt Coaster (Six Flags Mexico)
- Looney Tunes™ Land (Six Flags Magic Mountain)
- Phantom Theater (Kings Island)
- A major summer entertainment lineup (Kings Dominion)
And the calendar doesn’t slow down after summer. Six Flags says its 2026 Halloween lineup is coming soon, featuring new horror franchise experiences and new entertainment, followed by holiday events across parks — including the return of a newly reimagined Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Over Georgia.
The deadline to know
If you’re considering a pass, the timing matters: guests must purchase by Sept. 7, 2026 to receive launch pricing and promotional offers. For park-specific details and restrictions, Six Flags directs guests to visit sixflags.com.
For fans, Kelce summed up the pitch: more time at the parks now means more memories later — more rides, more laughs, and more reasons to bring your crew along for the season.
Source: Six Flags
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