In an exciting new venture that bridges the worlds of film and fine spirits, Rabbit Hole Distillery has partnered with actor and producer Jay Ellis—known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Insecure—to launch The Creative Spirit Challenge. This groundbreaking initiative invites emerging filmmakers to showcase their unique storytelling abilities through short video submissions, while also celebrating the creative spirit that drives both the film and whiskey industries.
A Platform for Aspiring Filmmakers
Rabbit Hole Distillery, celebrated as the Official Bourbon of the Sundance Film Festival, has long championed bold and independent voices. Through The Creative Spirit Challenge, the distillery is extending its commitment to the arts by offering a platform for aspiring filmmakers to share their stories and creative visions. Participants are encouraged to submit short films that capture their passion, innovative ideas, and dreams of making a mark in the film industry.
Image credit: Rabbit Hole Distillery
Jay Ellis, who also founded the production company Black Bar Mitzvah, plays a vital role in this collaboration. His personal dedication to nurturing talent is evident in his promise to offer a one-on-one mentoring session to the grand prize winner. This mentoring session is designed to provide invaluable guidance and insight into the filmmaking process, helping young creatives refine their craft and advance their careers. Additionally, the grand prize includes a Canon EOS R5 C camera, a high-quality tool that will enable the winner to further explore and express their artistic vision. Three runners-up will also receive Canon cameras, ensuring that more emerging filmmakers have the opportunity to bring their ideas to life.
Limited-Edition Bourbon Release
In tandem with the filmmaker contest, Rabbit Hole Distillery and Jay Ellis are set to release a limited-edition bourbon this spring. This special release reflects the shared values of craftsmanship, artistry, and originality that both the distillery and Ellis hold dear. Available exclusively at the Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville, each bottle in this limited series pays tribute to the creative spirit that fuels both fine whiskey production and innovative filmmaking.
Kaveh Zamanian, the founder of Rabbit Hole and a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership. “At Rabbit Hole, innovation and creativity are at the heart of everything we do,” Zamanian said. “Jay Ellis embodies the bold vision and artistry we admire in film, just as we strive to craft each bottle with unparalleled originality and excellence. Together, this partnership will inspire creativity, nurture emerging talent, and push the boundaries of artistry in both whiskey and film.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Creatives
Image credit: Rabbit Hole Distillery
The Creative Spirit Challenge is more than just a contest—it is a call to action for the next generation of filmmakers. By merging the art of whiskey-making with the art of filmmaking, Rabbit Hole Distillery and Jay Ellis are creating a unique space where creative expression is celebrated across different mediums. Aspiring filmmakers are not only given the chance to win valuable prizes and receive professional mentoring but are also invited to become part of a larger community that values passion, innovation, and the courage to pursue one's dreams.
Jay Ellis highlighted his commitment to empowering new talent by stating, “Something very important to me, and the reason I launched my production company Black Bar Mitzvah, is to help aspiring filmmakers and creatives tell their stories. Partnering with Rabbit Hole and The Creative Spirit Challenge is an exciting opportunity to inspire and empower the next generation of filmmakers to chase their dreams and elevate their craft. I can’t wait to see the incredible talent and stories that will emerge from this initiative.”
How to Participate
Filmmakers interested in The Creative Spirit Challenge can find full contest rules and entry details by visiting Rabbit Hole Distillery’s official website at https://www.rabbitholedistillery.com/pages/creativespiritchallenge. The contest is open to legal residents of all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia who are 21 years of age or older. Registration for the challenge will end on March 31, 2025. It is important to note that no purchase is necessary to enter, and while the prizes include high-end Canon cameras and exclusive mentoring sessions, no alcoholic beverage is part of any prize award.
A Celebration of Creativity and Craftsmanship
This innovative collaboration between Rabbit Hole Distillery and Jay Ellis is a testament to the power of creative partnerships. By celebrating both the art of storytelling and the craft of bourbon-making, the initiative offers a unique opportunity for creative minds to explore new avenues and gain recognition in the competitive world of film. The limited-edition bourbon release and The Creative Spirit Challenge together represent a bold step forward in merging two distinct yet complementary industries.
As Rabbit Hole Distillery continues to build its legacy as a beacon for creative expression, and as Jay Ellis commits to supporting emerging filmmakers, the creative community can look forward to a future where innovation and artistry know no bounds. Whether through the lens of a camera or the craft of distillation, the spirit of creativity remains at the forefront, inspiring a new generation to pursue excellence in every form of art.
For those eager to participate and be part of this creative revolution, all the details are readily available on the Rabbit Hole Distillery website. With mentorship, high-quality equipment, and the chance to join a vibrant community of filmmakers, The Creative Spirit Challenge is set to become a pivotal moment for aspiring talent across the country.
