Texas Film Festivals
Just 20 years ago it would have been a challenge to find a few good film festivals in Texas. But the Texas Film Commission currently has 114 Texas film festivals in its database, with Austin and Houston each hosting more than 20 film festivals per year. Dallas has 17 listed.
The growth of these arts and entertainment events can primarily be attributed to three factors. First, they help film enthusiasts gain access to a wider variety of films. Instead of just hoping the local multiplex cinema will bring something more interesting than the obvious, big-studio films to your town, film festivals give locals the ability to showcase a variety of movies. Second, film festivals can help local and regional filmmakers showcase their films and hopefully be a part in creating the next, home-grown Steven Spielberg. Third, and likely the biggest reason for the growth, is fun. Film festivals are great entertainment that bring together people to celebrate a passion for films and the variety of subjects the films cover. We hope you’ll get on the road to check out these film festivals, one from each Texas Heritage Trail Region.
Deep in the Heart Film Festival
Brazos Trail Region
The Deep in the Heart Film Festival searches for films that make us laugh, cry or even scream. The Festival showcases the best in independent film from Texas, the nation and the world. The aim is to share great films, inspire filmmakers, create networking opportunities and show guests some genuine Texas hospitality.
Boomtown Film and Music Festival
Tropical Trail Region
At the Boomtown Film and Music Festival, music and film lovers come together to hear cutting-edge bands, see “fiercely independent” films, enjoy panel discussions and mingle with like-minded enthusiasts. The festival also gives attendees the chance to hear and learn from experienced filmmakers.
Nacogdoches Film Festival
Forest Trail Region
The Nacogdoches Film Festival is an annual celebration of the art and entertainment of film in all its forms. A nonprofit organization, the Nacogdoches Film Festival is part of an East Texas college community known for its arts focus and easy access to area attractions, trails, restaurants, shopping and scenic byways.
Tribute Film Festival
Forts Trail Region
“Real. Worthy. Stories.” That’s the tagline for this Abilene film festival that primarily focuses on documentaries that reference historic events. Events include screenings of selected films at the Frontier Texas museum, an independent filmmaking seminar, social/networking events in downtown Abilene and a festival gala to screen the award-winning films.
Hill Country Film Festival
Hill Country Trail Region
The Hill Country Film Festival in Fredericksburg blends the unique artistic culture of the Hill Country with independent film. Featuring over 50 independent films (shorts and features), as well as filmmaker Q&A/ interviews, festival parties and more, the Festival attracts film industry personnel, consumers and media from all over Texas and the nation.
Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival
Independence Trail Region
Established in 1998, the Gulf Coast Film and Video Festival was created to showcase the discovery of new and emerging artists. The Festival encourages the work of independent filmmakers and promotes the concept of film as art, offering awards as a means of educational outreach and expanded awareness of independent film.
Thin Line
Lakes Trail region
Thin Line is a film, music and photo festival held over five days in Denton that delivers an engaging program of high-quality documentary films, world-class music and a diverse palette of photographic art. The festival screens all types of documentary films.
Plaza Classic Film Festival
Mountains Trail Region
The Plaza Classic Film Festival was created in 2008 to celebrate El Paso’s rich cinema history and rekindle the joy of communal filmgoing, exemplified by the historic and restored Plaza Theatre.
West Texas Film Festival
Pecos Trail Region
The purpose of the West Texas Film Festival is to attract diverse films from both directors and producers that would not normally be featured in West Texas. The festival seeks out short films, documentaries, features, animation and student films as well as screenplays from all over the world that reflect the pioneer spirit of filmmaking.
Flatland Film Festival
Plains Trail Region
The Flatland Film Festival aims to cultivate an appreciation for film and video. The festival is punctuated by live original music, appearances by directors and filmmakers and, of course, the best in independent filmmaking.
Rockport Film Festival (RFF)
Tropical Trail Region
The Rockport Film Festival celebrates the best of independent cinema on the Texas Coast. Showcasing shorts, features, documentaries, animations and student films, the Rockport Film Festival is a three-day event that highlights talent from all over the world.
