2023 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Screening dates/times may change; the following schedule reflects the most up to date schedule.
Interested in attending the 2024 festival? Visit our ATTEND page for more information or buy a badge here:
Badge pick-up will be open from 11:00 am to 7 pm
PICK-UP LOCATION
Nimitz Courtyard (adjacent to the Historic Nimitz Ballroom) 340 E. Main Street
USA | Drama | 12 mins
David Lykes Keenan
In 1980s Texas, a star player and his coach face off on the basketball court and, figuratively speaking, hard truths are revealed as the onion of their relationship is peeled back. (Texas Film)
USA | Drama | 18 mins
Umar Malik
A heart-wrenching portrait of a mother's worst nightmare coming to life when she receives a devastating call from her daughter.
You Are Here
USA | Dramedy | 8 mins | Texas Premiere
Michael Friberg
When insurance salesman Peter Kleebold reads an article about the size of the universe, it sends him into an existential tailspin that leads him on a journey to get out of this world.
Canada | Dramedy | 11 mins India Opzoomer Anais knows what she wants and it’s to lose her virginity on prom night. But mishap after mishap forces her to question her relationship – and even her own desires.
USA | Drama | 15 mins | Texas Premiere
Shane Andries
On the day of her older sister's burial, a bereaved woman meets an amicable bartender who helps her find the courage to continue. A story about sisterly love and the bonds that will always remain. (Texas Film)
Passenger USA | Thriller | 9 mins | World Premiere
Michael Basha
After picking up a strange passenger and taking him to his stop, a ride-share driver is caught in a dilemma when his fare doesn’t want to end the ride.
The Ride To Happiness USA | Documentary | 18 mins | World Premiere
Trish Rawls
When former AIG Executive, Gordon Massie, decided to blow the whistle on what would become a massive fraud scandal, he had no idea how it would impact his life. Learning how to deal with losing his career, and other personal tragedies let him back to his lifelong passion.
LOCATION
Historic Nimitz Ballroom | 340 E. Main Street
PARKING Parking can be found at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center located at 302 E. Austin Street (a four minute walk from the Admiral Nimitz Gallery). Street parking is available on Austin Street and Main Street.
Dog Days
USA | Animation | 3 mins
Hailey Bair
When a young boy named Max wishes for a puppy on his 8th birthday, a magical puff of smoke brings a balloon dog to life instead. Though at first hesitant, Max soon learns to love and accept his new pet, endearingly naming him Squeaky. With his new companion, Max experiences the ups and downs of pet ownership and the unique circumstances of having a balloon dog for a pet. (Student Film)
Labor + Justice USA | Thriller | 13 mins
Sarah Joy Byington
Set in a dystopian USA, pregnant persons are required by law to give birth in front of a panel of judges. Failure to birth a living baby sentences the mother to immediate execution. The everyday, mundane births/deaths have zero effect on the judges as they devour their lunch like animals. (Texas Film)
Jaguar Del Cielo
USA/Mexico | Documentary | 14 mins
Austin Alvarado
Jaguar Del Cielo follows field tech Felix Tafoya’s journey to better understand and conserve Mexico’s apex predator in the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve in Tamaulipas, Mexico. By catching jaguars and fitting them with GPS collars, Felix and his co-workers can track the movement of jaguars and get insights into their mysterious and elusive lives. The information collected from the collars is crucial to better understand the species and to mitigate conflicts with humans, which is imperative for the long-term conservation of jaguars. (Texas Film)
World's Lamest Teacher
USA | Drama | 19 mins
Casey Lee Floyd
Darren Ford, a high school teacher in a lower-income school, edges ever closer to complete burnout. Desperate to educate and inspire his students, he must navigate the normal hurdles of the profession, as well as the more intricate ones his students Lucianna and Dylan throw at him, all while keeping a watchful eye on their physical and mental well-being. (Texas Film)
USA | Comedy | 14 mins
Michael Robert Charron
Jade Betts and her sidekick Richie must infiltrate the Russian mob's Christmas party and fight their way through the ranks, using festive weapons and witty one-liners. Leverage combines action and comedy, as Betts settles old scores with her former employer to preserve what's most important to her. (Texas Film)
A Girl. A Guy. A Ford. A Love Story USA | Drama | 6 mins
Suzanne Weinert
A husband and wife argue over what's to become of their beloved 1975 Ford truck. (Texas Film)
Belgium | Drama | 20 mins | North American Premiere
Hans Dessers
A psychological drama about a father and daughter spending the weekend together.
LOCATION
Historic Nimitz Ballroom | 340 E. Main Street
PARKING
Parking can be found at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center located at 302 E. Austin Street (a four minute walk from the Admiral Nimitz Gallery). Street parking is available on Austin Street and Main Street.
Join HCFF and the Texas Film Commission as we welcome our 2024 filmmakers to the annual festival and Fredericksburg. Raise a glass, enjoy a snack and mingle with filmmakers between screenings.
TIME: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
LOCATION: Texas Garden at Hoffman Haus | 301 E. San Antonio St.
CREDENTIALS: *Invited guests, Filmmaker and All Access Badge holders only
The Texas Film Commission is your first stop for resources that serve the film, television, commercial, animation, VFX (visual effects), video game, and XR (extended reality) industries of Texas. Serving the public since 1971, the Texas Film Commission supports our state’s global position as a premier production destination across all media industries. If you want to produce your next project in Texas, our industry-savvy staff is ready to connect you to Texas’ diverse locations, experienced workforce, support services, industry organizations, and competitive production incentives.
Special thanks to these fantastic festival sponsors:
USA | Drama | 97 mins
Andrew Shea
A blended family is thrown together unexpectedly against the surreal backdrop of their childhood hero's death. (Texas Film)
HCFF NOTES: Director Andrew Shea and screenwriter Cindy McCreery will be in attendance.
LOCATION
Historic Nimitz Ballroom | 340 E. Main Street
PARKING Parking can be found at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center located at 302 E. Austin Street (a four minute walk from the Admiral Nimitz Gallery). Street parking is available on Austin Street and Main Street.
Prost! The good folks at Auslander and HCFF invite you to talk films over a bier or try your hand at film trivia at Auslander Restaurant & Biergarten on Thursday night. Lederhosen welcome.
TIME: 9:00 PM
LOCATION: Auslander Restaurant & Biergarten | 323 E Main St.
Complimentary drinks (limited quantity) for Filmmaker and All Access badge holders; please note that the Auslander kitchen closes at 9pm
2024 SCHEDULE TBA
Event and film screening times and locations subject to change.
Badge pick-up will be open from 10 am to 5 pm
PICK-UP LOCATION: The Great Hall (at Hoffman Haus) 601 E. San Antonio Street
Welcome to Friday at HCFF! Badge holders are invited to come to Hoffman Haus for coffee, Bloody Marys and donuts before our Friday panel discussion.
TIME: 10:00 AM
LOCATION: The Great Hall at Hoffman Haus | 601 E. San Antonio St.
CREDENTIALS: Filmmaker and All Access Badge holders only
Special thanks to these fantastic festival sponsors:
PANEL DISCUSSION - FINDING YOUR VOICE IN CINEMA
Presented by TCU Bob Schieffer College of Communication
Bonus, if you arrive 30 minutes early, we will have breakfast for you!
FINDING YOUR VOICE IN CINEMA Filmmaking is competitive, and only a few people get the opportunity to shepherd a film production to the finish line. The ability to use one’s voice to tell a story, from script to production to promotion, is indisputable. It requires years of cultivation, vision, and experience. This group of panelists will discuss their creative journey and explore how they developed their leadership skills (aka their voice) to inspire their cinema.
PANELISTS
Faryl Amadeus | Writer/Director - Any Sign at All | Los Angeles, CA
Sarah Joy Byington | Writer/Director - Labor+Justice | Austin, TX
Megan Dahl | Director - Tessa | Atlanta, GA
Emily Grooms | Writer/Director - Julie Baby | Los Angeles, CA
Melanie Starks | Producer - Fluorescent Beast | Los Angeles, CA
MODERATOR Richard Allen | Professor of Film, Television and Digital Media
LOCATION Great Hall at Hoffman Haus | 601 E San Antonio St.
CREDENTIALS Filmmaker and All Access Badge holders only
The mission of the Bob Schieffer College of Communication is “to educate students to think, act and communicate effectively, ethically, critically and creatively in a global environment enriching their personal and professional lives.”
In four departments – Communication Studies; Film, Television and Digital Media; Journalism; and Strategic Communication – the Bob Schieffer College of Communication applies communication theory, principles and history to current professional and analytical skills so students graduate as flexible, critical-thinking, problem-solving communication practitioners.
Badge pick-up will be open from 11:00 am to 7 pm
PICK-UP LOCATION: Nimitz Courtyard (adjacent to the Historic Nimitz Ballroom) 340 E. Main Street
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Screening presented by Pedernales Cellars
USA/Nepal | Documentary | 71 mins | World Premiere
Daniel Driensky and Sarah Reyes
Texas sign painter Sean Starr embarks on a journey to Nepal to discover how artisans on the other side of the globe are preserving their traditional arts and crafts in a changing world, culminating in a motorcycle ride to visit the Magar people in the foothills of the Himalayas to learn about their tradition of song and dance. (Texas Film)
HCFF NOTES: Directors Daniel Driensky and Sarah Reyes, will be in attendance.
LOCATION
Great Hall at Hoffman Haus | 601 E. San Antonio Street
PARKING
Parking is available along San Antonio Street. If you are not staying at Hoffman Haus, please do not park in the gravel lots.
Fancy Florez's Summer Staycation USA | Comedy | 9 mins
Marissa Díaz
Fancy Florez, a resourceful ten-year-old without friends or funds, sets out to enjoy a luxurious summer in her neighbor’s abandoned pool when her game plan is thwarted by her archenemy, sparking an epic Mexican standoff.
Things I've Made My Roommate Do
USA | Drama | 9 mins
Mylissa Fitzsimmons
Max thinks he loves Samantha, Olivia knows she loves Max. Samantha is leaving town, so Olivia convinces Max to tell her everything before she goes. What could go wrong?'
Don't Mess with Texas: An Abortion Story USA | Documentary | 6 mins Roswell Goransson, Ellison Leticia Martin, Qiu Li Tovo-Hurt The overturning of Roe v. Wade has harmed the lives of Texas women. This documentary not only explores the personal impacts on Texas women but also how they are working together to make a better future. Don't Mess with Texas. (Student Film)
You're Invited to Tuscan's 5th Birthday Party! USA | Comedy | 14 mins
Lee Eddy
Tabitha wants the perfect day for her only son’s 5th birthday party, but the pony she rented gets spooked and tramples everyone in its path. While her husband and son search for her beloved dog that went missing in the mayhem, Tabitha is left alone to field increasingly frantic calls from injured guests. Things take a turn when the owner of the missing pony calls with unexpected news.
Evergreen USA | Drama | 17 mins
Zachary Zebrowitz
Ethan’s summer escape turns volatile as the unexpected arrival of his increasingly estranged best friend threatens to expose his darkest secrets.
Copilot USA | Drama | 13 mins | World Premiere
Darcy Doyle
Gene Davitt and her aviator father, Jim, frequently visit her ailing grandfather. Throughout stories of free-flight, dinner preparations, housekeeping, and unspoken tensions, young Gene finds both what is expected of her, and who she aspires to become. (Texas Film)
Floodplain
USA | Documentary | 17 mins
Samuel Diaz Fernandez
Austin residents relive their memories of a 2013 catastrophic flood in Onion Creek, which was a once-thriving community, but now scarred by disaster. Ten years later, they are determined to prevent history from repeating itself. (Texas Film)
USA | Drama | 7 mins | Texas Premiere
Amanda Pinto
Under the influence of anesthesia while receiving plastic surgery, Lily meets a grandmother she never knew who helps her think differently about her heritage.
LOCATION
Historic Nimitz Ballroom | 340 E. Main Street
PARKING Parking can be found at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center located at 302 E. Austin Street (a four minute walk from the Admiral Nimitz Gallery). Street parking is available on Austin Street and Main Street.
Enjoy a snack and refreshments in the courtyard located at the Admiral Nimitz Gallery part of the National Museum of the Pacific War.
TIME: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Courtyard at the Admiral Nimitz Gallery | 340 E. Main St.
CREDENTIALS: Filmmaker and All Access Badge holders only
Special thanks to these fantastic festival sponsors: Ben E. Keith
Pedernales Cellars Rambler Sparkling Water
Overlooking the Pedernales River valley, Pedernales Cellars offers its patrons a home away from home where they can enjoy a slice of the good life.
Pedernales Cellars is dedicated to the creation of world-class wines using ecologically sound practices, with a focus on grape varieties that can be grown with exceptional quality in the Texas Hill Country.
The Good, the Bad and the Ill USA | Animation | 3 mins
Carter Schmidt
Josey McCoy, a cyborg cowboy, boards a medical supply train to steal a respiratory treatment where he gets into a heated gun battle with robot guards. Against all odds, he succeeds in his mission. (Student Film)
USA | Documentary | 16 mins
Laura Waters Hinson and Claudia Myers,
A Ghanaian maintenance worker at a Virginia retirement community dreams of becoming an American citizen to provide a better life for his family. With their future at stake, he enlists the help of two elderly residents to prepare for the biggest test of his life: the US Citizenship exam.
USA | Drama | 11 mins
Sara Nimeh When a young Middle Eastern girl finds her grandfather dead, she is forced to grapple with the earthly rituals and spiritual loose ends of loss.
USA | Comedy | 6 mins | Texas Premiere William F. Reed
When a clever gardener clashes with a film shoot he must rely on his tools to get the job done. (Texas Film/Out-of-Competition)
In Wonderland USA | Drama | 14 mins
Andrea Camacho McCracken
When Nina, a resilient, and tenacious 8-year-old Mexican girl is granted asylum in the U.S. and forced to stay in the custody of her estranged aunt, Carmen, she rejects her new family and escapes inside the fantasy world of her book, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. As her imagination brings to life a magical rabbit hole, she follows it down in hopes of reuniting with her father on the other side. Will Nina come to terms with the truth of her past and finally embrace the adventure of a new home?
Solo un ensayo Spain | Drama | 9 mins | Texas Premiere
Hugo Sanz
Two sisters, seven and eleven years old, are hiding inside a closet in a house. The little sister thinks they are rehearsing for a game but the older one knows that a terrible threat lurks outside.
USA | Drama | 15 mins
Joshua Gallas
A firefighter returns home after the most difficult shift of his life. (Texas Film)
LOCATION Great Hall at Hoffman Haus | 601 E. San Antonio Street
PARKING Parking is available along San Antonio Street. If you are not staying at Hoffman Haus, please do not park in the gravel lots.
The Bubby Bear Show
USA | Animation | 2 mins
Thavin Vongpatanasin
In this episode of The Bubby Bear Show, Bubby introduces the alphabet until a sinister figure appears. Bubby must escape while trying to keep the alphabet lesson going. (Student Film)
USA | Documentary | 7 mins | Texas Premiere
Travis Lee Ratcliff
A psychological portrait of the mother-daughter duo, Kanesha Jackson and Kortnee Solomon, bound together by their passion for the rodeo and the weight of their family's legacy in the sport.
Ice Cream Shop Girls USA | Dramedy | 18 mins
Kyra Boldrighini While spending a day at the mall, Dani, an aloof teen, runs into her rowdy guy friends. She drags her impressionable little sister, Bella, along with her as she hears and sees things she shouldn't. The facade Dani puts up in front of the boys is slowly overtaking her true self. Bella's relationship with her sister is disintegrating. A mentor figure, Mikayla, tries to lend a hand. Unfortunately, the sisters come to learn the hard way that they can't keep their innocence from melting away.
Ireland | Drama | 18 mins
KC Connolly
Ireland: After the moratorium on evictions ends, a widowed father finds himself on the edge of homelessness and has one last chance to plead his case to a solicitor before he and his children are forced out onto the street.
1201 USA | Thriller | 12 mins | Texas Premiere Bobby Jordan
For more than a decade Daniel and his son, Micah, have sought answers to the tragedy that shattered their family. And now, as their journey closes in on what may be its final stop, Daniel begins to grapple with the consequences of discovering the truth.
USA | Drama | 15 mins
Alexander Rosales
For Rafael and his friends, the first day of summer is always reserved for a swim at the neighborhood pool. But this year, they must spend it searching the neighborhood for a squad member who is accused of ditching them.
ANY SIGN AT ALL USA | Drama | 9 mins | Texas Premiere
Faryl Amadeus
Clutching at straws and running on fumes, a desperate young woman’s indecision about the future of her unborn child has her looking for signs from the universe. Stranded at a crossroads, will the future finally reveal its plan?
The Word USA | Comedy | 10 mins
Rob M Neilson
Billionaires decide to give African Americans reparations for slavery...but there's a catch. (Texas Film)
LOCATION
Historic Nimitz Ballroom | 340 E. Main Street
PARKING
Parking can be found at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center located at 302 E. Austin Street (a four minute walk from the Admiral Nimitz Gallery). Street parking is available on Austin Street and Main Street.
Print It Black
USA | Documentary | 86 mins
Tomas Navia and Megan Hundahl Streete
Print It Black follows the journalists of the Uvalde Leader-News in the aftermath of the Robb Elementary school shooting that killed 19 children and 2 teachers. It intimately chronicles the story of crime reporter Kimberly Rubio and her husband, Felix, who lost their ten-year-old daughter, Lexi, in the shooting. The film traces Kimberly's rise to national prominence as an advocate for gun reform while processing unimaginable grief and loss. Through the Leader-News’ reporting, we witness this small rural Texas town’s ongoing discord as families search for accountability from local law enforcement and leaders, and the social fabric of the town is unwoven. (Texas Film)
LOCATION
Great Hall at Hoffman Haus | 601 E. San Antonio Street
PARKING
Parking is available along San Antonio Street. If you are not staying at Hoffman Haus, please do not park in the gravel lots.
USA | Documentary | 81 mins
Paul Levatino
In the limelight of imminent global fame, a Texas band's journey is marked by the unforeseen loss of their charismatic front man, Chadwick Murray. This documentary captures the raw essence of their final album sessions and the electrifying stage presence that defined them, celebrating the enduring legacy of a man who achieved his dreams against all odds. (Texas Film)
LOCATION
Historic Nimitz Ballroom | 340 E. Main Street
PARKING Parking can be found at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center located at 302 E. Austin Street (a four minute walk from the Admiral Nimitz Gallery). Street parking is available on Austin Street and Main Street.
No Right Way USA | Dramedy | 103 mins
Chelsea Bo
Georgie, a brazen tween, is thrust into the guardianship of her half-sister Harper whose attempts to parent only lead to exposing their paralleled childhood wounds.
LOCATION
Historic Nimitz Ballroom | 340 E. Main Street
PARKING Parking can be found at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center located at 302 E. Austin Street (a four minute walk from the Admiral Nimitz Gallery). Street parking is available on Austin Street and Main Street.
HCFF invites badge holders to come to West End Pizza Company for pizza and libations. Raise a glass, raise a slice, and talk indie film!
TIME: 9:00 PM
LOCATION: West End Pizza Company | 207 E. San Antonio St. CREDENTIALS: Filmmaker and All Access Badge holders only
Complimentary pizza buffet and drinks (limited quantity) for Filmmaker and All Access badge holders
SPECIAL THANKS TO FESTIVAL PARTNERS West End Pizza Company
Badge Pick-up will be open from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
PICK-UP LOCATION: The Great Hall (at Hoffman Haus) 601 E. San Antonio Street
We are starting Saturday off right. Badge holders are invited to come to Hoffman Haus for coffee, Bloody Marys and Whataburger breakfast Taquitos before our Saturday panel discussion.
TIME: 10:00 AM
LOCATION: The Great Hall at Hoffman Haus | 601 E. San Antonio St.
CREDENTIALS: Filmmaker and All Access Badge holders only
Special thanks to these fantastic festival sponsors:
PANEL DISCUSSION - GENERATIVE AI IN FILMMAKING: TOOLS AND TIPS ON ELEVATING YOUR CRAFT
Presented by TCU Bob Schieffer College of Communication
Bonus, if you arrive 30 minutes early, we will have breakfast for you!
GENERATIVE AI IN FILMMAKING: TOOLS AND TIPS ON ELEVATING YOUR CRAFT
Join creator and tech enthusiast Ian Loomer as we dive into the world of Generative AI and new methods of creativity in filmmaking. Learn about what AI tools are available to creators, when and where to use them, and how you can elevate your indie film to the next level. AI isn't about creating something from nothing but utilizing tools to enhance and elevate your vision while making your budget stretch further.
PANELIST
Ian Loomer is a native Texan living in the DFW metroplex. He is a creative operational executive with over a decade of progressively broader experience in film, broadcast, XR, AI, and the virtual production industry.
LOCATION The Great Hall at Hoffman Haus | 601 E. San Antonio St.
CREDENTIALS Filmmaker and All Access Badge holders only
The mission of the Bob Schieffer College of Communication is “to educate students to think, act and communicate effectively, ethically, critically and creatively in a global environment enriching their personal and professional lives.”
In four departments – Communication Studies; Film, Television and Digital Media; Journalism; and Strategic Communication – the Bob Schieffer College of Communication applies communication theory, principles and history to current professional and analytical skills so students graduate as flexible, critical-thinking, problem-solving communication practitioners.
Badge pick-up will be open from 11:15 am to 7 pm
PICK-UP LOCATION: Nimitz Courtyard (adjacent to the Historic Nimitz Ballroom) 340 E. Main Street
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience USA | Documentary | 75 mins Sam Wainwright Douglas and David Hartstein
John Aielli influenced Austin's musical diversity for over 50 years. The opera singer from Killeen became Austin's legendary voice. His freeform interviews, on-air mishaps and philosophical musings made "Eklektikos" a one-of-a-kind show. (Texas Film)
LOCATION
601 E. San Antonio Street
PARKING
Parking is available along San Antonio Street. If you are not staying at Hoffman Haus, please do not park in the gravel lots.
Head in the Clouds USA | Animation | 2 mins
Kaylee Tian Lin Tan
A quirky student who daydreams with her head high in the clouds must creatively elude her strict math teacher. (Student Film)
Bent Out of Shape
USA | Animation | 3 mins Chloe Merwin
A square-shaped woman and her child live in a dull, square world. However, when a bright, circular neighbor moves in next door, the square woman begins to feel that her lifestyle is being threatened. Even worse, she worries that her child may be affected by the circular neighbor's influence. (Student Film)
Memento Mori USA | Drama | 8 mins
Ines Wallisch Doctor Arlo Stanley learns that he has a brain tumor and has only three months to live. To make up for all the time he missed, he embarks on wild adventures. He suddenly understands that death is not something that will happen soon but that it happens every moment, every day. (Student Film)
The Crow Woman USA | Drama | 4 mins
Brooklyn Rice
The story of a seemingly eccentric 16-year-old girl and her search for meaning. (Texas Film/Student Film)
Muse USA | Drama | 2 mins Abbie Bergman A young artist prepares for his art show. (Student Film)
Elevated USA | Drama | 4 mins Zoha Omar A student struggles to take the elevator for fear it might consume him. Will his fear consume him instead? (Student Film)
The Understudy USA | Drama | 8 mins
Lucas Miller
When a theatre troupe understudy gets a mysterious call from his director, he attempts to decipher the meaning of her message at a cast wrap party. (Texas Film/Student Film/Out-of-Competition)
What You Don't Know: A Driver's Story USA | Drama | 7 mins
Christopher Chan
In the bustling chaos of New York City, a taxi driver's ordinary routine takes an extraordinary turn when a series of chance encounters with passengers triggers a profound introspection, leading him to confront the regrets of his past and rediscover the true meaning of life in a city that never stops. (Student Film)
Please Don't Stand While I'm Falling USA | Documentary | 8 mins | Texas Premiere
Kyle Ward
Almost 5 years after his life-changing injury, a teen reflects on his journey to piece together the brokenness left behind after falling into a constant repetition of life. (Texas Film/Student Film)
USA | Animation | 2 mins
Donghoe Kim
An octopus ninja who sets out on a mission to rescue his wife and child after they were captured and taken to a notorious sushi restaurant. (Student Film)
The Perfect Line USA | Drama | 12 mins
Caitlyn McConnell The Perfect Line showcases one woman’s journey to break into the male-dominated sport of racing. To win, she must revisit relationships that have haunted her and find courage to take new risks. When she pushes her car to the edge at a racetrack in Angleton, Texas, she finds the limits of her car and her relationship with her driving coach. (Texas Film)
LOCATION
Historic Nimitz Ballroom | 340 E. Main Street
PARKING Parking can be found at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center located at 302 E. Austin Street (a four minute walk from the Admiral Nimitz Gallery). Street parking is available on Austin Street and Main Street.
Enjoy a snack and refreshments in the courtyard located at the Admiral Nimitz Gallery part of the National Museum of the Pacific War.
TIME: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Courtyard at the Admiral Nimitz Gallery | 340 E. Main St.
CREDENTIALS: Filmmaker and All Access Badge holders only
Special thanks to these fantastic festival sponsors: Ben E. Keith
Oro Bianco Italian Creamery Pedernales Cellars
Overlooking the Pedernales River valley, Pedernales Cellars offers its patrons a home away from home where they can enjoy a slice of the good life.
Pedernales Cellars is dedicated to the creation of world-class wines using ecologically sound practices, with a focus on grape varieties that can be grown with exceptional quality in the Texas Hill Country.
Screening presented by Pedernales Cellars
USA | Dark Comedy | 7 mins
Ronald Short
Jake swears he just saw one of his Halloween decorations move and, worst of all, neither he or his girlfriend, Dawn, know where the damned thing came from. (Texas Film)
Cinching Saddles Canada | Comedy | 8 mins | Texas Premiere
Aman Pannu and Kevin Sengara
In the mockumentary "Cinching Saddles," we follow the wild journey of Calvinder, aka Cinch, who adopts a fake Texas accent and genuinely believes he's a cowboy, despite lacking any authentic cowboy skills. The series captures Cinch's comedic attempts to fit into the ranch's cowboy culture. As the ranch continues to thrive without his intentional assistance, the mockumentary unfolds with a humorous exploration of identity and the unexpected impact Cinch has on the community.
TESSA USA | Documentary | 16 mins | World Premiere
Megan Dahl
A documentary set in the American South about finding freedom and independence, regardless of physical limitations, disability, and perceptions. The story follows Tessa, a 7-year-old girl born with limb difference, adopted as an infant from an orphanage in Ethiopia by a loving family in Austin, Texas. What Tessa wants to do is swim. With practice, perseverance, and passion, Tessa shows the true endurance of the human spirit by competing in her first swim meet at the Endeavor Games, the premier adaptive sports competition in the USA. Tessa finds freedom in the water that she doesn't have anywhere else and brings us along on that joyful journey of believing in oneself.
The Hope Chest Has a Secret Drawer USA | Drama | 15 mins | Texas Premiere
Laura Frenzer What happens when you forget to forget? A stressed daughter working tirelessly to reach her mother lost in an Alzheimer’s haze accidentally uncovers a dark family secret.
USA | Drama | 17 mins | Texas Premiere
Emily Grooms
When a little girl gets called a whore for the first time, she discovers her place in the world but also her power to define herself. (Texas Film/Student Film)
Ireland | Drama | 14 mins
Jamie O'Rourke
A sinister farm accident leaves Cáit with a terrible decision to make.
The Heart of Texas USA | Drama | 15 mins | Texas Premiere
Gregory JM Kasunich
Janie May, an aspiring country singer stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck grind, gets big news that she’s a radio contest finalist while finishing her overnight shift at a local diner in Waco, TX. She must race to the station to sing for hometown country music hero Harlan Thompson in hopes of winning the opening act spot on his upcoming tour. In a chaotic dash to the studio, she collides her car into Jesús, an undocumented worker who refuses medical care or police assistance out of fear of being discovered and deported. The two engage in a struggle, each in pursuit of their own American dreams. In the end, they do the only thing they know how to do: fend for themselves. (Texas Film)
LOCATION
Historic Nimitz Ballroom | 340 E. Main Street
PARKING Parking can be found at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center located at 302 E. Austin Street (a four minute walk from the Admiral Nimitz Gallery). Street parking is available on Austin Street and Main Street.
USA | Thriller | 100 mins | Texas Premiere
Melora Donoghue and Kimberly Stuckwisch
Pitted against each other since youth and raised to believe true artists are only formed through suffering, the sisters reunite after years of estrangement. One sister learns authenticity, the other regret, but neither escapes the sins of their father.
LOCATION
Great Hall at Hoffman Haus | 601 E. San Antonio Street
PARKING
Parking is available along San Antonio Street. If you are not staying at Hoffman Haus, please do not park in the gravel lots.
Fluorescent Beast USA | Comedy | 90 mins | Texas Premiere Paul Osborne
A man is sent on a clandestine business trip by a shadowy executive. The details of the trip withheld even from him, the man must follow a series of mysterious clues to uncover the true nature of his mission.
LOCATION
Historic Nimitz Ballroom | 340 E. Main Street
PARKING Parking can be found at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center located at 302 E. Austin Street (a four minute walk from the Admiral Nimitz Gallery). Street parking is available on Austin Street and Main Street.
A Time Apart France/USA | Drama | 75 mins
Courtney Hope Thérond
Alyssa returns to Paris to finalize her divorce but while spending a final week with her soon-to-be ex-husband, she starts to question whether she’s making the right decision.
HCFF NOTES: Subtitled
LOCATION
Great Hall at Hoffman Haus | 601 E. San Antonio Street
PARKING
Parking is available along San Antonio Street. If you are not staying at Hoffman Haus, please do not park in the gravel lots.
Screening presented by Pedernales Cellars
Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter USA | Documentary | 88 mins
Christy Carpenter and Abby Ginzberg
Over her 89 years, Liz Carpenter was often front and center where history was unfolding, leaving her own indelible mark on some of the most vivid moments and movements that shaped the twentieth century. Journalist, vice-presidential advisor, White House official, author, humorist, political activist, and feminist leader—hers is the story of blazing professional trails while pushing forward an agenda for women’s rights, political engagement, and the environment that remains highly relevant today. (Texas Film)
LOCATION
Historic Nimitz Ballroom | 340 E. Main Street
PARKING Parking can be found at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center located at 302 E. Austin Street (a four minute walk from the Admiral Nimitz Gallery). Street parking is available on Austin Street and Main Street.
The final party of the festival will take place at Hoffman Haus. Join us for light bites from Eaker Barbeque, refreshments and more.
TIME: 9:00 PM
LOCATION: Hoffman Haus | 601 E. San Antonio St.
CREDENTIALS: Filmmaker and All Access Badge holders only
Special thanks to these fantastic festival sponsors:
Raise a glass with us and enjoy the sweeping hill country views at Pedernales Cellars before heading home. We'll celebrate our filmmaker award winners and have a few more moments of good cheer before winding down HCFF 2024.
Enjoy complimentary wine and a light brunch. If you are interested in a tasting at the Estate Tasting Room after the Sendoff, please make a reservation here.
TIME: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM; Awards presentation at 11:30 AM
LOCATION: Pedernales Cellars | 2916 Upper Albert Road, Stonewall, TX
Complimentary drinks (limited quantity) for Filmmaker and All Access badge holders
Special thanks to these fantastic festival sponsors: Rambler Sparkling Water
* Events/parties for All Access and Filmmaker Badge holders only