It Came From Texas Film Festival

Festival welcomes special guests connected with films shot in Texas, including Documentaries, Commemoration of Texas Film Archives, and Classic Films rarely seen on the Big Screen—all celebrating Independent Texas Spirit.

IT CAME FROM TEXAS Film Festival announces new screenings and special guests joining the lineup for the second annual film festival dedicated to showcasing movies made primarily in Texas.

Schedule of Event

11:00 am - Feature ($15 individual tickets)

THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (1971)

Director: Peter Bogdanovich

Filmed in Archer City and Holliday, TX

In attendance: Angie Bolling (Actress in TLPS's sequel TEXASVILLE)

In 1951, a group of high schoolers come of age in a bleak, isolated, atrophied North Texas town that is slowly dying, both culturally and economically. (IMDb)

Two-time Oscar winner; stars Jeff Bridges and Cybill Shepherd. (Rated R for sexuality, nudity and language.)

2:00 pm – Short, Feature and Panel ($10 individual tickets)

"The Making of a Classic" (Short film, 2024)

Director: Stephen Robinson (in attendance)

Filmed in Bastrop, TX

Also in attendance: Martin C Jones (producer)

"The Making of a Classic," part of the Forging Texas video series, offers an intimate look into the production of Spencer Williams Jr.'s THE BLOOD OF JESUS. Set during the 1941 classic movie's filming, it explores the behind-the-scenes journey of filming a pivotal scene.

"The Making of a Classic" illuminates Williams' unwavering commitment and humility as he skillfully maneuvers through the emotional intricacies of the production process. Screenwriter A.J. Edwards masterfully captures the story based on true events. With standout performances by Marcus Henderson (Jordan Peele's GET OUT) and Erica Ash (Starz's "Survivor's Remorse"), the short film honors the enduring legacy of Spencer Williams, Jr.

THE BLOOD OF JESUS (1941)

Director: Spencer Williams

Filmed in Dallas, TX

Housed at the G. William Jones Film and Video Collection, Southern Methodist University

In attendance: Dr. Rick Worland (SMU Film Professor; Film Historian)

THE BLOOD OF JESUS is among Spencer Williams' notable works, where he served as director, writer, and star, pioneering independent cinema and impacting the industry. Rediscovered in the 1980s, THE BLOOD OF JESUS was unearthed from a warehouse in Tyler, TX, alongside a collection of film prints. It was the first Texas-made film entered into the Library of Congress's National Film Registry in 1991. Twenty-five films are selected each year to showcase the range and diversity of American film heritage and increase awareness for its preservation.

THE BLOOD OF JESUS tells the story of an atheist who accidentally shoots his godly wife. When she dies, she ends up at the fabled crossroads of Hell or Zion, where the devil tries to lead her astray. (IMDb)

Special Film Archives and Preservation Panel Discussion

A panel discussion will feature SMU film studies head Dr. Rick Worland delves into the historical and artistic significance of THE BLOOD OF JESUS. Dr. Worland will also detail how its last-known film reels were found in a warehouse in Tyler, TX, and how the film came to the SMU Film Archives in the late 1980s for preservation.

Additionally, Dr. Worland and Elizabeth Hansen of the Texas Archives of the Moving Image (TAMI - https://texasarchives.org) will talk about the importance of film preservation and archiving.

4:30 pm – Documentary with GHS Student Short Films ($10 individual tickets)

CHILDREN OF GIANT (2015)

Director: Hector Galan (in attendance)

Filmed in Marfa, TX

A documentary that unearths deeply wrought emotions in the small West Texas town of Marfa before, during and after the month-long production of George Stevens's 1956 feature film, GIANT. (Galan Productions)

This block includes student films from Garland High School's 'Reel Owl Cinema.'

7:30 pm - Feature film ($15 individual tickets)

GIANT (1956)

Director: George Stevens

Filmed in Marfa and Valentine, TX; Charlottesville, VA; and Los Angeles, CA

This Oscar-Award-winning sprawling epic covers the life of a Texas cattle rancher and his family and associates. (IMDb)

Stars James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rock Hudson. (Rated G)

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