Hill Country Film Festival 2015 by Ken Esten Cooke

april 30—May 3, 2015

This weekend! ALL ACCESS BADGES & DAY PASSES ON SALE NOW AT WWW.HILLCOUNTRYFF.COM

fritztown cinema • Fredericksburg, Texas

Inside:

03 Student Film Showcase 04 Free Marktplatz Screening 05 Film Festival Anxiety? 12 Summer Film Camp

camp for middle school and high school students. • And last but not least, “EAT. DRINK. BE INSPIRED.” has blossomed into a premier fundraising event each winter in Fredericksburg.

Chad Mathews, Executive Director, HCFF

Welcome to the 6th Annual Hill Country Film Festival! It’s film-watching season in the Texas Hill Country. This weekend will be more than wine, German food and shopping because Fredericksburg shines center stage as it hosts the very best of independent cinema. This is our sixth installment showcasing indie films from the Lone Star State and around the world. With films from 15 countries, shorts and features, comedies and dramas, narratives and documentaries – there’s something for everyone this weekend. Before we embark on the vast selection of films, panels and parties, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the accomplishments of the Hill Country Film Society over the past few years. Run by a volunteer staff that works year-round, their hard work and dedication has guided our organization beyond an annual film festival and into a full-fledged yearround film society. • Fritztown Cinema has become a significant partner as co-host of our popular free monthly Indie Film Series. • We’ve had the pleasure of producing two short films here in Fredericksburg. And what’s even more remarkable is that both films have played in film festivals from coast to coast. • This past summer, two of our staffers were invited as high school film mentors in California. And this summer we plan to add to our educational component by introducing a film workshop and lecture series as well as a film

As great as the past few years have been, our team is just one piece of the puzzle. The other is you. Our moviegoers, sponsors and the generous individuals who show their support by joining our film society as annual members. We cannot thank you enough. You are the lifeblood of the organization and you inspire us to continue to grow the film society to new levels. In a town were artists are encouraged to express themselves, Fredericksburg is the perfect home for showcasing the creative expression of film. We couldn’t imagine our city and surrounding areas without it. Enjoy the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy the City of Fredericksburg. Enjoy the movies. We sincerely thank you for supporting independent film and of course, supporting Fredericksburg’s very own Hill Country Film Festival and Society.

Chad Mathews, Executive Director

Ticket Prices

The badge is the best value

All Access Badge — $125 Day Pass — $40 (Friday or Saturday) Single Block Ticket* — $10 Badges and Day Passes are available for sale online at www.hillcountryff.com or at the festival headquarters: Fritztown Cinema *Subject to availability and can be purchased at Fritztown Cinema.

Festival Headquarters:

Fritztown Cinema | 2254 Hwy. 87 South, Fredericksburg, TX

Why Buy an All Access Badge? You’ll get access to VIPerks including: • Preferred seating for all screenings (subject to cut-off times) • Filmmaker Welcome Reception (April 30 @ 6 p.m.) • Panel Discussions with Breakfast (May 1 & 2) • On-site Filmmaker Lounge with beverage sponsors Pedernales Cellars, Treaty Oak Distillery, Dulce Vida Organic Tequila and Pedernales Brewing Company (May 1 & 2) • Closing Night Party and Awards at the Nimitz Museum (May 2 @ 9 p.m.) • Sunday Send-off Party at Pedernales Cellars (May 3 @ 11 a.m.)

SCHEDULE View the entire schedule online: www.hillcountryff.com Printed copies of the event program are located at the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Programs will be available in town on April 30. All festival events at Fritztown Cinema unless otherwise noted.

Please note: Viewer discretion Advisory information can be found in the event program.

Hill Country Film Festival

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www.HillCountryFF.com

THURSDAY LINEUP DAILY OVERVIEW 1 p.m. Film industry panel discussion*

6 p.m. Filmmaker Welcome*

2–6:30 p.m. Film blocks (short and feature)

8:30 p.m. Block 5 | Outdoor screening at the Marktplatz (see page 4 for details)

2 p.m. Block 1 | Short Films 2:15 p.m. Block 2 | Feature Film (special screening, out of competition) 4:30 p.m. Block 3 | Short Films 5 p.m. Block 4 | Short Film showcase from ACC-RTF (special screening; out of competition)

9:30 p.m. Opening Night Party at Auslander Restaurant & Biergarten *Exclusively for filmmakers and All Access badge holders

Special Showcase for Student Filmmakers

JOIN US FOR THE

OPENING night party • 9:30 p.m.

The Austin Community College Radio-Television-Film Department (ACC-RTF) presents ESTABLISHING SHOTS, a showcase of student films. Part of the Austin film community for over 40 years, ACC-RTF prepares students for pathways into dynamic creative media fields through immersive coursework in screen storytelling, creative digital production and media studies. The Algophoic | Taylor Perkins ATX/SATX | Daedelus Hoffman, Block 4 Alexa Ramirez, Ryan Bazan 5 p.m. Binding Contract | Harley Karchmer Student filmmakers The Date | Kayla Olson in attendance Debbie | Michael Vilaythong for Q&A Empowering Austin: Body, Mind, and Soul | Cassandra Gonzalez, Gregg Baethge, Paige Brauer Eyes Wide Open | Willie Rockefeller For Granted | Armando Santos Herb and Harry | Ryan Hamilton Playing Doctor | Willie Rockefeller Speed Dating | Gregg Baethge, Paige Brauer, Ethan Perry Still In Motion | Derek Gildersleeve Woman I Know | Miguel Angel

Auslander Restaurant & Biergarten 323 E. Main Street  This party is open to the public

Download the GoFred app today to discover more of Fredericksburg. Hill Country Film Festival

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www.HillCountryFF.com

Marktplatz Screening Tradition Continues Free, Family-Friendly Film Block Set for Thursday

5 Reasons to Give Shorts a Chance By April Soechting, HCFF staffer

OK, I’ll admit it. Before my friends started a film festival, I thought “independent film” meant going to the movies by myself. And short films? Those were movies that didn’t require a potty break before the credits. As it turns out, “shorts” are about much more than running time. Other than the filmmaker lounge, short films are my favorite discovery in the wonderful world of film festivals. Here are five reasons to check out short films at this year’s festival:

Community members gather for the 2014 HCFF outdoor screening in the Fredericksburg Marktplatz.

The Hill Country Film Festival (HCFF) will host a free screening of family-friendly short films Thursday night at the Marktplatz. The event is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. with movies starting at dark. Limited picnic table seating is available and guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and coolers. “The outdoor screening has become a spring tradition for us and we hope even more people will take advantage of the opportunity this year,” said Chad Mathews, festival founder and executive director.

Free Outdoor Screening

Thursday, April 30 8:30 p.m. Fredericksburg Marktplatz (100 W. Main Street)

“Grab a blanket, some snacks and drinks, and join us for movies under the stars.” Located on historic Main Street, the Marktplatz is a unique place to watch a movie and snap your own “red carpet” photos. HCFF staffers bring in a giant inflatable movie screen and sound system, authentic red carpet and, of course, several of the independent films accepted for this year’s festival. A booster club supporting St. Mary’s Catholic School will sell popcorn, water and soft drinks.

The Marktplatz screening will run approximately 60 minutes and begin at 8:30 p.m. or when dark. Don’t forget to bring: ✓ Lawn chairs ✓ Bug spray ✓ Blankets ✓ Cooler ✓ Sunglasses

1. A short film block lasts approximately 90 minutes and will typically span a variety of genres — from drama to comedy, animation, documentary and horror — without the commitment to a single story. 2. Short film is a flexible, open-ended art form. Because they don’t have to adhere to the traditional three-act structure of most feature films, they regularly surprise you. 3. Short films provide an opportunity for new filmmakers to learn their craft and showcase their skills. Many famous actors and directors got their start with short films that toured festivals just like HCFF. 4. Since most mainstream movie theaters don’t show short films, a film festival — especially one in your back yard — is a unique opportunity to experience films you wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to see. 5. Shorts are perfect for today’s brief attention sp- Look! A squirrel!

See you at the fest!

Thank you to GoFred for presenting the April 30 Marktplatz Screening. Hill Country Film Festival

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www.HillCountryFF.com

Film Festival Anxiety?

Many Thanks to Our 2015 Sponsors

By Brad Kammlah, HCFF staffer Well I had it and maybe you do, too… “First Time Film Festival Anxiety.” Do these symptoms sound familiar? Fear of bumping into actors, sweaty palms, pretending you are too busy to attend, secretly wanting to go but just not sure what to expect. Don’t worry, you are not alone. It’s actually very common and affects most of us before we attend our first film festival. Before I attended my first film festival, I’d seen the red carpet photos and just assumed you had to be a famous movie star or director to go. But I REALLY

wanted to see these movies. So I showed up but didn’t talk to anyone for two days out of fear that someone would find me out. Thankfully a sweet elderly woman who was a retired teacher sat next to me at one of the movies and told me she comes because it’s so much fun to see movies that you can’t see anywhere else. I finally realized film festivals were for us, the movie lovers. So to help ease your anxiety, here is the truth about five common film festival myths and misconceptions.

Myth #1: You have to be famous to go. Truth: Film festivals are for everyone! If you had to be famous to go, the theater would be pretty empty. Film festivals are for all movie lovers everywhere. Everyone is welcome!

Myth #2: You should know the film you’re about to watch. Truth: Almost no one knows about the films…yet! Films at festivals aren’t in theaters yet and are so new they often don’t even have previews you can watch. So the best thing to do is just read through the description in the program and go for it!

New Logo: grayscale

Myth #3: Attending a Film Festival sounds complicated. Truth: It’s so easy to attend — especially this one! Buy a ticket at the box office for a single screening or an all access badge for all the movies (plus lots of extra perks). Then go inside and watch as many movies as you’d like!

Myth #4: I’ll look stupid if I ask any questions. Truth: The volunteers love being there, because they love movies. Filmmakers love to talk about their films. Just ask! At my first film festival, I wandered around for an hour looking for the ticket booth because I was too afraid to ask anyone anything. Now as a Q&A moderator at the Hill Country Film Festival, asking questions at film festivals is my favorite thing to do!

Myth #5: Film festivals are only for avid film buffs. Truth: If you like going to the movies, you’ll like going to a film festival.

Hill Country Film Festival

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www.HillCountryFF.com

FRIDAY LINEUP DAILY OVERVIEW 9 a.m. Film industry panel discussion (screenwriting)*

4:45 p.m. Block 12 | Feature: SEC Ready (special screening; out of competition) 5:15 p.m. Block 13 | Short Films 7 p.m. Block 14 | Feature: Sunny in the Dark 7:30 p.m. Block 15 | Feature: Mount Lawrence

BLOCK 9 • 12:45 p.m.

9 p.m. Party at West End Pizza Company *Exclusively for filmmakers and All Access badge holders

Block 11 • 3 p.m.

ONE EYED GIRL

Directed by Nick Matthews Travis, is a thirty-something psychiatrist haunted by the death of a former patient. On the brink of a nervous breakdown he stumbles across a group run by a charismatic leader, Father Jay. In search of answers, Travis is led deeper and deeper into the underworld of a Doom’s Day cult where he meets Grace, a mysterious teenage girl. When the cult comes under attack from the outside world, Travis must risk his life to free a girl, and save his soul.

SOMEBODY MARRY ME

Directed by John Asher In this romantic comedy – filmed as a single, continuous shot – David Rosenberg has mere hours to find a woman to marry before his wealthy father gives his entire inheritance to his young, spoiled stepmother. To make matters worse, David’s live-in girlfriend breaks up with him for trying to force her into marriage. All seems lost until the family lawyer convinces David Producer Ben to post an ad on Milliken will the Internet to be in attendance find a wife and take whatever for Q&A. comes his way. It instantly becomes clear that David is in over his head. In the end, David has to decide what matters most to him: unimaginable wealth or true love.

A one-of-a-kind movie made with one continuous shot! Hill Country Film Festival

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www.HillCountryFF.com

Aggie football fan? This film is for you. Block 12 • 4:45 p.m.

SEC Ready

Directed by Lindsay Crouch and Andrew Cagel When Texas A&M left the Big 12 to join the Southeastern Conference, many college football observers assumed the Aggies were destined to languish in mediocrity. Yet, on-field competition would pale in comparison to the hurdles the Aggies had to overcome to make the move. In exclusive interviews, this film recounts the politics, negotiations and broken promises that led A&M to the SEC. Some questioned, many doubted – would the Aggies be SEC ready?

Director Lindsay Crouch will be in attendance for Q&A

more friday fun on the next page

Block 14 • 7 p.m.

SUNNY IN THE DARK Directed by Courtney Ware

Director Courtney Ware will be in attendance for Q&A

Jonah Bock is a therapist with a marriage and family counseling clinic, who, ironically, has never been married and has no children. When Jonah moves into a new loft he’s waited on for two years, he senses he may have finally found the ultimate sanctuary to shield him from the pain of the world. What he doesn’t realize is that homeless Sunny sleeps in the dark crawl space above his loft. When highly regimented Jonah leaves for the office each day, Sunny drops down and lives in Jonah’s space, careful to leave no trace of her existence. Courtney Ware

SHOT in DALLAS, TEXAS Hill Country Film Festival

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www.HillCountryFF.com

MORE FRIDAY This is the story of a 6,500 mile journey for Houston native Chandler Wild.

“It was about searching for purpose through journey, where the destination is more about the selfrealizations along the way.”

Block 15 • 7:30 p.m.

— Chandler Wild

Mount Lawrence

Directed by Chandler Wild

After Chandler Wild’s adventurous and outdoor-loving father committed suicide in 2007, Chandler relocated from Texas to New York City. This documentary film follows Chandler as he rides his bicycle 6,500 miles to Alaska to name a mountain after his father, a four and a half month journey that will help preserve his father’s memory and that would have made him proud.

Producer/Director Chandler Wild and producer Scott DelaCruz will be in attendance.

As he learns the ropes of life as a nomad traveling along the state highways of America, Chandler asks people about their purpose in life. Their answers help him begin to piece together a life purpose for himself. Along this journey with Chandler, viewers experience the physical and emotional ride of a boy becoming a man while trekking through the heart of North America.

FRIDAY,MAy 1st • 9 p.m – MIdnight

JOIN US!

Open to the public — all ages welcome

FRIDAY NIGHT PARTY At west END PIZZA Hill Country Film Festival

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www.HillCountryFF.com

SATURDAY LINEUP DAILY OVERVIEW 9 a.m. Film industry panel discussion (Being a working filmmaker)* 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Film blocks (short and feature) 10 a.m. Block 16 | Short Films 10:15 a.m. Block 17 | Short Films 12:15 p.m. Block 18 | Feature: The Origins of Wit & Humor 12:45 p.m. Block 19 | Short Films 2:30 p.m. Block 20 | Special Encore Presentation: Short Films

3 p.m. Block 21 | Short Films 4:45 p.m. Block 22 | Feature: Night Owls 5:15 p.m. Block 23 | Feature: WildLike 7 p.m. Block 24 | Special Screening: Feature Film 9 p.m. Closing Night Party & Awards* at the Nimitz Museum Ballroom *Exclusively for filmmakers and All Access badge holders

Block 18 • 12:15 p.m.

The Origins of Wit & Humor Directed by Christian Gridelli

The film begins with the abrupt end of a five-year relationship and shows professional comedy writer Les Candalero melt into a puddle of self-doubt. With nothing left to lose, he orders an outdated “wonder tonic” that will grant him an irresistible sense of humor. The product works – too well – and Les begins to doubt the only thing he ever prided himself on, his sense of humor. Are they laughing at him or the tonic? He, with the help of his best friend Pops, sets out to flush this aphrodisiac out of his system and return stasis — or at least honest laughs — to his world. Director of photography Ben McBurnett and crew prepare for the next shot.

2015 festival t-shirts Co-writer Hunter Norris and director/co-writer Christian Gridelli will be in attendance for Q&A

Be sure to get your 2015 souvenir t-shirt on Saturday. Ramona Press, the official apparel sponsor of the 2015 festival, will be on-site printing three unique designs. Hill Country Film Festival

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www.HillCountryFF.com

MORE SATURDAY

Director/writer Charles Hood and co-writer Seth Goldsmith will be in attendance for Q&A.

Block 22 • 4:45 p.m.

night owls

Directed by Charles Hood

After workaholic Kevin has a drunken one-night stand with the beautiful train-wreck Madeline, he’s horrified to discover that she’s actually his boss’ jilted ex-mistress. When she takes a bottle of sleeping pills, Kevin is forced to keep her awake... and over the course of the night the two begin to fall for each other. Night Owls stars Adam Pally (Happy Endings, The Mindy Project) and Rosa Salazar (Parenthood, Insurgent)

Block 23 • 5:15 p.m.

wildlike

Directed by Frank Hall Green

Writer/director Frank Hall Green will be in attendance for Q&A

Mackenzie, a troubled but daring teenage girl, is sent to live with her uncle in Juneau, Alaska. She longs for her struggling, absent mother, but as her mom’s phone calls become less frequent and her uncle’s care is not what it seems, she must flee. Plunging deep into the Alaskan interior, she finds herself helpless and alone. A chance connection with a loner backpacker, Rene Bartlett, proves to be her only lifeline. As Mackenzie shadows Bartlett across the last frontier, she thwarts his efforts to cut her loose until he has no choice but to help her survive in the wilderness. Against the backdrop of a spectacular Alaskan landscape, they discover the redemptive power of friendship. Mackenzie and Bartlett prove to be the unlikely salve for each other’s scars, until the damage Mackenzie carries with her threatens to destroy her newfound sanctuary. Returning to civilization, Mackenzie is once again at risk of capture by her uncle as he hounds with manipulative calls and messages. When Bartlett finally discovers her alarming secret, he must make a bold choice to take real responsibility for Mackenzie and help her escape her traumatic past and return home.

A story of an unlikely friendship in America’s last frontier. Hill Country Film Festival

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www.HillCountryFF.com

Closing night party & award ceremony

9 p.m. – midnight Admiral Nimitz Museum Ballroom 340 E. Main Street badge holders only event

Enjoy drinks from our many beverage sponsors and snacks from local restaurant Otto’s German Bistro.

Sunday Sendoff at pedernales cellars badge holders only event

May 3 • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Pedernales Cellars is committed to crafting world class wines that are made exclusively from Texas grapes.

2916 Upper Albert Rd. • Stonewall, TX 78671 See map in HCFF event program (page 44) for directions.

Hill Country Film Festival

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www.HillCountryFF.com

Film Camp Planned for Late Summer Hill Country Film Society staff, working with the Fredericksburg Independent School District’s Community Education program, will hold a film camp for students in grades seven through twelve. Campers will meet Aug. 3–6 from 9 a.m. to noon to learn story structure, theme, character development and fundamental elements of visual storytelling. Students will also experience the ins and outs of a film set as they make a short film. The fee is $75 per student and will include the four-day program, all materials and a t-shirt. Register at fisd.org/commed.

Signature Event Inspires with Film and Food In January, HCFS hosted the third annual “Eat. Drink. Be Inspired.” fundraising dinner, featuring the documentary film “The One Who Builds.” The film tells the story of the life and works of Dr. Omer Omer, once a Sudanese refugee and now an American citizen who is paying it forward as the director of a refugee resettlement organization. Co-director

Hillary Pierce was in attendance and answered questions after the screening. The 2015 event was held at Hoffman Haus and featured a North Africaninspired menu created by a local chef and paired with beer, wine and cocktails from the Texas Hill Country. Proceeds of the fundraiser and membership support make the HCFS mission possible.

Film Society Features Year-round Programming The Hill Country Film Festival, created in 2010 to celebrate and showcase filmmakers from Texas and around the world, quickly evolved into a non-profit organization with a broader vision. The Hill Country Film Society (HCFS) not only hosts the annual festival but also provides year-round independent film programming in the Texas Hill Country as well as education in the art of independent film. “Our goal is to provide even more meaningful, interactive experiences like summer film camp, outdoor screenings and filmmaker guest lectures,” said Wade Lee, HCFS director. Part of the HCFS mission is supporting the next generation of independent filmmakers. This year’s festival includes a showcase of student films, ESTABLISHING SHOTS, presented by the Austin Community College Radio-Television-Film Department. See page 3 for details on the Thursday film block. In 2014, HCFS created a partnership with Fritztown Cinema to host free monthly independent film screenings.

Mark your calendar for one or all of these upcoming shows: July 15 | August 12 | September 16 | October 14

The Hill Country Film Society (HCFS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, which supports the art, craft and business of independent film within the Texas Hill Country. HCFS hosts the annual Hill Country Film Festival and provides year-round independent film programming and education within the region. HCFS relies on members to help us achieve the mission and ensure the future of film as a part of our vibrant, creative culture. Several membership levels are available. Visit www.hillcountryff.com/film-society to learn more.

Hill Country Film Festival

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