The IT CAME FROM TEXAS Film Festival gears up for its second year, spotlighting the state's contribution to the big screen, and takes place from September 13 to 15 at the Plaza Theatre in Garland. The festival, which honors films made fully or partially in Texas, shifts its genre focus this year to movies that reflect the Western genre and embody the spirit of Texas independence.
According to Kelly Kitchens, the festival director, "There’s no better place than Texas to pay homage to one of the foundational genres of cinema, the Western and all the variations of the Western outside Cowboys and Indians." They've selected three Oscar-winning, "Western adjacent" Texas films: "Tender Mercies" (1983), "The Last Picture Show" (1971), and "Giant" (1956), showcasing the range of what Westerns can mean in the Texan cinematic landscape, according to the City of Garland.
Film aficionado Gordon K. Smith returns for the festival, bringing his extensive knowledge of Texan-made films. Smith stated, "This year, IT CAME FROM TEXAS will feature a collection of films rooted in the enduring saga of the Old West that were made in the state most closely associated with it." His expertise will likely again be a cornerstone of the film discussions and screenings, as per the City of Garland.
Adding freshness to the lineup, short films by students from Garland High School’s Reel Owl Cinema (ROC) film program will also take the spotlight. Festival director Kitchens expressed delight at including these early works of Texas's budding filmmakers. Thomas Schubert, Head of the Film Department at ROC, shared the sentiment, saying, "We’re so excited to be involved again with the City of Garland’s first film festival," as cited by the City of Garland.
The festival comes to a comedic close with The Mocky Horror Picture Show's live mockery of "Rock Baby - Rock It" (1957), assuring the audience of a hilarious, interactive send-off to the event. As for the audience, those looking for tickets can snag an early-bird festival pass for $55 before July 31, with prices ascending closer to the date of the festival. Passholders get perks like early admission, a commemorative poster, and discounts from local businesses.
