2024 IT CAME FROM TEXAS FILM FESTIVAL ALL ACCESS PASS
Garland Cultural Arts presents its second annual IT CAME FROM TEXAS Film Festival. This pass includes early access to all three days of screenings, panel discussions, a commemorative poster, and discounts from participating businesses during the festival (September 13-15). All Access Pass Holders are allowed into screenings on a first-come, first-served basis. Please plan to arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start of the show.
This year's Film Festival salutes films made in Texas, illustrating the Independent Texas Spirit. Three Oscar-winning films are showcased: TENDER MERCIES (1983), THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (1971), and GIANT (1956).
The All Access Pass price will increase to $75 on September 1.
There is limited availability, so lock in this $115 value today!
SCHEDULE OF FILMS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
7:00 pm - Double Feature - Documentary and Feature ($20 individual tickets)
HORTON FOOTE: THE ROAD TO HOME (2020) [North Texas Premiere]
Director: Anne Rapp (in attendance)
Filmed in Wharton, TX; New York City, NY; and Hartford, CT
Chronicles the creative journey of acclaimed Texas writer Horton Foote - a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and winner of two Academy Awards for screenwriting - through his own eyes and voice at the end of his life. (IMDb)
9:00 pm - TENDER MERCIES (1983)
Director: Bruce Beresford
In attendance: Jeannie Oppewall (Art Director); Anne Rapp (Script Supervisor)
Filmed in Palmer, Waxahachie, and Arlington, TX
Featuring an Oscar-winning screenplay by Horton Foote, Tender Mercies tells the story of a broken-down, middle-aged country singer who gets a new wife, reaches out to his long-lost daughter, and tries to put his troubled life back together. (IMDb) It stars Robert Duvall in his Best-Actor Oscar-winning performance. (Rated PG)
============
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
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.)
Lunch Break
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 wife. When she dies, she ends up at the fabled crossroads of Hell or Zion, where the devil tries to lead her astray. (IMDb)
Panel Discussion
This panel discussion will feature SMU film studies head Dr. Rick Worland discussing the historical and artistic significance of THE BLOOD OF JESUS. He’ll 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.
Additionally, Dr. Worland and Elizabeth Hansen of the Texas Archives of the Moving Image (TAMI - http://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.’
Dinner Break
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)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
1:00 pm – Feature and cartoon ($10 individual tickets)
UNDER WESTERN STARS (1938)/TEX AVERY “The First Bad Man” CARTOON (1950s)
Director: Joseph Kane (UNDER WESTERN STARS); Tex Avery (CARTOON)
Filmed in California
Introduced by Sean Griffin (SMU Film History Professor)
Roy Rogers is elected to Congress to bring the misery of the 1930s "Dustbowl" to the attention of Washington politicians. (IMDb) Although not filmed in Texas, the star of UNDER WESTERN STARS, Roy Rogers, came to Garland to promote the film and was photographed on the square during the trip. UNDER WESTERN STARS will be followed by “The First Bad Man” cartoon from famous Texas animator Tex Avery.
3:30 pm – Double Feature - Feature and Documentary ($15 individual tickets)
THE BIG SHOW (1936)
Director: Mack V. Wright and Joseph Kane
Filmed in Fair Park, Dallas, TX
Housed at the G. William Jones Film and Video Collection, Southern Methodist University
Introduced by Sean Griffin (SMU Film History Professor)
At the Texas Centennial in Dallas (the precursor to the State Fair of Texas), Gene Autry confuses two girls by being himself and his own stunt double. (IMDb)
A FAIR TO REMEMBER (2008)
Director: Allen Mondell, Cynthia Salzman Mondell, and Phil Allen
Filmed in Fair Park, Dallas, TX
In attendance: Allen Mondell and Cynthia Salzman Mondell
A documentary about the rich history of the great State Fair of Texas.
Dinner Break
7 pm - Comedy troupe live riffs on Campy Classic with GHS Student Short Films ($15 individual tickets)
Mocky Horror Picture Show live riffing of ROCK BABY - ROCK IT (1957)
Director: Murray Douglas Sporup
Filmed in Dallas, TX
Mocked by comedians Danny Gallagher, Liz Barksdale and Albie Robles
A live-riffing movie comedy show! This campy classic follows local Dallas teenagers as they resist attempts by shady underworld types to take over their beloved rock 'n' roll club. (IMDb)
This block includes student films from Garland High School’s ‘Reel Owl Cinema.’
