Lance Avery Morgan
With A Fresh Lineup Of Conversations, Spotlights, And Screenings, The Festival Blends Small-Town Soul With A Global Cinematic Ambition
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography of 2024 RTFF courtesy of RTFF
The Round Top Film Festival (RTFF) is rolling out the red carpet, Texas style, for its second edition, November 6–9, and the first wave of programming has just been unveiled. Think panels that spark, conversations that linger, and spotlights that shine on the creators shaping tomorrow’s cinema. All of it wrapped in the festival’s signature blend of Lone Star charm and world-class artistry.
Round Top may be a small town, but during RTFF it becomes a big stage for discovery. Festival Hill’s ornate Concert Hall, often hailed by filmmakers as the most stunning venue they’ve ever screened in, sets the scene for cinematic magic. At the same time, the historic Round Top Dance Hall keeps things grounded in Southern soul, where honky-tonk tradition meets Hollywood glamour.
With a slate designed to spark ideas as much as applause, RTFF isn’t just another stop on the festival circuit; it’s rewriting the rules. Audiences can expect thoughtfully curated screenings, behind-the-scenes conversations, and genuine connections between storytellers and the people who bring their stories to life.
“We built RTFF to be a festival with heart, where artists, audiences, and industry voices connect in meaningful ways,” says Co-Founder and Executive Director Shanna Schanen. “This year’s lineup reflects that spirit, bringing together bold perspectives, untold stories, and the creative energy that makes Round Top unlike anywhere else.”
From actors and producers to costume designers, military veterans, and fearless industry disruptors, this year’s programming features fresh voices and seasoned visionaries. In just two years, Round Top Film Festival has carved out a singular place on the U.S. festival map: intimate, inspiring, and unafraid to mix small-town Texas spirit with global cinematic ambition.
“RTFF is about more than films; it’s about conversations that matter. This year’s panels spotlight the talent, craft, and vision shaping the future of storytelling, all with the spirit and authenticity that define Round Top,” shares Blair Hunt, Artistic Director, Round Top Film Festival.
What To Do & See At The Festival:
The RTFF Rising Star Showcase. Step into the spotlight with Hollywood’s next generation. This special showcase features a handpicked group of actors on the brink of major stardom. These are the performers whose recent roles, from breakout TV shows to scene-stealing turns on the big screen, are turning heads and building momentum toward what we believe will be long, celebrated careers. This intimate, moderated conversation will allow honorees to reflect on the roles that put them on the map, the transitions they’re navigating, and the path ahead. With talent, charisma, and undeniable presence, these rising stars are well on their way to becoming household names – and you’ll be able to say you saw them just before they blew up. Moderated by Austin local Richard Robichaux (Hit Man, Paradise), the panel includes Ayden Mayeri (Jackpot; Honeyjoon), Greg Tarzan Davis (Top Gun: Maverick, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning), Jacob Lofland (Mud, Joker 2, Landman), and Paulina Chávez (The Long Game, Landman), with additional guests to be announced.
Lens on the Lone Star State: Filmmaking in Texas. From wide-open plains to bustling cities, Texas is full of cinematic potential- but making a film here comes with its own set of challenges. Industry experts will share real-world advice and practical insights into shooting in Texas, covering topics such as navigating locations and tax incentives, building the right team, and ensuring authentic local representation. Whether new to filmmaking or a seasoned pro, attendees will get practical tips for bringing Texas stories to life. Moderated by Ali Nichols of the Texas Film Commission, confirmed panelists include Chase Musselwhite (Media For Texas), Michelle Habecker (Texas Film Commission), Duncan Montgomery (High Frequency Entertainment), along with additional guests to be announced.
Lights, Camera, Couture!: The Influence of Fashion & Film. Costume design is storytelling- shaping characters, setting tone, and reflecting the world around us. From classic Hollywood glamour to modern street style, film and fashion have always influenced each other. This panel explores how on-screen looks inspire real-world trends, reflect cultural shifts, and evolve with new technologies. With topics of interest to designers, filmmakers, and fashion enthusiasts alike, this panel offers a lively exploration of how costume design enhances narrative and continues to shape both cinema and everyday style. This conversation features some of the most respected names in costume design, including Courtney Hoffman (The Hateful Eight, Captain Fantastic), Christina Flannery (Righteous Gemstones), Dominique Dawson (Origin, Chad Powers), Ellen Mirojnick (The Greatest Showman, Oppenheimer, Bridgerton), and Juliana Hoffpauir (Green Book, Hit Man).
“Still Rolling”: A State of the Film Industry Conversation. Hollywood is undergoing significant changes, with fresh voices, innovative ideas, and evolving ways of making and sharing stories. This panel delves into what that means for filmmakers today, from accessible creative tools and immersive technology to shifting studio priorities and the rise of indie creators. It also addresses the ripple effects of recent industry strikes, changing audience habits, and the push for more diverse storytelling, while highlighting opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving production landscape. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the game, this is about how we adapt, create, and move the industry forward together. Confirmed panelists include actor and producer Jonathan Lipnicki (Buffalo 8/Bondit Capital), Stephen Mastrocola (Buffalo 8/Bondit Capital), Brian Kavanaugh-Jones (Range Media Partners), screenwriter Marc Klein, and Julie Candelaria (Gravitas Ventures).
From Combat to Camera: Honoring Veteran Voices in Film. This powerful panel explores the journey of military veterans who have transitioned from active service to active storytelling- finding purpose, expression, and community in a new kind of mission. From the battlefield to the backlot, the shared values of discipline, trust, and teamwork create a natural bridge and sense of camaraderie between military units and film crews. Hear from veteran filmmakers, writers, and actors who are redefining the narrative by not just telling war stories but telling their stories. This conversation will explore how the film industry can become a meaningful next chapter for veterans, examining the challenges and triumphs of translating military experience into creative careers, and why honoring these voices is more important now than ever. Moderated by 2024 RTFF Maverick Stunt award recipient RJ Casey, the discussion will feature Jim Wilkey, Vincent Vargas, and Kevin Kent, with additional participants to be announced.
Additionally, RTFF is proud to welcome five distinguished industry leaders as official jurors for the 2025 festival: Leslie Zemeckis (Director – Behind the Burly Q; Grandes Horizontales), Marc Klein (Screenwriter – Serendipity; Mirror Mirror), Marié Botha (Actress – The Penguin; Slave Play. Not a Movie. A Play), Mariel Hemingway (Actress – Manhattan; On Sacred Ground), and Meryl Poster (Producer – Chocolat; Chicago). These jurors will help select this year’s standout films across a range of categories and genres.
Additional programming announcements will be shared in the coming weeks. The RTFF Festival Hub & Box Office at the Round Top Town Hall, located at 102 Main St. in the Round Top Courthouse Square, will be open from November 5-9 for pass pickup or purchase. RTFF representatives will be available to assist interested parties in purchasing festival passes and to answer any questions.
Founded by Shanna and Skylar Schanen in 2024, the Round Top Film Festival (RTFF) is committed to enriching our community through the power of film and the arts. Our mission is to ignite creativity, encourage learning, and provide a magical cultural experience that leaves audiences inspired and transformed. We are dedicated to curating a program that showcases the best films from around the world for a unique, sophisticated, and discerning audience, fostering opportunities for open dialogue, appreciation, and the celebration of diverse cinematic voices. The festival will take place from November 6 to 9, 2025. The Round Top Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
For more information on passes and events, visit www.roundtopfilmfest.org.
For Curated Texan’s definitive guide to Round Top, visit here.
