Just a week ago I was on a sojourn in Fredericksburg, a charming town just 70 miles outside of Austin. It marked my first of hopefully many trips out for the Hill Country Film Festival. Now in its 8th year, it’s a marked departure from the Film events I usually attend, replacing the endurance of 6 movies a day and intense events at SXSW and Fantastic Fest (with little to no sleep), with something a little more restorative and thoroughly charming.
It’s filled with movies, shorts, interspersed with conversations with both filmmakers and fans, leisurely lunches, a outdoor lounge to indulge in local (adult) beveraging, and evening events at locations around town. I already gave a rundown of the festival and it’s lineup here, but read on for photos and highlights from this year’s event. Hopefully I’ll see some of you out there in 2018!
It Takes Two
Whether intentional or not, a theme that emerged from the narrative features at this year’s fest was that of pairings. Characters that formed the core of a film that showcased not just great performances but superb chemistry.
Camino, a black comedy about two teens who steal a cooler looking for booze but instead end up with two human kidneys, was one such example. A snappy effort by director Justin Herring with two great leads in Matthew James and Reynolds Washam.
Venturing into ‘dramedy’ territory, Nicholas Zafonte’s feature No Retreat told of two college friends, artistic collaborators, and lovers, who reunited after 15 years to rekindle an artistic spark. Samantha Soule and Josh Tyson showcase deft, layered work as the pair settle back into a natural rhythm, but dredge up both new and old issues as the weekend progresses.
Finally, I’ve already sung the praises of La Barracuda in my review from SXSW, but it’s worth once again praising the work of Sophie Reid and Alison Tomlin. A very worthy closing night film and recipient of the “Best Feature” award.
The Kids Are Alright
A delightful surprise at the festival was the Shorts Block, composed of entries from the All American High School Film Festival. It wasn’t just the technical quality that stood out, but the emotional and thematic depth of their efforts, speaking to a talent and insight beyond their years.
Highlights included Huckleberry Delight (Ethan Seneker), Two and Quarter Minutes (Joshua Ovalle), Muffins (Hadley Hillel), and Yesterday (Sage Meadows). You can find out more about that festival here: http://www.hsfilmfest.com/
In addition to the shorts block, there was a pair of local high schoolers who made a creative short during the festival. It was an effort supported by the Hill Country Film Society, a local non-profit supporting young filmmakers in he area. You can learn more about the society, it’s film camps and make a donation here.
All The President’s Men
Our current political situation seems to be in a downward spiral, with reports of corruption, treason, nepotism, and downright stupidity. The free press, while scrutinized, is more important than ever. It seemed very timely then that the guest speaker at this year’s HCFF was Robert Walden. The actor is best known for his work on the television show Lou Grant, as Joe Rossi, a reporter for the (fictional) Los Angeles Tribune daily newspaper. Walden also worked on All the President’s Men, The Hospital, Audrey Rose, and Capricorn One.
Walden recanted his experiences on Lou Grant, notably his appreciation for journalism, a field he immersed himself in across the country in preparation for the role. He also recalled growing up under the fear of the Soviet Union, of speculating whether planes overhead were Russian or not. The conversation frequently looped back to our current situation. Concerns about international affairs and a lack of faith in the highest office in the land, likening our current state of affairs to the Nixon Administration.. It was also a reminder of the power of journalism, literature and art. It was an interesting conversation that married interesting insights with some sobering political, and social commentary.
Drinking Buddies
IN between film blocks, and in some cases instead of, attendees were treated to a tasting room space, The Backyard, newly built behind the Fritztown Cinema. Complementary beverages refreshed badge holders while also championing local businesses, with representation from Cinco Vodka, Feast & Merriment Catering, Friends and Allies Brewing, Pedernales Cellars, Seersucker Gin, Tequila 512.
We weren’t just confined to the theater location. Evening receptions cycled througha several Fredericksburg restaurants, allowing for post-film discussions and general mingling.
The Victors
The final evening of the festival marked the awards ceremony, hosted in the Nimitz Ballroom withing the nearby National Museum of the Pacific War. The worthy recipients are below.
CINEMA DULCE — BEST OF FEST
DEALT Movie | Luke Korem — Full review.
AUDIENCE AWARD
DEALT Movie | Luke Korem
BEST TEXAS FILM
The Importance of Sex Education | L. Elizabeth Powers
BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM
A Force in Nature: Jóhann Eyfells | Hayden de Maisoneuve Yates
BEST FEATURE FILM
La Barracuda | USA | Drama | Jason Cortlund & Julia Halperin — Full review.
BEST SHORT FILM
Guidance | Josh Wolff
BEST STUDENT FILM
The Wishgranter | Kal Athannassov, John Mc Donald & Echo Wu
BEST DIRECTOR
Brandon Dickerson | The Victor Movie
BEST ACTRESS
Abigail Hawk | Almost Paris film
BEST ACTOR
Jason London | As Far As The Eye Can See
BEST SHORT SCREENPLAY
The Time Before Him written by Kevin Thrasher
BEST FEATURE SCREENPLAY
Speechless written by Tom Helberg
The Ways of Wine
The final event took place on late Sunday morning, transplanting the festival to the patio at the nearby Pedernales Cellars winery. Panelists included Travis Champagne, Christine Chen, Brandon Dickerson, and Will James Moore, who discussed lessons learned from their projects as well as the next step, moving on to another short and in some cases a full length feature.
A glass of wine, beautiful views, and a panel with these filmmakers was the perfect way to wrap up festivities.
For more information, check out http://www.hillcountryff.com/ or follow the festival on Twitter at @HC_Film_Fest
