Festival welcomes special guests connected with films shot in Texas, including Documentaries, Commemoration of Texas Film Archives, and Classic Films rarely seen on the Big Screen—all celebrating Independent Texas Spirit.

IT CAME FROM TEXAS Film Festival announces new screenings and special guests joining the lineup for the second annual film festival dedicated to showcasing movies made primarily in Texas.

Schedule of Event

September 13, 2024

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)

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)

September 14, 2024

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.)

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 godly wife. When she dies, she ends up at the fabled crossroads of Hell or Zion, where the devil tries to lead her astray. (IMDb)

Special Film Archives and Preservation Panel Discussion

A panel discussion will feature SMU film studies head Dr. Rick Worland delves into the historical and artistic significance of THE BLOOD OF JESUS. Dr. Worland will 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 for preservation.

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.'

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)

September 15, 2024

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 ("The First Bad Man")

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. See what Dallas, Texas, looked like in 1 Million B.C.

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)

Directors: 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.

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. This rock 'n' roll-themed movie features top-notch rockabilly performances by Don Coates and The Bon-Aires, Preacher Smith and the Deacons, The Five Stars, The Belew Twins, Johnny Carroll and Roscoe Gordon. (IMDb)

Featuring the Texas' version of 1957's Elvis, The Everly Brothers, among others - Black and white acts alike.

This block includes student films from Garland High School's 'Reel Owl Cinema.'

Date: September 13-15, 2024

Location:
The Plaza Theatre,
521 West State Street,
Garland, TX 75040.

Buy Tickets

Click Here for more information