By Meda Kessler
Above photo courtesy of 22 Films LLC
When it comes to film, Fort Worth has two faces.
It’s becoming more industry friendly (witness Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall and Luke Wilson in Cowtown for the filming of 12 Mighty Orphans, which is set to wrap before Thanksgiving). And the city has its own film commission that aims to bring more production to Fort Worth. But it’s been slow to embrace the independent and art house cinema: The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and The Grand Berry Theater are the go-to spots for fare that might not be your typical blockbuster. Both have partnered with the Lone Star Film Society on special screenings. But the LSFS continues to support independent — and local — cinema, and it launched Cine-Más in 2018 to showcase Spanish-language films. Supporters have kept the society’s film festival going strong for 13 seasons, and this month’s five-day event features 136 film titles representing 19 countries, along with panel discussions. There are zombie movies, horror thrillers, crime dramas, strong woman films, documentaries, romantic comedies and more. Here are some of the festival’s highlights:
A Hidden Life A Cannes Film Festival honoree, this Terrence Malick film is about an Austrian conscientious objector who refuses to fight for the Nazis in World War II.
Photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight
Photo courtesy of ZGN Productions
Now or Never: A Tony Romo Story A Fort Worth premiere, Now or Never
chronicles the life of the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, including his Hispanic roots and upbringing in Burlington, Wisconsin.
Cowboys: A Documentary Portrait This gorgeous feature-length film was shot on eight of the largest cattle ranches in 10 states and explores the lives of working cowboys and their families, and the challenges, hardships and rewards of the profession. Documentary filmmaker and photographer Bud Force formerly lived in Fort Worth and is now based in Austin. He also is a former rodeo cowboy. Force collaborated with photographer John Langmore, also a former working cowboy. Get a sneak peek online at thecowboymovie.com.
Cowboys: A Documentary Portrait premiered in Austin last month. Former Fort Worth resident Bud Force was filmmaker and photographer on the film.
Photo courtesy of 22 Films LLC
THE DETAILS
Lone Star Film Festival Single-screening, single-day or all-access passes are available. Nov. 13-17.
Screenings take place at AMC Palace 9, 220 E. 3rd St., Fort Worth. Buy tickets and see the complete schedule at lonestarfilmfestival.com.
The Gala LSFF’s fundraiser is held during the festival and benefits the Johnny Langdon Film Education Initiative, which aims to provide film-related programs and education to kids, especially those in underserved communities. Langdon helped found the LSFF in 2007 and died in 2017. This year’s party honors singer-songwriter-actor Waylon Payne (his godfather is Waylon Jennings) with the Stephen Bruton Award.