Five Texas-made films have been named by the Houston Film Critics Society (HFCS) as nominees for its annual Texas Independent Film Awards (TIFA).
Nominees for the Best Texas Film of 2019 are:
- Bull
- Building the American Dream
- Nothing Stays the Same: The Story of the Saxon Pub
- Seadrift
- Sleeping in Plastic
“We wrap a strong year for films made in Texas with an impressive list of nominees,” observes Joshua Starnes, TIFA Coordinator and past president of the HFCS. “With three films presented in documentary-style fashion and two additional narrative works, these filmmakers give us history, social commentary and drama, each imbued with a taste of the Texas spirit. We are honored to shine the spotlight on such deserving films and the talented people who made them.”
Over a dozen films were screened and selected by a nominating committee of HFCS members. Final voting by the Society’s general membership will take place this week. The winner, as well as the recipient of the Texas Independent Film Visionary Award, will be announced at the HFCS’ annual awards ceremony, Thursday, January 2, 2020, at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Special guests include
director Roger Corman, who will be honored with a lifetime achievement award by the HFCS, as well as Ellyn Needham, wife of the late movie stunts pioneer Hal Needham, who will present the Society’s inaugural award for Best Stunt Coordination Team.
The HFCS created the TIFA in 2014 to spotlight the quality of independent film in Texas. Each year, the HFCS welcomes submissions of films shot in Texas that have been financed outside the major studio system by small investors and/or independent production companies. For the second consecutive year, the HFCS TIFA program will be underwritten by Balcones Distilling of Waco, Texas, makers of such award winning whiskies as Baby Blue, the Original Texas Whisky.
A reception for the nominees, open to all Awards Show ticket holders, will be held just before the event in the lobby of the Hotel YLEM from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, 8080 Main St. in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. HFCS thanks the YLEM for being the official hotelier of the TIFA.
Tickets for the HFCS 13th Annual Movie Awards are available through the ticket portal on the MFAH website. Visit https://www.mfah.org/calendar/houston-film-critics-society-best-2019-awards/202001020630PM
About The Houston Film Critics Society
The forty-one members of the Houston Film Critics Society are working film journalists on television, radio, online and in traditional print. Together, they reach millions of people each week across the United States with their critiques and commentaries on film. The organization’s mission is to promote the advancement and appreciation of film in the Houston community and beyond. For additional information and a list of members, visit www.HoustonFilmCritics.com.
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by the Houston Film Critics Society)
