Texas Film in Focus Podcast

In this episode of Texas Film in Focus, we have Bolivian filmmaker Maria Mealla discussing her return to Austin and her experience navigating the film scene.

Maria shares her journey, revealing the rich tapestry of community and cross-craft collaboration that defines Austin's creative landscape. Her story takes us from the theater communities of Austin to the bustling film scene in San Francisco and back again, illuminating the contrasts and challenges along the way. She also takes us to the behind-the-scenes creation of LA MACANA, now streaming on Max. We also get a sneak peek at her next project JUANA PELOS filming in May!

The last episode of the Samdance series is hitting the airwaves today! Live from Slamdance 2024, E’an Verdugo and Caleb Davis, the maverick duo behind the award– winning series talk about their project “Restorage.” E’an and Caleb share their journey from a chance meeting at UNT to creating a series with a punk-rock twist, proving that a mix of comedy, drama, and friendship can forge a unique path in cinema. Discover how their storage unit set became a portal for storytelling and why choosing the road less traveled can lead to the most fulfilling destinations in independent television. Our infectious conversation will inspire you to embrace creativity and humor, no matter how unconventional the route.

Hey y'all! Welcome back to Texas Film in Focus! This is the third installment of the Samdance Series! Today, we've got a real treat for you – an exclusive chat with Houston filmmaker, Olivia Kuan. We're diving deep into the story behind her awesome documentary, "The Herricanes," which made its splash at SXSW winning several awards and rocked the screens at Slamdance in 2024. Join us as Olivia reflects on what inspired her to create her most personal project yet.

Olivia brings a special touch to her storytelling, and "The Herricanes" is no exception. We're going behind the scenes to uncover the heart and soul of this film, exploring themes of resilience, community, and the powerful Texan spirit in the face of life's curveballs.

Step into the shadows with the latest episode of Texas Film in Focus, where the amazing Afro-Latina filmmaker, Cynthia Garcia-Williams, takes us behind the scenes of the mysterious world of her short film, "Legend of El Cucuy." Prepare to be inspired and thoroughly entertained as we delve into the depths of this boogeyman-inspired cinematic adventure.
Live from Slamdance 2024, Cynthia shares how she brought the legendary El Cucuy to life on the big screen. She also shares how her identity shaped the creation of the project and how her authentic casting is an integral component of the film.

The film industry's representation of disability is a vital topic, and in this episode, we shed light on the film industry's evolving representation of disability through our spotlight on 'Daruma.' Hear from the talents behind the scenes, like director Alexander Yellen and writer-producer Kelli McNeil Yellen, and their dedication to making a splash at the festival. We also delve into the tenacious advocacy of John Lawson's consistent dedication to inclusive storytelling.

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Today's episode is another crossover episode with the TIF Voices podcast, an audio outlet for Tejanas in Film, a collective that aims to empower Latina filmmakers in Texas.

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🔥🔥🔥Get ready for an extra picante new episode of TIF Voices! This week, three Tejanas in Film members deliver a scorching review of the film "Flamin' Hot" directed by Corpus Christi native Eva Longoria. Join us as we explore the flavors, the drama, and the behind-the-scenes heat that went into creating this cinematic treat. We bring our personal stories and a few crunch-tastic sounds to the airwaves for your listening pleasure.

Today's episode is a crossover episode with the TIF Voices podcast, an audio outlet for Tejanas in Film, a collective that aims to empower Latina filmmakers in Texas.

After a long hiatus, TIF Voices is back with this episode focused on a cultural icon, Barbie. Sparked by Greta Gerwig's smash summer blockbuster, we embark on a journey into the pink world of Barbie through a Latina lens. Join our insightful discussion as we explore Barbie's impact on our young minds and its representation of Latina culture. Our hosts share personal anecdotes and reflections, adding depth to the conversation about the impact of popular culture on shaping societal perceptions.

From the Dreamhouse to the big screen, Barbie has been a symbol of aspiration for generations. But what does this mean for Latina audiences? Our hosts delve into the movie's themes, characters, and narratives, examining how Barbie's world intersects with and reflects the experiences of Latina individuals.

Settle in for this lively episode of Texas Film in Focus featuring the incredibly talented April M. Sanchez! In this edition, April spills the beans on her journey from filling in Mad Libs as a child to crafting screenplays that captivate audiences.

Join the laughter of this lively interview as April shares her early writing escapades, where the rich tapestry of her Latina roots began weaving its way into her stories. From childhood musings to the world of screenwriting classes and fellowships, discover the twists and turns that shaped her path.

But that's not all – April brings her vibrant cultural perspective to the forefront, highlighting her focus on cultural work as a Latina woman in the world of storytelling. Learn how her heritage influences her narratives, adding a colorful layer to her scripts that resonate with audiences far and wide.

The fun doesn't stop there! April outlines her latest escapade – dipping her toes into the pixelated universe of video game writing. Join us for a playful discussion on the challenges and joys of crafting interactive narratives that reflect the diverse stories of our world.

Fantastic Fest attracts film aficionados of the weirdest, wildest kind to Austin, TX each fall. I got the chance to sit down with two short filmmakers who were part of the festival to cover a wide range of topics, from using practical effects for horror to starting your career during a double union strike.

Bex Rodriguez and Hannah Zamora are a dynamic documentary duo tackling the wild world of climbing media. Their most recent project Sol to Seoul is currently crowdfunding on Seed & Spark, a fundraising platforms for filmmakers. In this discussion, we learn about how they started, how they found each other and how their work is changing the landscape of the climbing world one lost drone at a time.

The grand finale is upon us!! It's been a wild ride exploring as much of Texas film at break neck speed as possible. In Episode 12 of Hyperreal Film Club presents: Texas Film in Focus, Sam (@sraelopez) closes out the series with creatives suggested by you! Listen to guests Jennifer Bracy, C.Diaz, and Hyperreal co-founder David McMichael speak on their distinctive communities and projects.

Tax incentives or production rebates? Which is it!? What do they really mean and how do we get our hands on that $$$?? In Episode 11 of Hyperreal Film Club presents: Texas Film in Focus, Sam (@sraelopez) demystifies incentives with guests Lindsey Ashley, Kim Le Blanc, Mindy Raymond, and Drew Mayer-Oakes and explores what regional film commissions in Texas bring to the equation.

In Episode 10 of Hyperreal Film Club presents: Texas Film in Focus Sam (@sraelopez) stops and takes a closer peek into the careers and creative processes of guests Ya'ke Smith, Guillermina Zabala, Jay Roff-Garcia, Evelyn from the Internets, and Kelly Williams.

You think we could fit all our women empowerment in just one episode? You must be joking! In Episode 9 of Hyperreal Film Club presents: Texas Film in Focus, Sam (IG: @sraelopez) talks to Gail Cronauer, Stephanie Saint Sanchez, Angie Reza Tures, Iliana Sosa, Chelsea Hernandez, and Laura Kincaid — another round of amazing women on their experiences evolving and breaking through that glass ceiling.  

Who run the world? Y'all know we had to put the spotlight on the badass women in the industry. In Episode 8 of Hyperreal Film Club presents: Texas Film in Focus, Sam (IG: @sraelopez) along with guests Mirasol Enriquez, Gail Cronauer, Giselle De La Rosa, and Cristin Stephens tackle the truth behind what it's like to be a woman in the Texas film industry.

Sam takes a step back and looks at the bigger picture of how to expand our horizon of expectation when talking about film.  In Episode 7 of Hyperreal Film Club presents: Texas Film in Focus, guests Michael Thievoldt, Caroline Frick, Marisa Mirabal, Mirasol Enriquez, and Ya'ke Smith, help probe fresh perspectives on the topics of archival preservation, film criticism, and academia in Texas.

Film broadens our scope of how we view ourselves and those around us. In Episode 6 of Hyperreal Film Club presents: Texas Film in Focus, Sam (IG: @sraelopez) looks at the Texas film scene through the lens of LGBTQ+ in terms of identity, visibility, and access with guests Curran Nault, Kristian Salinas, Stephanie Saint Sanchez, Bears Rebecca Fonte, and Yen Tan.