There are few things that go together better than independent film and the independent spirit of a small Texas town. Which is exactly why we choose to hold the Hill Country Film Festival in Fredericksburg. And, when the film is finished, we couldn’t think of a better town to go out and explore for our filmmakers and patrons. Because here, you’ll find everything from museums to historical sites to shopping, great German food, vineyards and more.
Created to celebrate and showcase filmmakers from Texas and around the world, the festival began in 2010. In 2018, HCFF screened 88 independent films, both short and feature length, as well as hosted filmmaker Q&A/interviews, discussion panels, a filmmaker’s lounge and festival parties.
HCFF welcomes films in the form of features (recommended between 90-120 minutes) and shorts (recommended under 30 minutes), along with documentaries in either form.
Cinema Dulce Award (Best of Fest)*
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Student Film
Best Texas Film*
Best Documentary
Audience Choice Award
*Cash prizes will be given to winners of the festival’s Cinema Dulce - Best of Fest ($1,500) and Best Texas Film ($1,000) awards sponsored by Texas’ premier boutique winery Pedernales Cellars.
Pedernales Cellars has a long-standing commitment of supporting the development of regional arts organizations, especially those with a strong educational mission. Through these awards, Pedernales Cellars looks to extend its support to include excellence in independent filmmaking for the benefit of the Texas Hill country community and beyond.