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 films are finished, we couldn’t think of a better town to explore for our filmmakers and patrons. Because here, you’ll find everything from museums and historical sites to shopping, outdoor adventures, great German food, over 50 wineries and more.

Created to celebrate and showcase filmmakers from Texas and around the world, the festival began in 2010. In addition to screening independent films, both short and feature length, HCFF hosts 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.

Awards & Prizes

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.

Rules & Terms

1. We encourage the submission of films in the form of feature-length (recommended 90-120 minutes), short-length films (recommended under 30 minutes). International films are also welcome but must be either be in English or have English subtitles.

2. Films must be available for screening during the festival, June 2 - 5, 2022.

3. By submitting a film to HCFF, you grant the Hill Country Film Festival permission to screen your film, if said film is officially accepted into this year's lineup.

4. By submitting a film to HCFF, you agree to allow highlights or excerpts of your film (e.g. a trailer) to be placed on the HCFF website and used for other marketing and promotional purposes. You also agree to allow HCFF to promote the following year's festival with the above excerpts, highlights and/or trailers. HCFF will never solicit or screen your film outside the promotion of the HCFF.

5. You may submit as many entries as you like. Each entry requires its own entry fee.

6. The only acceptable way to submit your film is via FilmFreeway, as an online screener (Vimeo password protected link is recommended).

7. The selected works will be exhibited on Blu-ray & DCP.

8. In accordance with the HCFF policy, the entry fee is non-refundable. You will not be allowed to enter your work unless you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the HCFF.

9. Filmmaker must have obtained all clearances for exhibition and must certify that the work is original and no disputes regarding ownership exist on the film.

10. All entries must be submitted through FilmFreeway by March 25, 2022.

11. Notification of selections will be by April 25, 2022. Only then will the film be considered for awards. Please understand that acceptance in the festival will in no way guarantee that you, your actors or crew will be offered paid transportation or lodging for the event. We do promise a good time, however.

52 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Eric Jungmann

    Hill Country Film Festival is such a great fest - and it takes place in one of my favorite little cities in Texas, the charming little German town of Fredericksburg. Thrilled to have been included with my sci-fi thriller, "BODY OF THE MINED".

    November 2021
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  • Kelli Horan

    This was an amazing experience. They provided so many opportunities to connect not only with other filmmakers but audiences. Great programming and wonderful people!

    September 2021
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  • Lincoln Edwards

    Great staff, very responsive. We weren't able to make it due to covid, but had a very good experience communicating back and forth with the team. Can't wait to actually attend next year.

    August 2021
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  • RJ Nevens, Jr.

    I have always wanted to be a part of the HCFF and we finally got our chance with our short film Walking Point. The Fredericksburg based in-person festival was a great, well ran event. The staff was very helpful and the communication was speedy and helpful. We saw so many good films and met so many good people. Cheers!

    August 2021
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  • Ryan McDonough

    I absolutely love this festival. Chad, Amy, Matt and so many more make this one of the best experiences an indie filmmaker can have. Wonderful films, always festive gatherings, and so much love for the filmmakers and their films. Such an honor to be a part of it with the feature version of Last Night in Rozzie - four years after having our world premiere at Hill Country for the short.

    August 2021
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