The Billy Kid Film Festival is a 501(c) 3 non profit organization dedicated to film festival in Hico, Tx the hometown of "Brushy Bill", alias "Billy the Kid". Each entry is entertaining, thought-provoking, inspiring, educational, enjoyable or just flat out fun, based on your passionate tell us a story.

The Billy the Kid Outlaw Film Festival challenges creative filmmakers to take the trail less traveled — to explore the lives of the disenfranchised, the broken, and the outcast. When you think of the outlaw, think of the stories that need to be told. The Billy the Kid Outlaw Film Festival invites filmmakers to submit completed films that answer the question: What does it mean to be an outlaw? And we’re not just talking about a stand-off in the wild west — tell us stories of any character who goes against the grain. Outlaw films explore the theme of being just outside the boundaries; facing challenges and not just the bad guys. We want the good, the bad, and the ugly. The film festival will be film festival showings during November 1-3,2024

The Billy the Kid Outlaw Film Festival accepts full length (longer than 40 mins less the 75 mins), short films (10-39 mins)and short shorts (1-9 mins). The Festival takes place the First Weekend in November in historic Hico, Texas. It is our mission to celebrate film makers from all over the world, while giving our local film makers and residents a place to come together and appreciate the art of making movies. Our Executive Committee is made up of movie critics, film makers, local business owners and educators. Our mission

It is our mission to Hico, Texas, to celebrate film makers from all over the world, while giving our local film makers a place to show case their films and music.

We hope to invite Well Known Honoree Actor or Actress as well as Film industry people conduct Q&A sessions and Writing and Film Workshops will also be held that weekend.

Awards & Prizes

The Billy the Kid Film Festival will award top winners with a one-of-a-kind ballistic or pottery sculpture award by a renowned Pottery Artist Scott Carlson and other awards.
Awards

Ruth Buzzi Award Best Comedy
Ruth Buzzi Award Best Music Video

Barry Corbin Award Best Western Outlaw

Pine Studio Awards Best Western and Student Outlaw each receive a free day of studio time at Pine Moore Studio in Blanco Texas

Hico Hall Music Video Award
Hico Hall Student Music video or Film Award

Best Narrative Feature Film
Best Documentary Feature Film
Best Narrative Short
Best Comedy Short
Viewers Choice Award
Best Local Entry(150 miles) Film
Best Animation
Best Student Short Film
Best Animation
Best Foreign
Best Student Awards
Best Music Awards

Along with other special awards.

Submitters if your film is selected you will receive Two All Access Passes along with Red Carpet and Award Event on Saturday Nov 2,2024

The Films will be reviewed by industry people who have experience and clout in the movie business.

Rules & Terms

Only films completed after Jan.1 2022 will be eligible for awards.

Films must be submitted through Filmfreeway.com all length films are considered, just as long as they are the best you've got. Selected films will be notified by Sept 30,2024.

Submitting your film you agree that we may select it for screening and award considerations the 2023 Billy the Kid Film Festival Nov 1-3,2024 and clips from any film selected may be sampled to help promote the festival.
38 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Blacksmith Rose

    BTKFF knows how to put on an event. They make sure everyone is taken care of and is able to make the most of their time in Hico. a fun and interesting town, welcoming to visitors and offering many unique places to explore.
    The organizers are personable and accommodating, giving their attention and expertise generously to create a successful and enjoyable experience to all.
    We're already looking forward to next year's festival and getting to see the friends we made this year.

    December 2023
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  • Chuti Tiu

    Just WOW! The Billy The Kid Film Festival is the best of what festivals can offer: great networking, talented filmmakers and fun parties. All in a setting where "outlaws," or people who think outside the box, are celebrated. Tequila tasting? Check. Inspiring films? Check. Amazing live music (with the rockin' Jon Young Band) and dancing? Triple check. Local artists, painting live. Absorbing history, seeing prison etchings of the incarcerated over 100 years ago. And of course, passionate filmmakers from all over. Philip, Lucy and their entire team create an outstanding festival experience!

    December 2023
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  • Matt Mckisson

    Thanks for selecting and screening my short comedy film, "Penultimate Exam"! Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend, but I had great communication from the festival, I hope your audiences enjoyed the film! Will definitely try to submit again!

    November 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Matt! Everyone enjoyed your film.
    We hope you can make the festival next year!

  • Cody Tolle

    Billy The Kid Film Festival was an overall fantastic experience. The festival runners did a great job organizing the festival and were great at communicating with nominees up to the festival date. I enjoyed hanging around Hico,, TX and learning more about the town's unique history surrounding Billy The Kid.

    November 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Cody! Everyone enjoyed Money Bag. We look forward to seeing your future projects.
    Thanks again for attending the 2023 Billy the Kid Film Festival.

  • Victor Quinton

    Such an HONOR to have shared the award , “Viewers Choice Award” for this incredible Festival. Lucy and all those responsible for making this event possible should be given their own award as well…”Best Festival in Texas”.
    We look forward to next year!!!

    November 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Victor for the very kind words! We hope you can attend Best of the Fest in Clifton on Nov 19 at 2 pm at the Historic Cliftex Theater.
    If not we will see you next year! Keep up the great work!!