Texas Water Foundation Hosts 10th Annual Water, Texas Film Festival

Texas Water Foundation (TWF) hosted its annual Water, Texas Film Festival on April 1, marking a decade of encouraging Texans to tell stories about Texas and water through film. Nearly 150 guests purchased their tickets to Austin Film Society’s (AFS) Cinema for exclusive screenings of projects from established studios to independent filmmakers. 

Four different contest categories—Under 18, Films about a Water Organization, Narrative/Art, and Documentary—allowed a diverse set of filmmakers to participate. From each category, three finalists were chosen and screened at the event. Winners received $1,000 to be used towards film expenses of their next project, with a special sponsored prize for the Under 18 winner. 

See the list of winners below, selected by TWF Board Member and AFS Founder Richard Linklater. 

Marking its 10-year anniversary, TWF offered unique door prizes and a featured, water-inspired cocktail sponsored by Tito’s. Door prizes included Patagonia gear, a handcrafted art piece by Ed Esclovon from the Beaumont Art League, a pair of handcrafted Chisos cowboy boots, and two tickets to see Khruangbin at the Moody Amphitheater. 

Development and Communications Associate Marissa Rodriguez oversaw the event’s production, curating submissions and sponsors. 

“This event is one of our only chances to delve into the arts,” said Rodriguez. “As an organization that often works with legislators and the water workforce, this gives us the opportunity to carve out focus for the stories of the everyday Texan. To incorporate these films about communities, about people directly affected by water issues,  helps bring everything full circle.” 

As part of the annual Film Festival, TWF previews a feature-length, water-themed documentary and hosts a panel discussion. Past screenings have included Ben Masters’ Deep in the Heart of Texas, and Jay and Chrissy Kleberg’s Chasing the Tide. 

Before screening this year’s festival contestant films, TWF provided a sneak-peek preview of the forthcoming feature documentary, The Neches River: Wild Heart of East Texas (working title). The film explores the entire length of the Neches River in East Texas, telling the stories of the communities, wildlife, and history of its 416-mile track. 

Following the preview, Producer Ellen Temple took the stage with her production team to participate in a panel moderated by TWF CEO Sarah Schlessinger. 

“Everybody we wanted to talk to [for the film] said yes,” said Temple. “I think that’s really an endorsement for what we’re trying to do with this film. It’s not only a treasure of East Texas but of the nation. It’s worth all of our efforts to give it its best life.” 

Temple’s team includes Cinematographer Curtis Craven, Editor Ron Kabele, and Writer Thad Sitton. They continue working on the film today. 

The Water, Texas Film Festival was created 10 years ago as a grassroots effort by TWF Founder Carole Baker and volunteers. It celebrates the art of storytelling as a way to value water in Texas. Temple’s film—and those of all the finalists—embody the spirit of this mission. TWF believes in storytelling, whether as documentaries or art, as a powerful way to shift the narrative, and as a critical part of how Texans will shape their water future.

All selected finalists and winners are available for viewing on TWF’s YouTube channel, as well as www.watertexasfilms.org. 

TWF thanks all guests, contestants, and sponsors for helping create another impactful year of Water, Texas Film Festival. 

James Loss