Round Top Film Festival Bigger, Bolder in Second Year

The Round Top Film Festival (RTFF), returning for its highly anticipated second annual edition from November 6–9, has unveiled its official 2025 film slate.

This year’s lineup showcases a dynamic mix of narrative features, documentary films, shorts, and episodic selections, continuing RTFF’s tradition of bold programming that brings together cinematic excellence with the charm of a uniquely Texan setting. Kicking off the festival is the opening night film Adult Children, a sharp, emotional dramedy starring and produced by native Texan Thomas Sadoski, who will be in attendance to receive the Lone Star Storyteller Award.

Set against the backdrop of Round Top’s iconic venues — including the stunning Festival Hill Concert Hall and historic Round Top Dance Hall — the festival builds on its mission to cultivate a vibrant community of filmmakers and film lovers through intimate, unforgettable experiences.

“Round Top Film Festival isn’t just about movies, it’s about bringing people together through bold expression and the unmistakable charm of our town,” said Shanna Schanen, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Round Top Film Festival. “This year, we’ve curated a selection that honors unique storytellers and immersive experiences, all set against the backdrop of one of Texas’s most vibrant cultural destinations.”

“This year’s program is a reflection of our mission: to bring compelling stories, fearless creators, and fresh perspectives to a place where creativity truly thrives,” said Blair Hunt, Artistic Director of Round Top Film Festival. “From powerful indie features to inspiring documentaries and standout shorts, the 2025 lineup captures the emotional depth, innovation, and storytelling excellence we’re proud to champion.”

• RTFF is proud to welcome five distinguished industry leaders as official jurors for the 2025 festival: Leslie Zemeckis (Director - Behind the Burly Q; Grandes Horizontales), Marc Klein (Screenwriter - Serendipity; Mirror Mirror), Marié Botha (Actress - The Penguin; Slave Play. Not a Movie. A Play), Mariel Hemingway (Actress - Manhattan; On Sacred Ground), and Meryl Poster (Producer Chocolat; Chicago). These jurors will help select this year’s standout films across a range of categories and genres.

• Acclaimed stunt designer Chris O’Hara will be the recipient of its annual Maverick Stunt Award, presented by Variety.

• Newly-added filmmakers and cast members now attending RTFF include Adrianne Palicki (Friday Night Lights), Henry Thomas (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial), and Evan Miller (director) with Due West; John Magaro (The Big Short, Past Lives, Carol) and Cole Webley (director) with Omaha; and Chloe Russell Kent, director of LYNN.

• John Magaro will receive the Spotlight Acting Tribute award, and Academy Awardnominated production designer David Gropman (Life of Pi, The Cider House Rules) is receiving the Artistry in Design Tribute award. Both are new additions to the recognition portion of the festival’s programming.

Also of note, RTFF has added the following titles to its lineup: CLOSING NIGHT FILM: Jay Kelly, Texas Premiere, directed by Noah Bombach SPOTLIGHT FILM: Nouvelle Vague, directed by Richard Linklater NEW DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: Thom Browne: The Man Who Tailors Dreams, Texas Premiere, directed by Reiner Holzemer TEXAS THROWBACK SPOTLIGHT: The Only Thrill, directed by Peter Masterson THE MELODY MAIDS MOVIE, World Premiere; Directorial Debut: Co-producers Kai Jai Conner, Doug Forrest and Michael Cain; a group of the original Melody Maids performers in attendance. Directors: Kai Jai Conner & Doug Forrest – A nostalgic tribute to an all-girl teenage singing troupe from Beaumont who uplifted global military audiences from WWII through the Vietnam War.