The Round Top Film Festival may be small, but it’s big! This is a small film festival that you shouldn’t miss. Let me tell you why.
Don’t miss the best little film festival in Texas
As I stated in my quick review on social media, this is one of the best festivals I’ve experienced in a long time. The festival is incredibly rustic and homely. It’s the little festival that could. Now in its second year, RTFF is thriving and attracting major talent including writers, producers, actors and more!
Not only is the town home to the friendliest people, but it also slightly reminds you of Stars Hollow back in the day Gilmore Girls. From the town square to the cafe, bed and breakfast, dance hall, diner and more, Round Top feels like you’re in a movie or TV show.
Oh, and the Festival Institute? It is one of the most beautiful venues I have ever seen. Founded in 1971 by world-famous concert pianist James Dick, you might think the company has been around since the early 20th century. It’s absolutely stunning – and because it’s not centuries old means it’s both state-of-the-art and aesthetically pleasing.
But back to the festival! As a first-time visitor, not only did I enjoy my time at this event, but I’m already planning my return next year. Wondering why I liked it so much? Read on to find out just some of the highlights of each day.
Highlights from the Round Top Film Festival
Thursday:
- The demonstration of Adult childrenwith Texas native Thomas Sadoski.
- A rocking opening party that you can find out more about Here.
Friday:
- Coffee and a chat with Eric Roberts (brother of Julia Roberts and father of Emma Roberts).
- A panel on the influence of fashion and film, exploring how on-screen looks inspire real-world trends, reflect cultural shifts and evolve with new technologies.
- An evening of Texas honors that honored acclaimed actors, filmmakers and creative artists, featured on-stage conversations with honorees and showcased excerpts from some of their most memorable work.
Saturday:
- Short films that honored legendary Texas ladies, including Houston grande dame Lynn Wyatt and The Melody Maids, an all-girl teenage singing group from Beaumont that traveled to military bases and hospitals around the world from 1942 to 1972.
- A rising star showcase that shines the spotlight on Hollywood’s next generation. Honorees included: Ayden Mayeri, Charlie Rowe, Paulina Chávez, Greg Tarzan Davis and Jacob Lofland.
- Screening of the narrative film Due west. The film centers on a small-town West Texas woman in need of medical care who is forced to break the law. It stars Adrianne Palicki, Henry Thomas, Ciara Bravo, Odette Annable and Austin Nichols, among others.
- RTFF ’54, the awards after-party that celebrated film, fashion and disco!
Sunday:
- Screenings of Richard Linklater’s film Nouvelle Vague and Honey Joon starring “Rising Star”.
Ayden Mayeri. - A special Texas Throwback screening by The only thrillDedicated to the famous Diane Keaton.
- The final film Jay Kelly with George Clooney, Adam Sandler and rising star Charlie Rowe.
And those are just the highlights! Trust me, this is a festival you absolutely have to attend! Tickets for 2026 are not on sale yet, but once they become available, you can count on us to spill the tea! Stay tuned…
