El Paso Film Festival 2023

Join us for a lively panel discussion as we explore the exciting confluence of video games, graphic novels, and indie film. We'll explore the creative overlaps, unique storytelling techniques, and the impact of these mediums on popular culture. Get ready to geek out with our diverse panel of experts!

Panelists: Xalavier Nelson Jr. (Strange Scaffold), Dr. E.C.-Dukes (DUKEScomics), Kerry Valderrama (Alamo City Studios)

This free community event is organized by the El Paso Film & Creative Industries Commission at Visit El Paso, and is supported by the El Paso Film Festival.

Discover the dynamic world of "Film Production in Texas" with a special panel featuring industry veterans Elizabeth Avellan, a renowned producer with a profound impact on Texas filmmaking and owner of Troublemaker Studios, and Lance Larson, an accomplished director and editor who recently debuted his first feature film at SXSW 2023.

Panelists: Elizabeth Avellan, Lance Larson, Bob Bastarache

This free community event is organized by the El Paso Film & Creative Industries Commission at Visit El Paso, and is supported by the El Paso Film Festival.

Join the conversation around Chicano Cinema, led by Abe Rodriguez of Chicano Hollywood. Discover the origins of Chicano filmmaking and its profound influence on Latino filmmakers today. Explore how this movement has both inspired and challenged the industry, shaping a new narrative for the Latino community.

Panelists: Abe Rodriguez & Billy Townes

This free community event is organized by the El Paso Film & Creative Industries Commission at Visit El Paso, and is supported by the El Paso Film Festival.

Join us for an inspiring panel discussion as successful short filmmakers share their strategies for creating impactful independent films. Discover how short films can serve as a powerful learning tool for aspiring filmmakers, provide exposure at prestigious festivals, and act as a compelling calling card for your own filmmaking journey. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and learn from the best!

Panelists: Valeria Contreras, Ryan Rox, Jeni Robins

This free community event is organized by the El Paso Film & Creative Industries Commission at Visit El Paso, and is supported by the El Paso Film Festival.

SYNOPSIS At 37, Brian Wallach was diagnosed with ALS—on the same day he and his wife Sandra brought their second daughter home from the hospital. In an instant, everything changed. They went from being a couple only a few years removed from both working at the White House to not knowing if Brian would live to see his 40th birthday.

1. Blue Blue Blue Blue Blue Blue Blue
2. KINGDOME
3. On Taphonomy
4. Rubio
5. The Announcer

1. Earthling
2. La Cosecha
3. Raising the Floor
4. The Dads
5. The Southern Front

Join us on an illuminating journey into the heart of documentary filmmaking, where truth comes to life through the lens, revealing untold stories and unearthing profound human experiences Documentary filmmakers Heather Courtney, Ximena Alvarez, and Chelsea Hernandez will discuss their filmmaking journey in the world of non-fiction and how it has defined their careers. 

Panelists: Chelsea Hernandez, Ximena Alvarez, Heather Courtney

This free community event is organized by the El Paso Film & Creative Industries Commission at Visit El Paso, and is supported by the El Paso Film Festival.

With this panel we'll dive into the chaos of navigating the studio system, the rollercoaster ride of the festival circuit, and the wild world of streaming platforms. Our expert filmmakers will spill the beans on their experiences with reputable (and not-so-reputable) distributors, and whether they managed to make a dime or two.

Panelists: Lucky McKee, Tyler Russel, Dakota Thomas, Andrew Jara

This free community event is organized by the El Paso Film & Creative Industries Commission at Visit El Paso, and is supported by the El Paso Film Festival.

Description: Join experienced cinematographers for a captivating panel discussion on the evolution of cinematography. Discover the power of digital versus analog formats and explore how embracing new technologies can bring your filmmaking vision to life on the big screen. Get inspired by industry experts as they share insights and experiences in this exciting session

Panelists: Rebeca Durán & Abe Martinez

This free community event is organized by the El Paso Film & Creative Industries Commission at Visit El Paso, and is supported by the El Paso Film Festival.

1. You, Us, & I
2. Brenda
3. Shipping Them
4. Liz & Karla
5. A Brief Silence
6. The Film Cafe
7. Nova
8. Grace
9. Healing Garden

SYNOPSIS As Donald Trump was getting sworn in as President and the Women’s March set an angry, outspoken tone for the country’s discourse, journalist Emily Ramshaw decided to meet the moment by launching The 19th. Named after the Nineteenth Amendment, The 19th became the first nonprofit, nonpartisan news agency in the United States.

Together, Alone Supermarket Affairs You Left Me Alone  The Student Film Seams The Mosquito Effect Maria

SYNOPSIS In Texas, on the Mexican border, best friends Silvia and Beba dance through long summer nights. Stuck in the immigration process in a politically divided America, home seems fragile. But their bond is not. The half-light is a space for poetry and dreams.