The Hico-based Billy the Kid Film Festival announced the films and events for the 5th edition of the film festival taking place November 3-5. The annual spotlight on outlaw-themed films, as well as Texas-shot and made productions, will be led by Daniel A. Edwards’ documentary about the film festival’s namesake, Billy the Kid: The Silver City Photo, and Oscar Torre’s provocative drama A Summer Night will be the official Closing Night selection
BTKFF kicks things off with Daniel A. Edwards’ documentary about the film festival’s namesake, Billy the Kid: The Silver City Photo. Narrated by Emilio Estevez, with music by Country and Western recording artist Tim Montana, the film unveils what is believed to be a never-before-seen photograph of the legendary outlaw Billy the Kid, discovered in rural Canada, and depicting him in Silver City, NM at a pivotal moment prior to joining the Lincoln County War. The film will be introduced by Barry Corbin.
Oscar Torre’s A Summer Night will serve as the official Closing Night selection on Saturday, November 4. The provocative drama follows an exotic dancer, struggling to stay sober, as she faces the pressure of trying to raise thousands of dollars overnight for her mother’s experimental cancer treatment. Chuti Tiu recently won a Best Actor Award at the Love and Hope Film Festival in Barcelona for her lead performance in the film. Both Oscar Torre and Chuti Tiu will attend and participate in a post-screening Q&A.
Additional film highlights include Sean Cranston’s The Full Moon Fathers about a biker gang who discover one of their members has been killed after a night of partying and must find the culprit before another member is targeted.Brett Bentman’s The Killing of Billy the Kid is the latest film to dramatize sheriff Pat Garrett’s legendary pursuit of Billy the Kid. Steven Mark Shaw’s Goin’ Home follows the build up to a confrontation between a bigoted group of troops on the prairie with revenge-minded Apaches following the unnecessary killing of a young Apache girl.
Highlights among the documentaries include Thaddeus D. Matula’s multiple award-winning Into the Spotlight, a heartfelt story that follows a Dallas-based theatre troupe, composed of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are determined to write, rehearse, and perform their 11th annual original musical during the 2021-22 season. The critically-acclaimed film won Best Documentary at the Deep in the Heart Film Festival, Greenpoint Film Festival, Ignite Film Festival, and DIFF. Carlos Arrieta’s Taking the Fight focuses on Stuart Warren Dansby, a 56-year-old who enters the kickboxing ring for the first time to battle against an opponent 30 years his junior in an against all odds quest for a championship.
In addition to the screening presentations, the Billy the Kid Film Festival’s interactive offerings will include a film festival workshop with local filmmaker consultant Rebecca Smith, a Popcorn and Dublin Soda Party at Green Canoe, High School and College Student Photo Contest, and a live performance by Jon Young Band. BTKFF will also welcome back beloved character actor Barry Corbin as a special guest, as well as Dennis and Amanda Moore from Pine Moore Old West Studio, the famous western and Old West location set and stages which has been utilized by countless films, television shows, commercials, and music videos for scenic backdrops. For the second year, the Moores will present the Pine Moore Award to a winning filmmaker during the Man in Black Tequila and Tamale Awards Party at Hico Hall on Saturday, November 4 followed by the performance of the Jon Young Band. Following the final round of screenings on Sunday, the People’s Choice Awards will be announced.
Festival founders and directors, Philip Vasquez, and Luci DiGiorgio, along with lead film programmer Justina Walford, said, “The expansion of this year’s film lineup coupled with workshops, in-person appearances by special guests, and a live musical performance points to our film festival’s continued growth and ambition to become a must-stop for Texas-based filmmakers and a destination for those around the world to celebrate our brand of outlaw and western filmmaking.”
The 2022 Billy the Kid Film Festival official selections:
OPENING NIGHT PRESENTATION
Billy the Kid: the Silver City Photo
Director: Daniel A. Edwards
Country: United States; Running Time: 40 min
Narrated by actor and director Emilio Estevez, Billy the Kid: The Silver City Photo takes viewers on an enthralling journey into the Wild West, combining riveting storytelling with captivating visuals. Original music for the documentary has been composed by country music sensation Tim Montana, whose authentic and soulful melodies perfectly complement the film’s Western ambiance. Montana’s score adds depth and emotion to the narrative, enhancing the overall impact of the film.
CLOSING NIGHT PRESENTATION
A Summer Night
Director: Oscar Torre
Country: United States; Running Time: 67 min
A Summer Night tells the story of Summer (Chuti Tiu), an exotic dancer and recovering alcoholic who is plunged into a race against time to raise money for her mother’s experimental cancer treatment over the course of one night. Because of the enforced isolation of the pandemic, she must seek out a series of clients virtually in order to dance for them – all while knowing that the clock is ticking. Throughout the night, Summer tries to stay focused on her mission while still dealing with the remnants of her toxic relationship with her boyfriend, the threat of succumbing to the lure of the bottle, and the surprising – and possibly life-saving -moments of humanity, as the night wears on and her deadline approaches.
ADDITIONAL FEATURE PRESENTATIONS
Adapt
Director: Michael Roth
Country: United States; Running Time: 72 min
A group of Special Olympics student athletes and coaches are followed by a documentary team throughout an entire school year.
The Ballad of the Westwind Kid
Director: Micah Gándola
Country: United States; Running Time: 20 min
When wanted outlaw and long-time friend of the local Sheriff rides into town, they try to reconcile their past while concealing his presence from the county Marshal. Based on the original song “The Ballad of the Westwind Kid” by Brumby.
Dead Hand
Director: John Francis McCullagh
Country: United States; Running Time: 91 min
Johnny Mai must team up with Agent Eoghan Flynn to bring down a terrorist on the verge of gaining nuclear power!
The Full Moon Fathers
Director: Sean Cranston
Country: United States; Running Time: 62 min
The year is 1979. On the run from the law, a vicious biker gang, known as The Full Moon Fathers, wakes from a night of partying in the woods to find one of their members murdered. While all fingers point to each other, another more sinister presence moves in.
Goin’ Home
Director: Steven Mark Shaw
Country: United States; Running Time: 90 min
When a small band of Apache’s escape from their reservation to seek revenge for the unnecessary killing of a young Apache girl, the commander of Fort Bowie is forced to send out a detachment of troopers to track them down. Informed the Apache’s had left the area, and believing no hostile activity was present, Colonel Roberts sends out B Troop – an obnoxious, ill-tempered, and bigoted group of men Roberts is desperate to remove from his command. With this one last patrol, Roberts can muster them out or reassign them, not realizing the fate that awaits them. This is a story of duty, honor, respect, comradery, and the unlikely of friendships for men facing overwhelming odds.
Into the Spotlight
Director: Thaddeus D. Matula
Country: United States; Running Time: 99 min
A heartfelt story of how a script, a stage, and a theater program composed of adults with disabilities celebrate their creativity, explore life’s complexities, and empower a community, in their own words and their own way— Into The Spotlight is a documentary feature film that follows a Dallas-based theatre troupe, composed of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are determined to write, rehearse, and perform their 11th annual original musical during the 2021-22 season. A lot of the time documentaries that focus on disabled communities tend to be the experts explaining how these people feel, however in this doc, the film is crafted entirely from the point of view of the individuals giving them a voice. Nothing is editorialized and neither are there any people speaking for or on behalf of them. Only people with disabilities are interviewed and the only people who answer the questions are the people with disabilities themselves.
The Killing of Billy the Kid
Director: Brett Bentman
Country: United States; Running Time: 78 min
Buffalo hunter turned Sheriff Pat Garrett devises a plan to track down and kill the infamous Billy the Kid.
New West
Director: Jordan Mears
Country: United States; Running Time: 40 min
Trigger and Gene were Hollywood legends and the best of friends, but years after a falling out the two must team up once again to fight a villain from their past.
The Oldest Posse
Director: Brett William Mauser
Country: United States; Running Time: 90 min
In the American Old West, a Deputy Marshal puts together a posse of retired lawmen to go after a deadly outlaw. The men must navigate not only the difficult territory at their old age, but also the changing world around them. Shot in the historic Mescal Movie set in Benson, Arizona and throughout Central and South Texas, this western explores the relationships of fathers and sons while also delving into former heroes being forced to admit they are no longer in the world they helped to bring civilization.
Sacred Mask
Director: David F. Mendez
Country: United States; Running Time: 98 min
A young man who comes from a luchador family but has forsaken the family name and mask tries to follow his own dreams only to be brought back into the fold by a dark and mysterious shadow who hurts everyone close to him to get what he wants.
Successful Outlaw
Director: David Luis Leal Cortez
Country: United States; Running Time: 79 min
Successful Outlaw follows the life of biker, builder and master silversmith, Daniel “Pepe” Rochon. During the 70’s Pepe lived and worked at the Mabel Dodge Lujan House when Dennis Hopper was owner and is a rare individual who continues to live the ideals of the counter culture crusaders who arrived and started communes in Northern New Mexico in the 60’s.
Taking the Fight
Director: Carlos Arrieta
Country: United States; Running Time: 75 min
Discover the incredible journey of Stuart Warren Dansby, a 56-year-old who enters the kickboxing ring for the first time to battle against a 26-year-old opponent. Follow his gripping seven-year journey as he faces life-changing injuries and battles men decades younger than him in his quest for a championship.
You Just Can’t See Them From The Road
Directors: Keely Brazil Covello, Michaela Brazil Gillies
Country: United States; Running Time: 49 min
An immigrant family in California’s Central Valley faces the loss of their land and way of life. One of the few remaining ranchers in the Bay Area watches urban sprawl creep in from every direction. Cowboys work in the shadow of the historic Hearst Castle. Wildlife find refuge on privately stewarded rangeland in Southern California. One of the largest Black landowners in the state discovers Native American artifacts on his ranch.
SHORT FILMS AND MUSIC VIDEOS
3:00AM The Graveyard Shift
Director: Armando Ramirez Cardenas
Country: United States; Running Time: 22 min
While everyone else is asleep, the local store clerk deals with the town’s night scum. Like roaches, they also come out to look for midnight snacks.
A Cowboy in the Suburbs
Director: Michael Scott Payton
Country: United States; Running Time: 4 min
Nobody understands the stranger’s pain.
A Dark Destiny (Director’s Cut)
Director: Wendy Pennington
Country: United States; Running Time: 20 min
Despite facing debilitating traumatic events, a veteran police chief in a small West Texas town battles through the challenges of post-traumatic stress for the good of the community.
A Few More Drinks
Director: Luís Valls
Country: Spain; Running Time: 14 min
In the city of Olok-Cow, the town has taken justice into its own hands after the bank robbery by some thieves and the capture of one of them. The Sheriff has organized a patrol of volunteers to capture the rest of the gang and has hired Parche, a famous bounty hunter known for his shooting skills, his lack of scruples and one eye, to help in the hunt. Parche joins the Chief of the volunteers and three other citizens at the camp, but the tension between them is evident and conflicts will soon arise.
Action Figure Theater
Director: Alan Thornburg
Country: United States; Running Time: 28 min
A villain. A theft. A superhero. An unexpected action-comedy.
Ancient Lands, Eternal Souls – My Year in Afghanistan
Director: Peter Ray
Country: United States; Running Time: 28 min
In 2003, Mark Schnur went to Afghanistan for a year as an LTC in the Army Reserves. Twenty years later, this is his story.
Bomb
Director: Michael Scott Payton
Country: United States; Running Time: 12 min
C’est La Vie
Director: Michael Scott Payton
Country: United States; Running Time: 4 min
Two long lost lovers rediscover what a five-dollar shake tastes like.
Creekwater Ranch
Directors: Mike Lividini, Ashton Dodd
Country: United States; Running Time: 9 min
Bounty hunter Briar is searching for a bounty in Western America against his rival Emmett. The path is filled with dangerous twists and obstacles.
Crowe
Director: Alessia Devecchi
Country: United States; Running Time: 10 min
In the twilight years of the untamed, wild west, things are changing… not only in the world, but in the otherwise tight-knit community of the Raynor Gang. After sudden infighting and the death of one of their own, siblings Irving (Bryson Chalk) and Leta Crowe (Nyla Henderson) must come to a decision: stay and live in fear, or abandon everything they know.
Currie
Director: Justin O’Hanley
Country: Canada; Running Time: 10 min
Before Flat Nose George Currie ran with the infamous band of robbers headed by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, he enjoyed a simple childhood by the ocean in Prince Edward Island, Canada. In 1901, his sidekicks – Kid Currie and Josie Bassett – travel to his birthplace without him and share the soon-to-be-forgotten legend of Flat Nose.
Dark Side of the Moon
Director: Lincoln Reed
Country: United States; Running Time: 8 min
A lawman and a prisoner play a deadly game beneath a full moon.
Death by King Cake
Directors: Janssen Swent, David Luck
Country: United States; Running Time: 15 min
Daisy Moreau’s dream is to become an actress and her goal is to get into a Performing Arts School. She must present her family background to the admissions director which may be a challenge – considering Daisy’s family history which includes professional wrestling, blackmail, and a deadly plastic baby.
Dollar
Director: Charlton Thorp
Country: United States; Running Time: 6 min
A grizzled prospector searches for his disobedient horse in the desert.
Dust and Bolts
Director: Jon Fonseca
Country: United States; Running Time: 4 min
In a mechanical desert town, a group of bandits hijack a train carrying precious cargo. A reluctant deputy must seize the train or leave their town without power.
El Chavito
Director: Christa Rivington
Country: Canada; Running Time: 27 min
A young man makes his way in a corrupt territory and when someone is shot and killed, the townsfolk demand answers. Lies have been told, but the truth is in plain sight.
Farewell
Director: Michael Scott Payton
Country: United States; Running Time: 5 min
It’s time to say goodbye.
Five Thousand Six Hundred Ninety Seven Pounds
Director: David Merritt II
Country: United States; Running Time: 16 min
Ricky, a loving husband, and father, is met with an impossible choice as he faces off with a mysterious armed intruder hellbent on the ultimate revenge.
Four Walls – Episode One
Directors: Kgosana Monchusi, Menzi Mzimela, Juvaiś Dunn
Country: South Africa; Running Time: 6 min
Grace Molotsi, a married nurse from the township, feels trapped and at her wits end due to an abusive husband who has made her life a living nightmare. When she finally takes the decision to end his life, her house is invaded by two thugs on the run from a cash-in-transit robbery gone wrong who take her hostage. Will the thugs be able to trust Grace when they discover her tied up unconscious husband in the bedroom?
Gal Manns Skrik: Mad Man’s Scream
Directors: J Matt Wallace, E Brett Voss
Country: United States; Running Time: 15 min
Gal Manns Skrik: Mad Man’s Scream is a uniquely original concept and narrative mashup short based on Edvard Munch’s art “The Scream” while paying homage to classic horror films by re-imagining scenes from The Shining, Night of the Living Dead, Psycho, Rosemary’s Baby, Silence of the Lambs, and Scream. While varying in degrees of shot-for-shot exactness and creative license, our hope is that we captured the spirit and love of these films while adding a unique new twist to them.
Give Her The Reins, She’ll Run
Director: Jason S. Munford
Country: United States; Running Time: 6 min
Coming of age story inspired by Glen Rose cowgirl, Halle Laramore who is featured in the video and found confidence and self-esteem in horses.
The Great Cartoni
Director: Damon Crump
Country: United States; Running Time: 18 min
When a crafty old magician grants an interview to a writer backstage at his final show, his recounting of a dark and fantastical childhood has the ring of pure carnival hokum. But could The Great Cartoni’s time-bending signature illusion really be more than a trick… or is it all just smoke and mirrors?
Hell’s Gold
Director: Kathryn Christensen
Country: United States; Running Time: 9 min
Two robbers attempt to hoodwink a religious, sharp-shooting cowboy who just found the largest gold nugget in the area. Playing on the cowboy’s religious dedication, the robbers decide to approach him as priests in hopes of convincing him to donate his gold to the church.
Help is…On the Way?
Director: Jason A. White
Country: United States; Running Time: 8 min
A cynical patient finds himself at a crossroads with his therapist. The advice she gives may save him but could have far reaching consequences.
Hollywood’s Last Real Cowboy: The Gene McLaughlin Story
Director: Steven Weiss
Country: United States; Running Time: 28 min
The film, Hollywood’s Last Real Cowboy: The Gene McLaughlin Story, features a world trick roping champion who was also an actor and stuntman on TV and in the movies. McLaughlin started performing trick roping on the Boardwalk in New Jersey as a young child and competed in rodeos and performed trick roping well into his late 80’s.
Hood Cream
Director: Denver Williams
Country: United States; Running Time: 20 min
Hood Cream is an offbeat short film which tells the story of a local genre of music and the portals people believe exist around Fort Worth, Texas. It also focuses upon a man’s personal journey, being a squiggly line rather than a straight or circular one.
I was waiting for you
Director: Giovanni Suriano
Country: Italy; Running Time: 20 min
The golden age of the American frontier told from the point of view of fate through four short stories centered on good, bad, and grotesque characters.
I’ve Got Your 6
Director: Bill Foster
Country: United States; Running Time: 19 min
This emotional and inspiring movie was filmed with only US military veterans on camera. When a WWII veteran escapes from the nursing home to go see his farm one last time sets a path no one could have imagined. The deputy who finds the man soon bonds with him as they realize they both served in the Army during war time. When a battle begins over when to bring in the WWII veteran in, other veterans come to protect the WWII veteran.
Justice
Director: Valerie Resciniti
Country: United States; Running Time: 9 min
A bounty hunter, hot on the trail of her latest outlaw, has tracked him to dusty, Epiphany. She believes her exquisite detective skills led her to this one-horse town but like everyone who enters Epiphany, her arrival is no accident. The outlaw in question is also no ordinary outlaw. The hunter has a personal score to settle. If she catches him, she’ll be faced with a decision- take him into custody or kill him where he stands.
The Last Call
Director: Terry Joe Aderholt
Country: United States; Running Time: 5 min
A desperate man on the edge calls 911 while having suicidal thoughts.
Merciless Indian Savage
Director: Noah Christian
Country: United States; Running Time: 4 min
Native American DEA agent Brian Proudkiller has his daughter kidnapped from a Native American Reservation while on assignment there. Knowing the history of US affairs and lack of helping Native families recover their stolen children he fakes his own death and seeks out to find her and bring her home killing every cartel and participant for them in his path.
Milton
Director: Kevin Machate
Country: United States; Running Time: 12 min
The touching, poignant story of an elderly couple on vacation while struggling with their physical limitations and sharing memories of a life fully lived.
Money Bag
Director: Cody L Tolle
Country: United States; Running Time: 5 min
A late-night convenience store robbery from a unique perspective.
Mother of Exiles
Director: Michael Scott Payton
Country: United States; Running Time: 3 min
Outlaw Josie Wayles
Director: Brandon Lee Keropian
Country: United States; Running Time: 13 min
Rainfeather Sullivan looks through a family photo album and narrates the story of how his great grandparents met, bounty hunter Cody Suarez and outlaw Josie Wayles, in 1903 Texas.
Penultimate Exam
Director: Matt McKisson
Country: United States; Running Time: 11 min
On the date of her exam, Frances encounters a series of horrible circumstances that prevent her from completing it. Against all odds, she is determined to pass with flying colors.
Pit Stop
Director: Richard Anderson
Country: United States; Running Time: 10 min
After a difficult kidnapping, two friends stop in the middle of nowhere to refile on gas.
Provide Film
Director: Micheli Leona Oliver
Country: United States; Running Time: 11 min
Micheli Oliver grapples with her relationship to the outdoors, she looks to her family and the ways they love the outdoors for guidance. A film centered on ethical hunting, fishing, and a family’s love for each other and the wild.
Quick Draw
Director: Henry Shaffer
Country: United States; Running Time: 7 min
A cowboy singer, on his way to make his name in the big city, is stuck up by two quickdraw gunslingers.
Richards Faith
Director: Stephan Mckinnie
Country: United States; Running Time: 20 min
When Richard is injured on a solo bike ride in the woods, he must rely on his faith to make it out alive.
The Rider
Director: Justin Stillmaker
Country: United States; Running Time: 17 min
In this cyberpunk world, a hitman known as The Rider roams a decayed and toxic city, avoiding execution by rival gangs. He journeys into the near-forgotten natural world one last time as he faces off against a killer who gave up their name for a number.
The Roping Fools (Trailer)
Director: Will Fitzpatrick
Country: United States; Running Time: 3 min
“What is trick roping”? The Roping Fools documentary offers a view into the rich, and almost underground culture of this western sport.
The Shootist
Director: DK Renée
Country: United States; Running Time: 1 min
A lousy shooter finds his secret sauce.
Shrinking Up The Place
Director: Matt Whitten
Country: United States; Running Time: 3 min
An over-zealous inventor shares his latest creation with friends.
Sin Color feat. Miguel Angel – Cucurrucucu Paloma
Director: Sebastian C. Bagge
Country: United States; Running Time: 6 min
The classic and quintessential Mexican song ‘Cucurrucucu Paloma’, as covered here by artists Sin Color and Miguel Angel, roars to life through a Western Short Film and Music Video hybrid. The story, centered around a rueful play on the song’s lyrics, finds an immigrant couple in an ailing desert town just in the midst of their interrupted wedding. As a ravenous gang closes in on the young lovers, will love triumph, or will the titular dove wail in agonizing loss?
Smoke
Director: Joshua Gallas
Country: United States; Running Time: 15 min
A firefighter returns home after the most difficult shift of his life.
Snap – Archie’s Story
Director: George Stamos
Country: Canada; Running Time: 7 min
In this rare and vulnerable portrait, vivid imagery, humor, movement, and Archie’s narration come together to tell his remarkable story of resilience and unwavering fierceness. Both playful and contemplative SNAP explores the precarious and sometimes punishing world of professional dance as dancers uphold images of strength and a “the show must go on” mentality, despite pain and adversity.
The Sound of the Shell
Director: Kim Jung Min
Country: Korea; Running Time: 18 min
Thirteen-year-old Lee On was left at her grandmother’s house in the countryside after her parents died in an accident. She’s just uncomfortable with her grandmother.
Spindletop: The Beginning
Director: Jason Leal
Country: United States; Running Time: 13 min
A young Pattillo Higgins leads two Union Soldiers on a chase which culminates in a showdown outside of town. Based on the real story of the man responsible for bringing the oil industry to Texas.
Sticky Fingers
Director: Nicolai Joseph
Country: Canada; Running Time: 27 min
Facing debts and violent consequences with a local mob enforcer, two lowlife criminal brothers scheme with their partners to steal an expensive watch. But after their plan is shot to hell, the brothers find a surprise waiting for them in their escape.
Superstar
Directors: Talha Hussaini, Jacob Heimlich
Country: United States; Running Time: 24 min
After a prolonged hiatus from the public eye following a tragic car accident, Frankie, a rising actress, prepares to give her first TV interview while trying to deal with her deteriorating, hallucinogenic psychosis.
That’s Our Time
Director: Alex Backes
Country: United States; Running Time: 10 min
Danny’s stuck in a dead-end job. It keeps him focused on the clock and unable to connect with those around him. At their final session, his sympathetic therapist tries to help him realize that it’s more important to focus on the time you have left than the time you’ve already spent.
They Don’t Make ‘Em Like Willie Anymore
Directors: Blacksmith Rose, Karen Foster
Country: United States; Running Time: 3 min
They Don’t Make ‘Em Like Willie Anymore is a “love letter” of appreciation for Texas singer-songwriter Willie Nelson’s music. At first glance you might think this is a music video, and you would be correct. But it’s also a succinct, multifaceted, video documentary because it’s about Willie’s music, the important role it’s played it people’s lives, and shows how his influence has inspired visual artists throughout Texas who have created works of art that feature his image.
Twenty One at the Belle Saloon
Director: Scott Seagren
Country: United States; Running Time: 17 min
A female cardsharp hell-bent on revenge challenges a dangerous man to a high-stakes game of Blackjack, or “vingt et un” as they used to call it. Intrigued, the man takes her up on the game, thinking it would be an easy win. But he has no idea who he’s up against…
Voice of the Common Man: The Lomax Legacy
Directors: William Godby, E Brett Voss
Country: United States; Running Time: 26 min
Imagine a world with no Blues explosion, no R&B movement, no Beatles, no Stones. It’s hard to measure the total impact John Avery Lomax had on music as we know it today. But there’s no doubt the man who became known as the legendary Ballad Hunter “added the voice of the common man to the written history of America.” Chasing songs, he came to love as a boy, Lomax went on the road to record over 1,200 discs containing some 4,000 songs for the Library of Congress.
Xpendable
Director: Walter Ernest Haussner
Country: United States; Running Time: 30 min
- Two crime organizations. Two people sent in to avert a war. Who will walk away?
You Are My God Thing
Directors: Vic Quinton, Cynthia Garcia
Country: United States; Running Time: 4 min
Faith based song about the love of family.