Celebrating its 6th edition of the festival, the Hico, Texas-based outlaw-themed Billy the Kid Film Festival (BTKFF) unveiled the film lineup and events for this year’s festival taking place November 1-3, 2024. The festival is set to open with Chris Hanna’s dramatic redemption tale On the Edge of Freedom and to close with Jason Vandygriff’s thriller Blood Dried Hands. The festival will also honor celebrated Western character actor Wally Welch (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Magnificent Seven, Javelina Run) with the BTKFF lifetime achievement honor.
The 6th edition of BTKFF includes 50 films (12 feature-length, 38 short films, and music videos) that have outlaw and/or western themes, with the film festival’s annual focus on celebrating the work of local and Texas-based filmmakers.
Once again, the Billy the Kid Film Festival will offer a free-to-the-public Opening Night screening under the stars in Green Canoe’s Beer Garden (108 Elm Street), a film festival workshop with filmmaker consultant Rebecca Smith, live music by Blacksmith Rose, an appearance by Kent Perkins, to present the film festival’s Ruth Buzzi Comedy Award, as well as the return of Dennis and Amanda Moore from Pine Moore Old West Studio to present BTKFF’s annual Pine Moore Award, in honor of 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.
Festival founder Luci DiGiorgio, said, “In our sixth year, the Billy the Kid Film Festival has really hit its stride in terms of the entertaining films we offer, many of which highlight our up-and-coming Texas-based filmmaking talent. It’s also wonderful to have this year’s lifetime achievement honoree, Wally Welch, here alongside returning BTKFF alumni and ambassadors like Barry Corbin, Kent Perkins, and Rebecca Smith to add to the mix of our filmmakers and film fans here in Hico.”
BTKFF kicks things off on Friday night, November 1 with Chris Hanna’s drama On the Edge of Freedom about a man who takes a deal to forgo jail time in favor of a rehab center stint designed to help people find their way back via total immersion in the cowboy way of life. The film will be preceded by an encore screening of Lisa Belcher’s past BTKFF award-winner Javelina Run. The crowd-pleasing western comedy about fake fugitive train robbers also stars honoree Wally Welch. Filmmakers from both films, Hanna, and Belcher, will be on hand for a Q&A following the screenings
Jason Vandygriff’s Blood Dried Hands will serve as a special late-night Closing selection on Saturday, November 3. The cat and mouse thriller pits a reluctant serial killer fighting his lethal instincts while being pursued by a small-town detective dealing with her own trauma as she works to stop his killing spree. Vandygriff will attend and participate in a post-screening Q&A.
Additional narrative highlights include Johnathan Paul and Josh Gilbert’s Harsh Treatment about a pair of outlaws who’ve run afoul of a dangerous tracker who’ll stop at nothing to catch them and retrieve a priceless artifact they have no idea is in their possession. Vic Quinton and Cynthia Garcia’s Kielia is a time travel yarn in which the title character journeys back in time to Austin, Texas to discover the true meaning of love. Brett William Mauser’s Lady Outlaw is a survival tale focusing on three outlaws attempting to stay one step ahead of he law and bounty hunters and they trek from Arizona to Oklahoma.
Additional highlights among the documentaries include Ravit Markus and Dan Katzir’s international award-winning American Pot Story: Oaksterdam about a small group of concerned committed citizens who made cannibis history at Oaksterdam University in Oakland , California. Will Fitzpatrick’s The Roping Fools looks at the captivating history of the western art of Trick Roping as it evolves from the Mexican Vaqueros to the dazzling arenas of American Rodeos.
6th Billy the Kid Film Festival lineup:
OPENING SELECTION
On the Edge of Freedom
Director: Chris Hanna
Country: United States; Running Time: 61 minutes
After being arrested on a night of partying, Kai Green is presented with an opportunity to forgo jail time in favor of rehabilitation at a facility in Texas – he begrudgingly takes the deal. At this unique ranch rehabilitation center designed to help people reconnect with nature through total immersion in the cowboy way of life, Kai meets an enigmatic ranch hand who with a firm hand teaches Kai valuable lessons to bring him closer to God.
Preceded by
Javelina Run
Director: Lisa Belcher
Country: United States; Running Time: 23 minutes
Two idiot ranch hands pretend to be fugitive train robbers to get attention from the ladies at an old west saloon.
CLOSING SELECTION
Blood Dried Hands
Director: Jason Vandygriff
Country: United States; Running Time: 116 minutes
A reluctant serial killer grapples with his base desires and longs for his own death, as a small town Detective closes in on his trail to stop the killing spree in time, while dealing with her own trauma
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
American Pot Story: Oaksterdam
Directors: Ravit Markus, Dan Katzir
Country: United States; Running Time: 95 minutes
American Pot Story: Oaksterdam is a documentary about how change transpires in America. The account of “a small group of concerned committed citizens” (to quote Margaret Mead) who took a huge risk in order to bring about a massive shift in public perception. It all happened at Oaksterdam University in Oakland , California – a magical place where cannabis history was made, falling right in place with Oakland’s rich history of civil resistance.
City Of Hate: Dallas And The Assassination, 60 Years Later
Director: Quin Mathews
Country: United States; Running Time: 50 minutes
City of Hate reveals what Dallas was like 60 years ago when President Kennedy was about to visit the city, told by people who lived there, including the filmmaker, who saw Kennedy just before the assassination, a documentary sixty years in the making.
Harsh Treatment
Directors: Johnathan Paul, Josh Gilbert
Country: United States; Running Time: 111 minutes
When a pair of failed outlaws botch a big score, they have to settle for a much smaller one instead – putting them in the crosshairs of a dangerous tracker who’ll do just about anything to recover the priceless treasure they don’t realize they’ve stolen.
Kielia
Directors: Vic Quinton, Cynthia Garcia
Country: United States; Running Time: 45 minutes
A love story 10,000 years in the making. A time traveler (Kielia) goes back in time to Austin, Texas to discover the true meaning of a word that was forbidden and removed from all data sources for thousands of years…love.
Lady Outlaw
Director: Brett William Mauser
Country: United States; Running Time: 110 minutes
Based on the true story of Rose Dunn, Lady Outlaw is a survival tale as three outlaws attempt to make it from Arizona to Ingalls, Oklahoma while hunted by the law and bounty hunters.
Lucky 7 Angus: An Art of a Cowboy Story
Director: Chris Hanna
Country: United States; Running Time: 61 minutes
Cowboy artist Steve Boaldin (The Art of a Cowboy Series) features the Lucky 7 Angus Ranch in Boulder, WY, an innovative ranch that focuses on feed efficiency and heartiness with their unique cattle breed, the DaVinci Cattle. Episode 1 takes us through the community of Boulder and Pinedale, WY with the Pinedale Rendezvous and shows how the community is an integral part to the Jensen family success.
The Roping Fools
Director: Will Fitzpatrick
Country: United States; Running Time: 87 minutes
In The Roping Fools, we journey through the captivating history of the western art of Trick Roping as it evolves from the Mexican Vaqueros to the dazzling arenas of American Rodeos. This documentary unveils a story of resilience, entertainment, and the enduring legacy of an underground culture. The film explores the unique characters who made their names in the spotlight, early figures like Will Rogers and Montie Montana, and more modern figures like legendary Charro, Tomas Garcilazo (Winner of Go Big Show) and Wild West Performer Loop Rawlins (AGT, Kingsman The Golden Circle).
Showdown On The Brazos
Director: Bill Foster
Country: United States; Running Time: 90 minutes
Two Texas Rangers go after Nate Jones and his gang, partially out of duty, partially out of revenge for killing Captain Ryan’s family.
Texas Music Revolution
Director: Troy Paff
Country: United States; Running Time: 103 minutes
The covid pandemic of 2020-21 was perhaps the greatest disruption to American society and pop culture in this country’s history. This documentary follows Joshua Jones, general manager of Dallas-based indie Americana radio station KHYI-FM, as he struggles to produce the silver anniversary of a beloved roots music festival in the wake of that pandemic. Against a backdrop of stories and performances by Texas music artists Ray Wylie Hubbard, Charley Crockett, Joshua Ray Walker, The Derailers, and Kiefer Sutherland, Joshua’s heroic journey mirrors the themes that express the genre of Texas Country Music itself: Dedication, heartbreak, faith, and redemption.
The One That Got Away
Director: Pablo Federico Schmitt
Country: United States; Running Time: 68 minutes
The town’s richest man is missing, and P.I. John DeWitt has been hired to find him. But as the clues unravel, finding him might prove to be deadly.
SHORT FILMS / MUSIC VIDEOS
A Second Chance
Director: The Fox
Country: United States; Running Time: 5 minutes
Will wakes to find himself in another realm. Awaiting judgment, he must find redemption or face losing his life forever.
Alisher’s Gift
Director: J Matt Wallace
Country: Kyrgyzstan; Running Time: 16 minutes
An Uzbek and Kyrgyz blended family learns there are more than ethnic issues behind their historic misfortune. The recent death of their uncle Alisher prompts the delivery of gifts to a nephew and niece who learn important truths about both their recent and ancient past.
Ambush at St. Mary’s
Director: Anthony Parisi
Country: United States; Running Time: 15 minutes
Two outlaws disguise themselves as priests for a robbery at a desert chapel, but their plan is disrupted when Hannah, a parishioner, comes by looking for help.
The Ballad of Sheriff Kid McLain
Director: Gui Pereira
Country: United States; Running Time: 9 minutes
In the rugged town of Ferro Grande, nestled deep within the Wild West, a legend is born in the form of Sheriff Kid McLain. This family-friendly short film takes you on a thrilling journey to a time when courage and justice were the only currency that mattered. Sheriff Kid McLain, a young and determined lawman with a heart as big as the prairie sky, finds himself facing the notorious outlaw, Dirt Man Duke, and his unruly Lightning Gang. The gang terrorizes the peaceful town of Ferro Grande, leaving a trail of chaos in their wake.
The Ballad of Skipjack & Atticus
Director: Dani De Guzman
Country: Canada; Running Time: 7 minutes
Nothing ever happens in the desert town of Meekspring, until Skipjack, a smooth talking con cat, and his protégé Atticus roll into town. But before they can get away with pulling off the heist, bounty hunter Barkley steps into the fray. Will they live to steal another day or will this be the end of their conniving career?
Billy The Kid Pilot Episode
Director: Michele Zempieri
Country: United States; Running Time: 19 minutes
Billy The Kid is a CGI 3D short series. Billy is a cowherd. After the kidnapping of his wife, he leaves for the “Red Lands” in search of two killers: The “Storm brothers”. During the trip he will be helped by a native American named “Hawken Eye” and a corrupt Sheriff. Will Billy get revenge for his wife?
Bisected
Director: Danny Pineros
Country: United States; Running Time: 8 minutes
A couple witnesses a paranormal event that separates them into two distinct dimensions.
Black and Amber
Director: Nina Shakes
Country: United States; Running Time: 10 minutes
In 1894, after Canada invades the Pacific Northwest, a bounty hunter sets out to seek revenge.
Blyth
Director: Tom Dream
Country: United Kingdom; Running Time: 5 minutes
This short film music video hybrid is an exploration of the witch burnings and the dancing plagues of the 16th Century which swept across Europe like wildfire. The film itself wanted to explore a surrealist take on these topics, as well as creating a realm for viewers to dive into, as it is færy’s debut single. Liana Cornell and Tom Dream came together to explore this world, weaving magic throughout the film’s experience, coupled with the healing frequencies of the music itself, as well as mysterious symbolism linking back to real pagan practices performed by Liana’s matriarchal ancestors.
The Castle of Baron Finch
Director: Don Cunningham
Country: United States; Running Time: 22 minutes
English physician Dr. Cushing comes to Germany on the trail of the sadistic vampire that captured his wife. Can he save his spouse’s soul or will she be another victim to Baron Finch?
The Curmudgeon Factory
Director: Joshua M Thomas
Country: United States; Running Time: 17 minutes
An old-timer asks himself if he has anything left to give. He finds the answer…in The Curmudgeon Factory.
Cycles
Director: Will Darbyshire
Country: United States; Running Time: 15 minutes
When a dinner with the new neighbours goes awry, an antisocial and severely codependent couple reignite the spark in their relationship by covering their tracks.
Darkes Forest Blues
Director: Emma Johnston
Country: Australia; Running Time: 10 minutes
Mrs Ratchett, the Sheriff of a small town, fears for her life after investigating a murder case. She calls upon the Bounty Hunter, Miss Poirot, for help.
The Deep Rolling: Magma
Director: Robin Scovill
Country: United States; Running Time: 10 minutes
When an explosive Detroit jazz sextet begins rehearsing in a desolate industrial lounge, their music awakens iconic producer Warren Defever from a transcendental hibernation and, guided by unseen forces, he drives his classic Ford to where they are playing, and utilizing vintage gear and old school recording techniques, captures and inspires—live on tape—the band’s virtuoso, unrivaled performance.
Don’t Bet the Horse you Rode in On
Director: Cole Brakebill
Country: United States; Running Time: 8 minutes
Solitude is dangerous. Morris Bellinger is traveling alone, and on foot after losing his horse in a poker hand. He’s heading to Oneida, the center of the Texas Panhandle to participate in the cattle boom. In between walking he stops to read letters his Uncle wrote him.
The Drowning Pool
Director: Enrique Novials
Country: Spain; Running Time: 13 minutes
Ariadna, a former police officer, is now a detective shocked by the recent death of her mother due to Covid. In the midst of this, she must find a child who has been kidnapped after school.
Every Heart Breaks The Same
Director: Michael Scott Payton
Country: United States; Running Time: 5 minutes
“You watch it fall away!”
False and Baseless
Director: Robert Cantu
Country: United States; Running Time: 12 minutes
A college student is a victim of rape and during her statement to the police detective, the victim’s statement goes from empathy to confrontational.
The Fork
Director: Jay Haru Potaraju
Country: United States; Running Time: 15 minutes
Divorced Dad, Rockwall, wants to reconnect with his son, Jimmy. Can a game of Chess unite them?
Gone Fishin’
Directors: Jason Mattingly, David Neal Butterfield
Country: United States; Running Time: 4 minutes
A short western comedy of a man who shows up at a saloon to look for some whiskey and a hot woman.
Grace – My Heart’s Desire
Director: Jan Francine Sustaita
Country: United States; Running Time: 5 minutes
Melodic inspiration beckoning the spirit into a moment of repose. Soulful lyrics that remind us of the essence of experiences, deeply rooted in each one’s life. The video seeks to resonate with a broader audience, encouraging them to recognize and cherish the grace they encounter in their own lives. Original song written by Scott Grace and Will Kimbrough.
Guiding Light
Director: India Anne Mitchell
Country: United States; Running Time: 5 minutes
Through the compelling interviews of the lead prosecutor, the defense attorney and the police chief, Guiding Light tells the story of a young teen (Polly Hannah Klaas) in a small town in America who was kidnapped from her bedroom during a slumber party while her family was in the house.
Introvert Club
Director: Vered Rodriguez
Country: United States; Running Time: 13 minutes
A shy writer tries to navigate the social nightmare of a film festival while deciding whether she wants to pursue a career in film.
The Key to Restoration
Director: Mackenzie Cunningham
Country: United States; Running Time: 4 minutes
A girl decides to take a shortcut late at night and is faced with a terrifying but mysterious being.
The Last Cowboy In Salford
Director: Jakob Lancaster
Country: United Kingdom; Running Time: 15 minutes
A darkly comic neo-Western set in Manchester, England. Jonny Richman is a seventeen year old Jew. He is also a cowboy, much to his parent’s frustration. Jonny Richman is a teenager who appears to be living his life as a modern day cowboy. When he should be at Jewish Sunday school, he’s out on his horse patrolling the streets. When he should be in for Friday night dinner, he’s sleeping out under the stars in his back garden. Why? What planet is he living on? Certainly not planet Manchester, with its rain and grey buildings.
The Last Posse
Director: Matt Poitras
Country: United States; Running Time: 37 minutes
Set in Texas in 1903, this historical fiction takes place at the end the Old West era. US Marshal Townson is tasked to form a Posse and bring in an infamous gang of outlaws. An experienced lawman, Sheriff Codwell leads the Posse to apprehend the McCarron Gang. Cousins Mick and Ned McCarron on their way to find the founder of the gang, Cillian, to inform him of the death of his nephew. Mexican Bandidos show up and all hell breaks loose. The Posse is now outnumbered and is forced into a shootout.
Legend of the Cornpone Kid
Director: Charlie Walden
Country: United States; Running Time: 17 minutes
Rural Texas, 1914: a five-year-old boy and his father find themselves transformed forever by the winds of historical destiny. Based on the life of Lyndon B. Johnson (US President 1963-1969).
The Lily & The Scorpion
Director: Charlie Netto
Country: Canada; Running Time: 14 minutes
Infamous outlaws The Lily and The Scorpion are on the run after a bank job gone wrong, but as day turns into night, the partners’ trust in each other begins to fray.
Lithium
Director: Smitch Sifuentes
Country: United States; Running Time: 6 minutes
You don’t get better until you accept the process.
Nobody’s Perfect
Director: Joshua Collins
Country: United States; Running Time: 9 minutes
Two best friends become amateur hitmen in order to make ends meet, but they soon realize they are in over their heads.
Not the Same Clarence
Director: Brian Russell, Samuel B Russell
Country: United States; Running Time: 15 minutes
A man must come to terms with his fathers Alzheimer’s disease.
Rockgut Whiskey
Director: Trevor Rock
Country: United States; Running Time: 2 minutes
A chicken thief is attempting to escape from the town.
The Satchel
Director: Joseph Stevens
Country: United States; Running Time: 15 minutes
Riding aboard a steam locomotive in the heart of the Wild West, a mysterious traveler enlists the help of a seasoned outlaw to retrieve his stolen satchel, which contains a deadly secret.
SilverSizzle
Director: Brian Russell
Country: United States; Running Time: 14 minutes
A cemetery caretaker embarks on a quest to help two recent widowers find new love among widows visiting their departed spouses. Widower Buddy has some experience being alone when he meets Jamie while visiting the graveside of his recently departed wife. Engulfed in loneliness, Jamie gets pulled into life in all its messiness when Buddy tells him about getting old, “the options are not kind. Loneliness, irrelevance, invisibility.”
Titty Boy
Director: Austin Ford Franklin Culp
Country: United States; Running Time: 14 minutes
Titty Boy tells the story of a teenage boy with gynecomastia (aka “man boobs”) who attempts to change his body by taking matters into his own hands.
Top Secret Jazz
Directors: Tommy Simms, Joe Ludwig
Country: United States; Running Time: 7 minutes
A lone stranger rides into a weathered settlement and tussles with the locals. After a lethal encounter, the gunslinger is transported to a mysterious lounge, where he learns secrets of a trade he never imagined.
Toska
Director: Alessia Devecchi
Country: United States; Running Time: 12 minutes
A hunter’s obsession with the creature that has eluded her leads her down a dangerous and lonely path.
Yesteryear Once More
Director: George Meyers
Country: United States; Running Time: 21 minutes
Episode #4 in the “Robo Hills” Time Travel/Old West/Sci-Fi series.
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