It Came From Texas Film Festival: Classic Films and True Tales

So excited to announce
The Third Annual It Came From Texas Film Festival 🙂

For fans that can make it to Garland Texas next week, get ready for a true big-screen treat! The Third Annual It Came From Texas Film Festival is taking center stage at the historic Plaza Theatre in Downtown Garland from September 12–14, 2025, and this year’s lineup is more ‘Texas’ than ever.

Proudly sponsored by the City of Garland and Garland Cultural Arts, the festival celebrates True Texas Tales showcasing films made in the Lone Star State — plus special guests, experts, and even some comedy to keep things lively.

What’s Playing

This year’s schedule brings together classic films, documentaries, and cult favorites — all with Texas ties:

• Bonnie and Clyde (1967) — Friday night kicks off with Arthur Penn’s classic. Includes a discussion with Bonnie Parker’s niece Rhea Leen Linder, Clyde Barrow’s nephew Buddy Barrow, and former FBI Analyst and Bonnie and Clyde expert Farris Rookstool III.
• Secret Screening with Mocky Horror Picture Show — A Friday night surprise Larry Buchanan film with Live Comedy Riffing by Mocky Horror Picture Show.
• Bernie (2011) — Saturday opens with Richard Linklater’s dark comedy, starring Jack Black and Shirley MacLaine. Includes a conversation with Skip Hollandsworth, the Texas Monthly journalist whose article inspired the film, and actor Larry Jack Dotson.
• JFK: Breaking the News (2003) — A fascinating documentary about how Dallas reporters covered the Kennedy assassination, introduced by Stephen Fagin from The Sixth Floor Museum. Panelists include Dr. Sean Griffin (SMU film historian) and Farris Rookstool III (also a JFK assassination expert).
• The Great Debaters (2007) + The Real Great Debaters (2008) — A Saturday night double-feature – Denzel Washington’s stirring drama paired with the inspiring true documentary. Includes a discussion with filmmaker Brad Osborne and Wiley University coach Ernest Mack.
• The Alamo (1960) — Sunday brings out the big guns with John Wayne’s sweeping epic. Includes a discussion with Wayne’s granddaughter Anita La Cava Swift and historian/author Jack Edmondson.
• Viva Max! (1969) — Closing night gets a comedic twist with this zany satire starring Peter Ustinov and Jonathan Winters — proof that Texans know how to laugh at their own legends. 🙂

Guest Stars & Experts

Festival director Kelly Kitchens has once again gathered authors, historians, and even family members of legendary figures to help put these films in context. And film historian, Gordon K. Smith, returns to add his encyclopedic knowledge (and personal memories from working on 2004’s The Alamo) to the mix.

Tickets & Festival Perks

• All-Access Festival Pass: $75 (limited availability)
  • Early admission
  • Commemorative poster
  • Discounts at local businesses
• Individual Tickets: $10–$20 per screening

👉 Buy passes and tickets here: Prekindle – It Came From Texas

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When & Where

• Dates: September 12–14, 2025
• Venue: Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State Street, Downtown Garland, TX

More info at: GarlandArts.com

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Hope you can drop by if you’re in the Garland area next week 🙂

–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub