NACOGDOCHES COUNTY, TX (KTRE) -
An annual celebration of the art and
entertainment of film has found its way to Nacogdoches.
The first annual Nacogdoches Texas Film
Festival showcased the passion of local filmmakers.
"They all have Nacogdoches connections,"
said Ron Johnson, festival organizer.
Films featured in the festival include:
"Skateland," a coming of age film set in East Texas, "Rainbows End," a story
about an east Texas band launching their first tour and "2:22" a crime thriller
directed by a SFA graduate.
"They decide to rob a boutique
and they clear out their safety deposit boxes," said Phillip Guzman.
Phillip Guzman graduated in 2004, and made his
first film two years later.
"Saved up money, made my first
film for seven thousand dollars and it has just gone up from there," said
Guzman.
Festival organizer Ron Johnson says Guzman is
an example of the growing art community in the city.
"They have a good program and you
see the success and it's a great thing to do for Nacogdoches," said
Johnson.
Guzman credits his success to his local start.
He met his partner in his first day of film class now he lives his lifelong
dream every day.
"The creation of it, the actual
making of it is the best. Its weird because in a way filmmaking is such a
masochistic process because its so hard to do and yet we just keep doing it
because we're drawn to it," said Guzman.
Coming back, was just an added bonus.
"I love Nacogdoches so its like anytime I
can ever come out here and help out the community or do something positive its
like I'll always be here," said Guzman.
As the festival grows, the city hopes to
provide more creative opportunities for everyone in the city.
Copyright 2012 KTRE. All rights reserved.
