The cinematic elements of Round Top are undeniable: its quiet history; its wee footprint and teensy population (one of the smallest towns in a state known for its obsession with size); its romantic country charm; its position as an antiques magnet; and its evolution from hardscrabble hamlet to posh mecca that earned it the sobriquet “the Aspen of Texas.”

It’s appropriate, and perhaps inevitable, that the one-square-mile village would become a perfect backdrop for Hollywood-inspired recognition. The Round Top Film Festival, a first-of-its-kind regional film conclave, unspools here Nov. 7-10 as a celebration of the art of filmmaking as well as the inspiring beauty of Round Top. About 40 films (including full-length features, documentaries, shorts and music videos) will be screened; the four-day event also offers panel discussions, parties, live music and a juried awards presentation, bowing on the heels of the 2024 Fall Round Top Antiques & Design show (Oct. 10-24), extending the town’s considerable tourist attraction and festivities.

A passion project by the mother-and-daughter team Shanna and Skylar Schanen (area natives), the film festival joins a growing roster of Texas-based film interests, including Hill Country Film Festival, Oak Cliff Film Festival, Dallas International Film Festival and South by Southwest. The Schanens come to the project with their own stake in the film community: Shanna has acting and producing credits while Sklyar is an actress and filmmaker. Together they modeled the inaugural event on regional festivals such as the Telluride Film Festival and the Hamptons International Film Festival as a platform for emerging filmmakers. They brought in Mickey Duzdevich, a seasoned film festival veteran known for programming the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, as programming director of the Round Top Film Festival.

With the full schedule now in place (check roundtopfilmfest.org for programming and tickets), the Schanens welcome the opportunity to bring a new level of interest both to Round Top and to the Texas film industry.

“We’ve always wanted to do something that would bring more business and excitement to the town,” said Shanna, who grew up in La Grange and splits her time between Austin and Round Top. “Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging.”

As an emerging film talent, Sklyar is looking forward to the opportunities the festival presents for budding Texas film artists.

“Film festivals are crucial to get your work seen and make connections,” she said. “I wanted young voices and creatives to have a platform for their work and opportunities to break into the industry.”

While screenings will be held at Round Top Festival Institute and activations at The 550 District, the entire town will be buzzing with Hollywood sizzle. Don’t be surprised to find a movie star or celebrity walking the streets, Shanna said.

For Skylar, the takeaway will be something important for Round Top.

“I hope people leave the festival with new connections and a true taste of Texas,” she said. “This is my favorite town in Texas and I can’t wait to share it with the world. There is something magical here and I want everyone to experience that.”

For more information, including ticketing and volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, see roundtopfilmfest.org.