Special award to be presented at “Oscar-style” event January 3, 2019
Five movies which were made in Texas will compete for the prestigious TIFA (Texas Independent Film Award) to be presented by the Houston Film Critics Society at its 12th Annual Movie Awards on January 3, 2019. This distinctive award is funded in part by Balcones Distilling, the award-winning whisky distiller based in Waco, Texas.
Nominees for the honor include the following films from 2018: 1985, An American in Texas, The Standoff at Sparrow Creek, Support the Girls, and Tejano.
A movie must be shot in Texas, and independently financed, to be eligible for this award. A special committee of Society members selects the nominees from all eligible films before the entire membership votes to select the winner.
“This year’s nominees represent the range and depth of films made in Texas and show the health of the Texas film industry,” says Joshua Starnes, president of the organization. “We are honored to be the only film society in the state making this commitment to filmmakers who work in Texas.”
The five nominees address a broad range of issues and relationships. In 1985, a man confronts himself and his family about certain truths in his life. An American in Texas addresses the anger that can define how people dream, while The Standoff at Sparrow Creek explores what drives someone to try to solve a mass shooting. Support the Girls celebrates the layers of friendship as Tejano explores border issues continuing to challenge the state.
“We would be impressed with any of these films on their own,” Starnes continues. “That they are made in Texas is even more thrilling.”
The Society includes journalists reviewing film in print, on line and on air. Winners of the Society’s awards in all 17 categories for 2018 will be announced on Thursday, January 3, 2019 during the ceremony held at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. You may secure your complimentary tickets online here.
The 12th Annual Houston Film Critics Society’s Movie Awards are underwritten by Allied Siding and Windows – A Courtright Family Company, with promotional assistance from Gow Media’s ESPN 97.5 FM and SportsMap 94.1 FM. The TIFA Award is underwritten by Balcones Distilling.
About the HFCS
The thirty-seven members of the Houston Film Critics Society are working film journalists on television, radio, online and in traditional print. Together, they reach millions of people each week across the United States with their critiques and commentaries on film. The organization, which also actively promotes the advancement of film in the Houston community, will launch a student scholarship program in 2019.