For Immediate Release
HOUSTON, TEXAS — Five films produced in Texas will compete for the prestigious Texas Independent Film Award (TIFA) when the Houston Film Critics Society (HFCS) announces its 19th annual awards in January.
Named as nominees are:
• Ick: Joseph Kahn’s science fiction tale about a high school teacher who does everything possible to deal with a parasitic alien.
• The Librarians: Kim A. Snyder’s documentary focuses on efforts in Texas, Florida and other states to confront those trying to ban books from schools and libraries.
• Luv Ya Bum: This documentary from David Hartstein, Sam Wainright Douglas and Andrew Alden Miller profiles Bum Phillips, head coach of the Houston Oilers during the ‘Luv Ya Blue’ era.
• Selena y Los Dinos: Isabel Castro’s documentary captures what happened behind the scenes as a family supported the career of Selena Quintanilla.
• The Senior: Rod Lurie brings to the screen the story of Mike Flynt who, at age 59, got a second chance to play college football.
“Each year, it becomes more challenging to select five nominees from the many quality films made in Texas,” says Cary Darling, HFCS member and Arts Editor for the Houston Chronicle. “We continue, in our state, to make significant contributions to what cinema can and will be.”
“For more than 10 years the Texas Independent Film Award has shone a spotlight on the creativity and drive of local filmmaking outside the studio system, celebrating artists who tell bold, personal stories rooted in culture and community,” adds Joshua Starnes, HFCS member and long-time coordinator of the TIFA selection process. “The 2025 nominees stand easily alongside the awards’ previous recipients, showcasing a range of voices working in Texas today from inventive genre filmmaking to intimate documentary. The 2025 nominees affirm Texas’ voice in modern cinema.”
To be nominated for the TIFA, a film must be shot in the Lone Star State and submitted to the Society by October 31, 2025. Members of a select HFCS committee screen the possible nominees before all voting members view the nominees and select the winner. The TIFA will be announced January 20, 2026, along with other HFCS winners. Nominees in other categories will be released on January 13, 2026.
“We are proud to salute these three documentaries and two narrative features as they vie to be acknowledged as the best of Texas film of 2025,” says Travis Leamons, President of the Society. “Each year, as more people around the world learn more about making movies in Texas, the opportunities for our filmmakers expand as well as the offerings for audiences.”
The 40 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’s mission is to promote the advancement and appreciation of film in the Houston community and beyond. For a list of members, visit www.HoustonFilmCritics.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Travis Leamons, President
Houston Film Critics Society
thedvdlounge@yahoo.com
1 Trackback / Pingback
Comments are closed.