Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – As the highly anticipated 10th Annual South Texas International Film Festival (STXIFF) approaches, excitement is sweeping through Edinburg! From September 11-14, 2024, the festival will mark the soft opening of the brand-new Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events Center (ACE Center), located at 315 W. McIntyre, just steps away from Edinburg City Hall.
The ACE Center, an impressive 36,000-square-foot venue, will not only host STXIFF but is also set to become the heartbeat of Edinburg’s thriving arts scene. This modern hub will offer a vibrant mix of art, music, and dance classes, along with an exciting lineup of cultural events. As a year-round destination, it promises to be a wellspring of creativity and inspiration in the city’s heart.
What to Expect at STXIFF 2024:
This year’s festival is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet! With over 250 submissions from 21 countries, the Official Selections have been narrowed down to 62 standout films. Among them are 7 World Premieres, 1 U.S. Premiere, 8 Texas Premieres, and 18 Rio Grande Valley Premieres. Audiences will be treated to a wide variety of genres, from gripping documentaries to exhilarating live-action films. Plus, you’ll get the chance to engage with the creators during exciting filmmaker Q&A sessions.
Festival Highlights:
· Opening Night – Wednesday, September 11
Kick off the festival with a red-carpet event at 5:30 PM, followed by the screening of seven short films from talented Rio Grande Valley filmmakers at 6:30 PM.
· Student Day – Thursday, September 12
A day dedicated to inspiring the next generation of filmmakers! High school and college students can pre-register for morning workshops and return in the evening for a mobile filmmaking workshop at 6:00 PM, followed by a screening of music videos. Afterward, choose between the family-friendly Curry Scent or a collection of documentaries highlighting life along the Texas border.
· Friday, September 13
Start the weekend early with an exciting lineup of 6 documentaries, 11 short narrative films, and the thriller The Activated Man, featuring horror icon Tony Todd. Doors open at 4:30 PM!
· Pitch Competition – Saturday, September 14
Watch creativity come alive as 11 aspiring screenwriters present their film ideas to a panel of industry experts for a chance to win a cash prize. The day will also feature workshops, a celebrity panel, and continuous screenings of short and feature films, many produced by Texas filmmakers.
· Awards Gala – Saturday Night
The grand finale! Join us for the STXIFF Awards Gala, celebrating the festival’s best films and recognizing the most talented storytellers. Tickets to the Gala are available for $65 at STXIFF.com.
The full schedule and details can be found under the 2024 tab at www.stxiff.com. All screenings are freeand open to the public! All films showcased at the South Texas International Film Festival are unrated. As these are independent productions, some content may not be suitable for all viewers.
The South Texas International Film Festival has grown into a cornerstone cultural event for our city, drawing more than 2,000 attendees annually,” said Letty Leija, Festival Director. “This year, we are especially excited to host STXIFF at the ACE Center, where independent film comes to life in a dynamic and creative community setting.”
Supported by the Texas Film Commission, STXIFF continues its mission to elevate independent filmmaking, showcasing diverse voices and unique storytelling. Since its inception in 2015, the festival has provided a platform for filmmakers to connect with audiences in South Texas, enriching the region’s cultural fabric.
Don’t miss this celebration of film and culture—join STXIFF 2024!
