Silver Screen

Hill Country Film Festival's must-see movies for 2017

Hill Country Film Festival runs April 27-30.

The eighth annual Hill Country Film Festival will light up Fredericksburg April 27-30 with screenings of a host of feature and short films. Brainchild of executive director Chad Mathews and programming director Gary Weeks, HCFF was created to celebrate and showcase filmmakers from Texas and around the world.

The duo created the beloved Hill Country festival as an atmosphere where filmmakers can not only showcase their project, but also build lasting relationships and find an audience for their film. Mathews' sister, Amy Miskovsky, is the festival director largely responsible for executing the event.

“I love working with my family and friends to bring this festival to the Texas Hill Country, a place that holds so many great memories of summers and holidays," Miskovsky says. "The more I learn about independent film, the more certain I am that HCFF is the perfect complement to Fredericksburg’s rich cultural and artistic community.”

One special event for this year's festival is A Conversation with Robert Walden. Louis Black, co-founder of Austin Chronicle and co-founder and director of SXSW, will host the intimate conversation about the actor’s career, work process, and passion for character development. It takes place Saturday, April 29, at 6 pm at Fritztown Cinema.

In addition to conversations and high-profile screenings, this year's short films include some that are fully produced and directed by high school or college filmmakers. The festival will also showcase a screenplay competition with five feature finalists and five short finalists, as well as the Coen Brothers' No Country For Old Men, which will be screening out of competition.

All-access festival badges and individual tickets are currently available for purchase online. The complete schedule can be found at the HCFF website.

Our five picks for can't-miss screenings are:

As Far As The Eye Can See
This Texas-made feature film tells the story of Jack Ridge, a 40-year-old former piano prodigy, who has withdrawn to a North Texas farm after his wife left him. The story revolves around the annual piano competition and corporate pressure to sell his land. Written by Paden Fallis, directed by David Franklin, and starring Jason London.
Thursday, April 27, 7 pm

What Children Do
Filmed in upstate New York, this comedy is about two estranged sisters who are thrust back into each other's lives by the impending death of their grandmother. It is directed and written by Dean Peterson and stars Janna Emig and Kate Hoffman.
Friday, April 28, 4:15 pm

Victor
Based on the true story of Victor Torres (adapted from his inspiring autobiography Son of Evil Street), this film tells the story of Torres' experience migrating to Brooklyn as a teenager, where he fell victim to gangs and heroin. His remarkable journey of faith and recovery led to a lifetime of helping others in need. Brandon Dickerson directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Thomas Ward; starring Patrick Davis.
Friday, April 28, 6:30 pm

Dealt
This fascinating documentary showcases Richard Turner, one of the world's greatest card magicians, who is completely blind. This is an in-depth look at a complex character who is one of magic’s greatest hidden treasures. Written by Bradley Jackson and directed by Luke Korem.
Saturday, April 29, 4 pm

La Barracuda
Another family film, this sinister yet musical story is about a young British woman who comes to Texas to stake her claim to the family's music legacy — and to meet her half-sister. Directed by Jason Cortlund and Julia Halperin, the film stars Sophie Reid and Alison Tolman.
Saturday, April 29, 7:15 pm

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lets go camping

Texas llama ranch roams onto America's 50 favorite camping spots

Courtesy of Hipcamp

Camp where the llamas roam.

A family-owned, llama roaming ranch in North Texas was just declared one of America's 50 favorite camping spots in 2026.

The field guide was compiled by online marketplace Hipcamp following a review of campsite ratings from users, regional trends, cultural relevance, and a "spirited debate" of Hipcamp experts. Campgrounds were chosen from 35 different states and organized into seven regions: the Pacific Northwest; California and Hawaii; the Southwest; the Mountain West; the Great Plains and Midwest; the Northeast; and the Southeast.

Llama Land Ranch in Tool, Texas — about 3.5 hours from Houston — was one of nine total campgrounds featured in the Southwest region. The ranch is the perfect place for families to go on core memory-making excursions like meeting the free roaming llamas or watching out for other wildlife like wild boars. The ranch spans 101 acres, and a 50-foot deep creek also flows along the property lines for fishing and swimming.

"The llamas will come to greet you and so will many more things in this wonderful place," the ranch's listing says. "We are conveniently located in a secluded area, but just a short drive from many local conveniences."

The listing also specifies that the pastures are only mowed three times a year and some of the property is on rough terrain, so campers are welcome to bring their own machetes if they want to explore the area thoroughly.

There are 14 sites available for guests to set up camp, with a mix of tent-only, RV/tent, and RV-only sites. The ranch is also very affordable; sites can be booked for as little as $15 per night.

Many reviewers enjoy getting out into the country to reconnect with nature, and many also praise the ranch's owner, Judy, who says the ranch has been in her family since 1987.

"I went with a group of women for an overnight camp at the pond," one reviewer wrote. "It was so beautiful and a much needed break from city life. The host was wonderful and kind. She was also very accommodating to our group."

A second Dallas-Fort Worth-area campground tucked away in Texas' newest state park was also highlighted in the report. Warbler Ridge Campground, located in Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, was the only other Texas representative on the list.

The pet-friendly campground's listing doesn't offer many details, but it says there are 22 RV and tent campsites for visitors, as well as showers, toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. There are activities galore for visitors, including a 68-acre lake for swimming, fishing, and boating, and over 16 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says campsites at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park start at $13 per night (plus a daily entrance fee) for hike-in primitive sites. Walk-in campsites with water are $15 per night and campsites with electricity are $30 per night.

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