film fest lineup

First Round Top Film Festival peeks into new Taylor Sheridan series

Oscar-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton will play the titular "landman" Tommy Norris.

Photo courtesy of Paramount+

Hollywood will descend on the tiny historic town of Round Top for its inaugural Round Top Film Festival from November 7-10, showcasing insightful panels with independent filmmakers and dynamic film screenings.

One of the most anticipated events that film buffs won't want to miss is the opening night advanced screening of Taylor Sheridan's new drama series Landman, taking place at 6:30 pm at Festival Hill Concert Hall. The 10-episode series is "a modern-day tale of fortune-seeking in the world of oil rigs," based on Texas Monthly's acclaimed podcast Boomtown. It boasts a star-studded cast with Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, Demi Moore as Cami Miller and Jon Hamm in a recurring guest role as her husband, Texas oil titan Monty Miller.

A Q&A session with Boomtown creator and Texas Monthly staff writer Christian Wallace will take place after the screening. Following the first episode's debut at the film festival, Landman will premiere on Paramount+ on November 17.

The Round Top Film Festival will screen about 40 films throughout the weekend, and host panels with established filmmakers and industry professionals. Here is a sneak peek at some of the festival programming, organized by each day.

Friday, November 8

Women in the Industry
1 pm at 550 District - Dance Hall
Panelists Kari Perkins (Boyhood, Mud), Jennifer Hutchins (Switch Up, Spyral), Suzanne Weinert (Hellion, A Good Son), and others will share personal anecdotes, valuable insights, and practical advice for future generations aiming to break into the film industry, overcome barriers, and establish a sustainable career.

Fashion and Film
3 pm at 550 District - Dance Hall
Industry experts will explore how costume design and styling shape character, enhance storytelling, and create iconic on-screen moments. Moderated by producer Camille Chambers (Hot Water Brew, Homegirls), the panelists include costume designer Kari Perkins, fashion blogger Amanda Tatom, fashion designer and costume, wardrobe and props supplier for film/television Stewart Colgate (Benny Safdie's The Curse, The Last Stop in Yuma County, Dark Winds season 1&2) and Vintage Clothing business/wardrobe and costume design/actor Tom Dragt (Taylor Sheridan's 1923) among others.

Saturday, November 9

Rising Star Showcase
Red carpet 10 am, doors open10:30 am, programming starts at 11:00 am at 550 District - Dance Hall
This moderated discussion features emerging stars among the film industry. The showcase will highlight the work of Kyle Allen (West Side Story, A Haunting In Venice, Space Oddity), Lilli Kay (Your Honor, Yellowstone, Rustin), Sasha Lane (Twisters, The Crowded Room, Conversations With Friends), and Marié Botha (Dickinson, The Penguin).

How to Break into the Industry
4:30 pm at 550 District - Dance Hall
This discussion will cover actionable tips for securing a first job, networking best practices, key skills to stand out among others, and tactics for maintaining resilience in a highly competitive environment. Featured panelists include former CAA talent agent Joe Rosenberg, producer Stephen Stafford, producer Russell Wayne Groves, stunt coordinator Tom Struthers, and actress/writer/director Michelle Krusiec. The session will be moderated by Stephen Galloway, Dean of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media.

Sunday, November 10

Veterans Discussion
10 am at Round Top Rifle Hall
The Veterans Discussion will feature insights from Bill Broyles, Jr. (Cast Away, Flags of Our Fathers), Rebecca Murga (The Promised Land), Nate Boyer (MVP), and Geoff Reeves (Days of Our Lives). Reeves is a former Division 1 swimmer, accomplished actor, and veteran Navy SEAL who completed two tours of duty overseas, will accept the Maverick Stunt Performer Award on behalf of RJ Casey, who is being honored at the festival's Awards Brunch.

More information about the Round Top Film Festival and tickets can be found on roundtopfilmfest.org.

round top film festival paramount +landman premiere taylor sheridan travel entertainment ut

Sweater Weather

Busy Austin venue for games and drinks debuts a Christmas sweater pop-up

Photo courtesy of Punch Bowl Social

If you're not buying an ugly sweater at 2 am the Saturday before Christmas, are you even celebrating?

It doesn't seem possible, but the first ugly Christmas sweater shop for the 2024 season is about to open: It's The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop, and it's coming to a surprising location for a sweater shop: inside Punch Bowl Social, the restaurant bowling entertainment destination at The Domain, where it will hold forth as a limited-time pop-up during the holidays.

The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop will run from Friday, November 15, to Tuesday, December 24, during Punch Bowl Social’s regular hours: Sundays through Thursdays from 11 am to 11 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 2 am.

Guests can peruse an assortment of upcycled and brand new holiday sweaters, ranging in price from $15 to $40, while sampling seasonal cocktails and shareable dishes, not to mention the venue's holiday décor and games including bowling, karaoke, darts, and arcade games.

Punch Bowl Social drinks sweaters If you can't win at bowling, you can win at finding the weirdest sweater.Photo courtesy of Punch Bowl Social

The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop was founded in 2013 by Dallas-based vintage clothing guru Jeremy Turner after he noticed a demand at his mobile thrift store. First covered by none other than CultureMap, his shop went on to become national news, influencing hordes of hipsters everywhere to embrace the sweaters in an ironic manner.

Turner took a multi-year hiatus during COVID but relaunched at Punch Bowl Social Dallas in 2023. In 2024, he'll expand to Chicago and Austin for the first time.

“Following the successful launch of the pop-up series last year, we’re excited to continue our partnership with Jeremy and The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop to spread some holiday cheer in Dallas” said Jencey Keeton, chief marketing officer of Punch Bowl Social. “During this year’s activation, we’ll be showcasing a collection of over-the-top holiday-inspired knits that are guaranteed to bring an extra touch of merriment this season.”

“I’m thrilled to be bringing The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop back to Punch Bowl Social this year to inspire Dallasites to get into the holiday spirit,” said Turner. “Together, we’ve created a whimsical shopping experience that will be a fun and memorable way to celebrate the holidays.”

Punch Bowl Social Christmas snacks The snacks rival any Christmas party.Photo by Punch Bowl Social

In addition to the sweaters, Punch Bowl Social will be pouring cocktails, zero proof and punch, including To Me, You are Perfect, a fruit-forward punch served by the bowl or single cup; We Slept In!, a twist on the classic margarita; I Triple-Dog-Dare Ya, an old fashioned served with Ralphie glasses and a pickled filthy cherry and Son of a Nutcracker, an espresso martini also available in a N/A version, along with a variety of eats.

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