The Amarillo International Film Festival will make its debut Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 10-12, aiming to elevate the Texas Panhandle’s creative profile by bringing together filmmakers and film lovers for a three-day celebration of independent cinema at Arts in the Sunset. With 36 films selected from more than 70 submissions, the event is poised to shine a spotlight on diverse storytelling and establish Amarillo as a burgeoning hub for film culture.
The festival kicks off with a VIP reception at Arts in the Sunset on Thursday evening, followed by an exclusive screening of “For the Record,” a documentary that delves into the history of The Canadian Record, a storied local newspaper based in Canadian, Texas. Guests will be treated to catering by Ruthie Martinez of Black Fig Catering, live jazz music by local artist Austin Brazille, and a discussion moderated by Panhandle PBS’s Karen Welch featuring filmmaker Heather Courtney and The Canadian Record publisher Lori Brown.
Organizers hope the event will set the tone for a festival that celebrates both film and community.