Round Top Film Festival 2025: A Small Festival with Big Charm
Now in its second year, the Round Top Film Festival is already proving to be something special—an intimate, well-organized event with a genuine sense of community. Everything about the weekend felt thoughtfully planned. The volunteers and festival staff deserve special praise for their warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail. They managed every part of the experience with enthusiasm and care, creating a relaxed yet polished atmosphere throughout. I attended for the first time this year and I truly felt welcomed and well taken care of.
The main venue, Festival Hill Concert Hall, is truly stunning — elegant, cozy, and acoustically excellent. Watching films there felt like a special occasion on its own. The second venue, the Round Top Dance Hall, offered a completely different kind of charm. I relaxed into a large, plush chair with a footstool and felt right at home, embodying the small-town comfort that perfectly matches the festival’s spirit.
This year’s programming showcased a strong mix of features, documentaries, and shorts. Highlights included Lynn, the documentary about Houston philanthropist Lynn Wyatt; the opening-night selection Adult Children; and Texas-related works like Due West, Legendary Ladies of Texas, and The Melody Maids Movie. Larger mainstream films such as Jay Kelly, Cottonmouth, and Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague also appeared at the festival. Each screening I attended was well curated, with engaging Q&As that felt authentic and informative.
Every day featured live entertainment — local musicians performing just outside the main venue — which enhanced the festive atmosphere. Between screenings, festival-goers mingled with local vendors, sampled food truck offerings, and enjoyed drinks from the outdoor bar. It fostered a sense of community and celebration that felt genuine to Round Top itself. Festival shuttles offered rides from lodging and between events and venues, and badge pickup and information were easily accessible.
If I had one small complaint, it’s that a few screenings overlapped, making it impossible to see everything I wanted. But that’s more a sign of an ambitious schedule than a flaw.
Although I didn’t attend the evening parties, I heard only glowing reviews — attendees described them as beautiful events with excellent food, drinks, and entertainment.
Overall, the Round Top Film Festival 2025 was a joy to attend. It combines small-town charm with the professionalism of a major event. I believe it will grow in popularity and reputation in the years ahead — and I hope it continues to keep the personal, friendly touch that made this year’s festival so memorable. I plan to spread the word as much as I can.