Texas State Film

09/18/2025

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Robert Redford, a towering figure in cinema. As one of the finest actors of his generation, an accomplished director, and a true Hollywood icon, his artistry left an indelible mark on film history.

Perhaps his most enduring legacy lies in his vision for the Sundance Institute. With the steadfast leadership of Michelle Satter, Sundance became more than a festival—it became a home for independent filmmakers. The Sundance Institute nurtured bold new voices like Paul Thomas Anderson, B**g Joon Ho, Chloé Zhao, Ryan Coogler, as well as our own Annie Silverstein and Johnny McAllister. Bryan Poyser also premiered Lovers of Hate at the Sundance festival, joining the countless artists whose paths were shaped there.

Redford’s generosity of spirit and his lifelong commitment to championing diverse storytellers across the globe will continue to inspire generations to come. It is a legacy I hope we can all continue to honor.

01/19/2025

https://x.com/boss_angeles/status/1881059624679604346

01/16/2025

Rest In Peace

09/30/2024

Texas State Film is proud to announce the Inaugural speaker for the Tom Copeland Speaker Series: Jeff Nichols!

JEFF NICHOLS is an American film director and screenwriter. His films are characterized by their Southern United States backdrop and ambience. He is known for his critically acclaimed films “Take Shelter” (2011), “Mud” (2012), “Midnight Special” (2016), “Loving” (also 2016), and “The Bikeriders” (2023).

We will be holding a screening of “The Bikeriders” immediately followed by a Q&A Writer/Director Jeff Nichols. This event is free and open to the public! To RSVP, visit txstatepresents.com or use the link in our bio.

🗓️: Tuesday, October 8
⏰: 7:00pm
📍: Performing Arts Center, Recital Hall | 405 Moon St

09/23/2024

Who's doing this with me?

Wes Anderson lists twenty-four short films and anthologies that he recommends screenwriters and directors must watched watch.

06/14/2024

A Life Celebration for Tom will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024. The details are below. We hope you will join us in celebrating the life of our dear Tom.

05/24/2024

🕯️Tom Copeland Memorial Film Scholarship🕯️

This scholarship will continue Tom's commitment to the next generation of filmmakers by making an education at Texas State more accessible to aspiring students.

How to donate:
Visit: https://buff.ly/4bRdmqJ
In the “Search for Specific Fund” field, type “Tom Copeland”

Tom Copeland attended Southwest Texas State University from 1968 -1972. In 1983, he joined the staff of the Texas Film Commission where he quickly moved up the ladder enjoying a 22-year career with 11 of those years as the director. He retired in 2005 and returned to his alma mater Texas State to teach film classes in the Theatre Department. Over the ensuing years, he built the foundation of the Texas State film program, creating a full curriculum and hiring various faculty members before retiring in May of 2018. Emblematic of his deep commitment to Texas State students and the art of filmmaking, after his retirement, Tom maintained a strong relationship with the film program through the remainder of his life.

05/24/2024

Are you an Alumni of our Film Program, even pre-concentration?
If so, please fill out this survey.

The information we collect will help us!
1. Convince Texas legislators to fund production in State through our collaboration with the TXMPA!
2. Convince University higher ups that we deserve expansion!
3. Fund alumni groups throughout the country!
4. Formalize our Bobcat film and TV networks throughout the country!
5. Improve the vision, diversity and reach of our film program!
6. Much more besides!

05/01/2024

https://universitystar.com/26075/life-and-arts/txst-film-club-debuts-new-short-film-soapbox/ #

Texas State University’s Film Club debuted one of its new short films, “Soapbox,” on April 22. The screening is one part of the Film Student Outreach’s (FSO) new project: Texas State Film Celebration. The club creates a short film every year as a project for members. Writers submit their sel...

04/12/2024

https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2024/04/11/tom-copeland-obit-texas-film-commission-longest-serving-director-movies-theater/73273740007/

Tom Copeland, who died Sunday at 74, helped build the Texas film industry as an agency leader and a university educator.

04/11/2024

https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/screens/2024-04-10/tom-copeland-behind-the-scenes-powerhouse-of-texas-film-dies/?fbclid=IwAR2tpQ9Ie8NuD7Vclobe5vFkUzQcpUeH7hCZXwywf6qINu22vfU1TcNgvAw_aem_AZtLItVeEQJpYIY2yP7ou2RHoLCu2UWI-4HMtMcdwwGUtqoRTxd20A7iXyw_Sc37jSOrnDSjGm2IF0Gz0QVZIZKr

Former Texas Film Commission executive director passed last Sunday