The annual Thin Line Fest takes place this weekend in Denton, showcasing an eclectic mix of documentaries, music, and photography. Running from March 18 to March 22, this festival is Texas’s longest-running documentary event and features a range of local and international filmmakers. Admission is free, but attendees must reserve wristbands through ThinLineFest.us.
Film Highlights
This year’s lineup boasts a variety of films, many of which highlight North Texas talent and themes. Notably, the Texas premiere of “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez” is scheduled for opening night. Directed by UNT graduate David Alvarado, the documentary chronicles Valdez’s journey from migrant farmworker to a revolutionary figure in the arts. His theater company, El Teatro Campesino, played a pivotal role in the 1960s, advocating for farmworker rights. The film will screen at Campus Theatre at 6:30 PM on March 18.
<p"Another noteworthy film is "The Last Picture Shows" by Rustin Thompson, which explores the fading presence of movie theaters in small-town America. Through a journey across ten states, Thompson intertwines reflections on the film industry’s challenges with excerpts from the classic "The Last Picture Show," filmed in Archer, Texas. This documentary is set to be shown at Campus Theatre on March 19 at 6 PM.
Short films will also take center stage at the festival. On March 21, two Texas-focused shorts will be featured at Campus Theatre. The first, “[Trans] Texan,” follows the lives of two trans individuals navigating the complexities of their identities amid a shifting political landscape. Later, “God Bless Gatesville,” directed by Chandler Gaydos, offers a humorous yet poignant look at a small Texas town on the verge of disappearing, showcasing its community spirit through various local events.
On March 22, “Down From the Mountain” will screen at Dan’s Silverleaf. This documentary captures the concert that brought together the music for the Coen Brothers’ film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the preparations that went into the iconic soundtrack. The screening is set for 2 PM.
The Soundtrack of Thin Line
Thin Line Fest is not just about film; it also features a vibrant music scene. Regional and national musicians will perform across small stages in downtown Denton. Artists with ties to Fort Worth, such as Phantomelo, Sheprador, Robyn Harrs, and Pretty Boy Aaron, will grace the festival, alongside local favorites like My Bad Sister and Troubled Minds. For a complete schedule, festival-goers can visit ThinLine.us and filter by music events.
One highlight of the music lineup is a performance by Seryn, a beloved band from Denton known for their Americana sound. After a brief hiatus, they will return to the stage at Dan’s Silverleaf on March 21 at 10:15 PM, showcasing new material alongside fan favorites.
Another anticipated event is “O, Brother,” a concert tribute to the music from “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” This special performance will follow the screening of “Down From the Mountain,” featuring various North Texas artists covering songs from the film, arranged by Denton native Scarlett Deering.
Photography Exhibits
The festival also celebrates photography, presenting works from three Texas photographers. Arthur Fields’ project, “In-Between Places,” will be on display at Bearded Monk, featuring black-and-white images that document the often-overlooked spaces in urban environments. Fields aims to convey the nuances of coexistence in these transitional areas.
The KERA Gallery will showcase Byrd Williams IV, whose work captures the emotional ties between memory, landscape, and built environments. His photographs provoke contemplation on connection and loss, inviting viewers to reflect on the stories embedded within each frame.
Angilee Wilkerson’s work will be exhibited at the UNT CoLab. Her photography explores personal experiences and their influence on perception, encouraging viewers to reconsider familiar spaces through intricate visual narratives.
The exhibitions will be available from March 19 to March 22, with varying hours at each location, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the diverse artistic expressions presented at the festival.
