Film lovers, Round Top royalty, and members of Houston and Austin's social circles gathered for a glittering summer soirée.
The second annual Round Top Film Festival Gala illuminated the Windy Knoll event venue in Round Top last month, creating an electric atmosphere. Nearly 250 guests, including passionate film lovers, Round Top royalty, and luminaries from Houston and Austin’s social circles, gathered for a sparkling summer soirée that celebrated both cinema and community.
Guests arrived dressed in “Round Top chic” attire—think stylish cowboy boots, vibrant turquoise jewelry, and fashionable western hats. They were treated to a live performance by the talented Calder Allen, and signature cocktails crafted by Ellis Motel added to the festivities, with delightful options like the Spicy Paloma, Round Top Ranch Water, and Elvira's Espresso Martini.
Following a buzzy cocktail hour, guests sat down to enjoy a delicious feast prepared by Round Top favorite, Lulu's, paired with wines provided by Round Top Vineyards and Napa Valley’s Blackbird Vineyards.
Guests seated at Red Carpet and Golden Reel tables received RTFF canvas swag bags filled with fun goodies including Agazul Tequila, an RTFF etched shot glass, a festival t-shirt, RTFF bandana, a bottle of Ricky Robby’s Ranch Sauce, and a Double D patch. At the end of the evening, all guests left with “party favor” pies from Royers Round Top Cafe.
2025 Round Top Film Festival Gala. (Photo by Kolton King)
Co-founders Skylar and Shanna Schanen address the crowd. (Photo by Kolton King)
Student speaker Jackson Elliot. (Photo by Kolton King)
BiddyUp's Carrie Fruge shares the stage with stuntman RJ Casey. (Photo by Kolton King)
Gala auction action. (Photo by Kolton King)
Zadok Jewelers. (Photo by Kolton King)
Stuntman RJ Casey tests out the Janus Motorcycles auction piece. (Photo by Kolton King)
The night officially began with remarks from emcee and Round Top icon Marla Hurley of Modern Marla, who set the tone with her trademark flair. Festival co-founders Shanna and Skylar Schanen also took to the stage to thank attendees and reaffirm the mission of RTFF: to provide a platform for independent filmmakers to share their stories with the world.
“The energy in this room tonight is absolutely incredible,” Shanna Schanen expressed. “It’s a true reflection of the heart of this community. We are immensely grateful for the support we’ve received from Round Top, our neighbors in Houston and Austin, and everyone who believes in the vision of this festival. Your enthusiasm fuels us, and we can’t wait to bring that same spirit into RTFF 2025.”
Skylar Schanen highlighted the crucial role of film festivals in bringing stories to life. “I love film, and bringing all the creatives together has been really special,” she shared. “This has always been the community I’ve been drawn to and seeing everyone have fun in my favorite place is truly wonderful.”
Reflecting on her roots, Skylar added, “I grew up in Round Top, and it has always held a special place in my heart. Having attended many film festivals with my mom as my plus one, I've seen how things are done at various events—what works well and what could be improved. We thought, ‘Why isn’t there anything like this happening in Round Top? This is a perfect place for people to come and for creatives to feel the same energy we do.’ That’s how our dream, the Round Top Film Festival, was born.”
Special guest Joe Newcomb, CEO of Truth Entertainment and producer of Dallas Buyers Club, also spoke, passionately emphasizing the vital role film festivals play in nurturing emerging filmmakers. He highlighted the growing momentum of filmmaking in Texas, driven by new tax incentive programs like the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program. Newcomb urged guests to seize the opportunity to support the industry's growth in the Lone Star State.
Later in the evening, guests were moved by Jackson Elliot, a La Grange High School student, who shared his dream of pursuing filmmaking and addressed the lack of locally accessible programs. He expressed his gratitude for RTFF’s impact, particularly for launching its first-ever Screenwriters, while thanking Giovanni Porta and Skylar Schanen for their ongoing mentorship and support.
“My goal is to create stories that have meaning and purpose,” Elliot explained. “The screenwriting workshop sponsored by the Round Top Film Festival provided me with valuable skills and techniques that shape my storytelling today. Educational outreach programs like this are crucial in developing the next generation of Texas filmmakers.”
Elliot’s speech was followed up by a live auction, led by the charismatic Carrie Frugé of BiddyUp. The auction featured exclusive items including an experiential visit to Cibolo Creek Ranch, a stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Costa Palmas, and the trip of a lifetime with Ganam Safari to Tanzania.
Also up for grabs was a custom designed Janus Motorcycle in coordination with local artist, Laura Goodson; the opportunity to do a tandem skydive with stunt artist and co-founder of Four Branches Bourbon, RJ Casey; a one of a kind painting by artist Tony Bernard titled “The Brown Dog”; and a chance to travel to Hacienda Agazul with the opportunity to create a custom barrel of tequila.
The bidding action heated up after donors bidding in a certain category were entered into a raffle to win a diamond tennis necklace donated by Zadok Jewelers. The auction helped RTFF raise over $300,000 in support of the organization’s mission.
The Ray Johnston Band kept the crowd on their feet and closed the evening on a high note. The gala was not only a night of fun and generosity but also a glimpse into what awaits when the Round Top Film Festival returns November 6 – 9, 2025, bringing world-class cinema and small-town Texas magic together once again.
RTFF founders Skylar & Shanna Schanen. (Photo by Kolton King)
RTFF founders Skylar and Shanna Schanen with board member Rob Schanen and Cosimo Blodgett. (Photo by Kolton King)
Founders Skylar and Shanna, Marla Hurley, Laura Goodson. (Photo by Kolton King)
Skylar and Shanna Schannen, Shonnery Petit, Rob Giardinelli, Lance Avery Morgan. (Photo by Kolton King)
Skylar and Shanna Schannen, Tracey Marshall, Katie Kime. (Photo by Kolton King)
Lauren and Jason Ellis, Penny and Joe Newcomb. (Photo by Kolton King)
Clarissa and Luis Labastida with Shanna and Rob Schannen. (Photo by Kolton King)
Paul Weitz and Hannah and Mrs. Weitz. (Photo by Kolton King)
Rachel Thomquist, Callie Neatherlin. (Photo by Kolton King)
Susan and Rick Ashcroft, Natalie and Ryan Laskowski. (Photo by Kolton King)
Madison Rolland, Kim Rolland, Carol Sawyer, Angie Tamplain, Susan and Art Fletcher. (Photo by Kolton King)
Shonnery and Tom Petit. (Photo by Kolton King)
Augustus Boettcher. (Photo by Kolton King)
Round Top Red Carpet Round Up: Shanna and Skylar Schanen, Rob Schanen, Shonnery Pettit, Tracey Marshall, Susan Ashcroft, Tanya Ruby, Brian Becker and Joe Newcomb, Giovanni Porta, James Dick, Minnie Baird, RJ Casey, Liz Stepp, Jessie Greendyk and Katie Kime.
To learn more about RTFF and to purchase passes for the festival weekend, visit here. Follow along on Instagram, here.
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