Garland Cultural Arts presents the third annual IT CAME FROM TEXAS Film Festival at the Plaza Theatre in downtown Garland. The festival celebrates three award-winning, Texas-made films, and all “True Texas Tales” including:  BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967), THE GREAT DEBATERS (2007) and THE ALAMO (1960) with documentaries of THE REAL GREAT DEABATERS (2008) and JFK: BREAKING THE NEWS (2003) while adding levity with BERNIE (2011), VIVA MAX! (1969) and a Secret Screening with live riffing by Mocky Horror Picture Show

Festival Director, Kelly Kitchens, and Film Historian, Gordon K. Smith have curated a collection of films relating back to a theme of “True Texas Tales” with special guest speakers - authors, historians, experts and, in some cases, family members - to the ICFTX 2025 lineup to add nuance, context, and depth to the fest.

ICFTX ALL ACCESS PASSES - See 9 movies on the "Big Screen" for $75!
Passes available HERE

Friday, September 12

Plaza Theatre Opens at 6:00 p.m. with General Admission Seating at 6:30 p.m.
BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967) Director Athur Penn
7:00 p.m. - Feature ($15 individual tickets)
Purchase Single Tickets HERE

This classic, Oscar-winning film depicts the days of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow as they rob banks and evade law enforcement throughout the Depression-era South, in a film that pioneered cinematic techniques and movie violence.

In attendance:

Rhea Leen Linder, Bonnie Parker's niece, and Bonnie Parker's niece, is working to get Bonnie exhumed and moved next to Clyde

Buddy Barrow Williams, Clyde Barrow's nephew, is working with Rhea Leen to exhume Bonnie and have her buried next to Clyde. Clyde's dad and Buddy's grandfather intentionally left space for her there.

Farris Rookstool III - Academy Award-nominated filmmaker and Emmy & Peabody award winner and International Documentary Association - Distinguished winner, who is also a former FBI Analyst and Bonnie and Clyde expert  

Opening Night Extras:
1930’s Ford Photo Opp in front of Plaza Theatre
Lobby Mugshots
Bonnie & Clyde Costume Contest

MOCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW – “SECRET SCREENING” Director:  Larry Buchana
9:30 pm - Comedy troupe live riffs on Campy Classic ($15 individual tickets)
Purchase Single Tickets HERE

Mocked live by comedians Danny Gallagher, Liz Barksdale and Albie Robles
After BONNIE AND CLYDE, the Plaza Theatre takes on a speakeasy feel with a secret screening and password admission. The film will be revealed at the time of showing and will be accompanied by the Mocky Horror Picture Show for a live-riffing movie comedy show,

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Plaza Theatre Opens at 11:30 a.m. with General Admission Seating at 12:00 p.m.
BERNIE (2011) Director Richard Linklater
12:30 p.m. - Feature ($15 individual tickets)
Purchase Single Tickets HERE

Likeable, small-town mortician becomes enamored with a wealthy widow in this dark comedy featuring an ensemble cast of screen legends.

In attendance:
Skip Hollandsworth -  a journalist whose story on Bernie Tiede in Texas Monthly magazine led to him becoming a screenwriter with Richard Linklater.

Larry Jack Dotson, actor, played Rev. Woodard

JFK DEEP DIVE INTO TRUE TEXAS FILM FOOTAGE
3:00 p.m. - Documentary and Panel ($10 individual tickets)
Purchase Single Tickets HERE

Includes footage from G William Jones Film Archives at the SMU Libraries and The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza to present a co-production of KERA and The Sixth Floor Museum's documentary: JFK: BREAKING THE NEWS (2003)

Looking back over 40 years, television and print journalists recall their stories and memories of reporting the murder of President Kennedy and how it changed the country and changed the way the public gets its news.

Footage courtesy of SMU Libraries, G. William Jones Film & Video Collection, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, and KERA

In attendance:

Dr. Sean Griffin - a Professor in the SMU Meadows Division of Film and Media Arts, has written numerous books on film and television history. 

Farris Rookstool III - Academy Award-nominated filmmaker and Emmy & Peabody award winner and International Documentary Association - Distinguished winner, who is also a former FBI Analyst and JFK assassination expert

With intro by Stephen Fagin, Head of Curatorial, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

THE GREAT DEBATERS (2007) Feature Film and THE REAL GREAT DEBATERS (2008) Documentary
6:30 p.m. Feature and Documentary with Panel ($20 individual tickets)
Purchase Single Tickets HERE

THE GREAT DEBATERS (2007) Director Denzel Washington

Chronicles the travails of the Wiley College debate team in 1935 Texas as they explore the challenges of racial strife and the power of their voices for social change.

In attendance:

Coach Ernest Mack - Wiley University Debate Coach, head coach, leading teams to numerous victories and helping students develop critical thinking and public speaking abilities

THE REAL GREAT DEBATERS (2008) Director Brad Osborne
The story that inspired the film. The achievement that inspired a nation.

In attendance:

Brad Osborne – Director with AMS Pictures, writer, editor, narrator, musician.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Plaza Theatre Opens at 12:00 p.m. with General Admission Seating at 12:30 p.m.
THE ALAMO (1960) Director John Wayne
1:00 p.m. - Feature with clips and intermission ($15 individual tickets)
Purchase Single Tickets HERE

This epic, directorial effort from legendary actor John Wayne portrays the events of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836 and was known not only for its grand scale but also for its immense production cost.

In attendance:
Anita La Cava Swift - John Wayne’s Granddaughter. Anita makes an appearance in THE ALAMO.

Jack Edmondson - a member of the Alamo Society and author of 'Alamo Story: From Early History to Current Conflicts'

VIVA MAX! (1969) Director Jerry Paris
6:30 p.m. - Feature ($10 individual tickets)
Purchase Single Tickets HERE
A misguided Mexican General leads his troops into Texas to take back the Alamo in 1969, more than 133 years after the original infamous battle for the mission.

Date: September 12-14, 2025

Venue:
Plaza Theatre
521 W. State St.
Garland TX 75040

Buy Tickets

For more info https://www.garlandtx.gov/4506/It-Came-From-Texas-Film-Festival.