Listen to the ON FILM interview with Charles Horak and Carlos Corral on KTEP 88.5FM.
The El Paso Film Festival was created by filmmaker Carlos Corral in 2018 with the support of the El Paso Filmmakers organization. With the philanthropic help of the Paso Del Norte Charitable Foundation, the El Paso Film Festival screens original film showcases for aspiring filmmakers and for all who look to enjoy independent work that they won't see in a mainstream theater.
“Believe it or not, I actually bought the domain name www.elpasofilmfestival.org about five years ago, so this is a project that’s been brewing for some time now.” said Corral who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where he majored in Radio-Television-Film in 2007. “I think it's time that a city of our size has a name film festival, just like Austin, Dallas, and even Las Cruces.” he said.
After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Carlos Corral returned to his hometown of El Paso, TX and founded MindWarp Films. Corral works and produces a majority of the television & film production in and around West Texas and Southern New Mexico.
The El Paso Film Festival's Advisory Committee is made up various members of the El Paso Community, which include Charles Horak, Felipa Solis, Lisa Elliot, and Teresita Gonzalez Corral.
Join us for a special launch event at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - Montecillo Sunday April 8th at 4pm as audiences are treated to a selection of nine short films and more information about the upcoming El Paso Film Festival is shared.
“My goal with this film festival is to make it an Oscar-qualifying competitive one,” Corral said. “Not only do I want to award cash prizes to recognize the hard work of independent filmmakers, but I also want to make the city of El Paso a featured destination and beacon for independent cinema.”
Following the short film screening, all ticket holders will be invited to the Festival Reception after party at 6pm which will be hosted at the Alamo Drafthouse Montecillo's Glass Half Full. This will give audience members a chance to network with all of the filmmakers, cast, and crews in attendance.
“You would be surprised how many stories have El Paso connections. The films we are screening all have something important to say.” Corral said.