round top film festival
HIGHLIGHTS
2025
AWARD WINNERS
BEST FEATURE FILM & AUDIENCE AWARD
SHE DANCES
DIRECTED BY RICK GOMEZ
BEST TEXAS SHORT AWARD
NECHES
directed by KATY MCCARTHY
BEST documentary short award
THEY CALL ME THE TATTOO WITCH
directed by LINDSAY NYMAN
BEST OVERALL SHORT AWARD
Subheading
RED RIVER COWBOY
directed by GRACE WIGGLES
best live-action COMEDY short award
SOUND OF THE SOMME
directed by BEN LEWIS
Best overall short award
SOUND OF THE SOMME
directed by MICHAËL VERMAERCKE
BEST DIRECTOR AWARD
MICHAËL VERMAERCKE
SOUND OF THE SOMMME
2025 MAVERICK STUNT AWARD WINNER
CHRIS O'HARA
Baby Driver, Jurassic World, The Avengers, KILL BILL: VOLS. 1 & 2, Fury of the Gods, Spider-Man 2
best live-action drama short award
deep in my heart is a song
directed by johnathan pickett
Best overall short award
once more, like rain man
directed by sue ann pien
Maverick stunt award winner
rj casey
prolific stunt actor (dunkirk, inception, extraction 2)
RTFF Legendary screenwriters tribute
Bill Broyles, Jr
Cast away, apollo 13, flags of our fatherS
best live-action drama short award
deep in my heart is a song
directed by johnathan pickett
Best overall short award
once more, like rain man
directed by sue ann pien
Maverick stunt award winner
rj casey
prolific stunt actor (dunkirk, inception, extraction 2)
RTFF Legendary screenwriters tribute
Bill Broyles, Jr
Cast away, apollo 13, flags of our fatherS
AWARD WINNERS
the magic of RTFF 2025
EXPERIENCE
Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, David is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama in set design. His stage work includes: The 1940’s Radio Hour, Mass Appeal, Lean Horne: The Lady and Her Music, True West, and Buried Child, as well as the world premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s A Quiet Place, and several pieces for the Paul Taylor Dance Company. After designing the Broadway production of Come Back to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, director Robert Altman asked him to design the film version of the play, beginning his career in film. In addition to three films with Mr. Altman, David has enjoyed numerous collaborations with the directors Lasse Hallström, Robert Benton, Steven Zaillian, Gary Sinise, James Ivory, Ang Lee, and John Wells. David is a two time Academy Awards Nominee for The Cider House Rules and Life of Pi. He has also received six Art Directors Guild Nominations for Fences, August: Osage County, Doubt, The Shipping News, Catch-22, and RIPLEY; and wins for Chocolat and Life of Pi, an Emmy Nomination for RIPLEY, and an SDSA Award for RIPLEY. Other films include: Mr. and Mrs. Bridge, Searching for Bobby Fischer, Nobody’s Fool, A Civil Action, Of Mice and Men, Little Children, Doubt, and The Hundred-Foot Journey.
David Gropman, Production Designer - ‘Artistry in Design’ Tribute
Recognizing excellence in the design and creative vision that shapes the tone, texture, and emotion of a film.
Ellen Mirojnick is an award-winning costume designer whose career spans over three decades in film, television, and fashion. Known for her sophisticated, timeless designs, she has collaborated with visionary filmmakers including Steven Soderbergh, Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, and Oliver Stone. Her work has earned her multiple BAFTA and Emmy nominations, with CDG wins for The Knick and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and an Emmy for Behind the Candelabra, as well as her first Academy Award nomination for Nolan’s Oppenheimer. From Wall Street and Starship Troopers to The Greatest Showman, Bridgerton, Mirojnick continues to shape iconic characters and cinematic style. This past year Ellen returned to work with Steven Soderbergh designing the glamorous thriller Black Bag, and she has just finished designing Christopher Nolan‘s epic The Odyssey that will be released in 2026.
Ellen Mirojnick, Costume Designer - 'Threads of Influence' Tribute
This tribute honor celebrates a transformative impact on cinematic fashion.
John Magaro has built an impressive career across film, television, and theatre, earning acclaim for his versatility and depth. Most recently, he starred as Keith Jarrett in KÖLN 75, which premiered at Berlinale 2025, and leads Cole Webley’s Omaha, which debuted at Sundance 2025. He also co-starred in Tim Fehlbaum’s September 5, nominated for a Golden Globe, and appears in Paramount+’s The Agency alongside Michael Fassbender. Upcoming projects include Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride! and Kelly Reichardt’s The Mastermind, marking their third collaboration following First Cow and Showing Up. Magaro’s earlier credits include Past Lives, Laroy, Texas, The Many Saints of Newark, The Big Short, Overlord, Marshall, and Unbroken. On television, he’s appeared in The Umbrella Academy, Jack Ryan, and Orange Is the New Black, and on stage in Illyria, The Front Page, and Tigers Be Still.
John Magaro, Actor - Spotlight Acting Tribute (Omaha)
Vic Armstrong is an Academy and BAFTA Award-winning filmmaker, director, and legendary stuntman. He directed Young Indiana Jones, Joshua Tree, Left Behind starring Nicolas Cage, and most recently A Sunday Horse with William Shatner and Linda Hamilton.
Renowned for staging and directing action sequences, his work spans The Mission, multiple James Bond films, The Amazing Spider-Man, Thor, Jack Ryan, and Maze Runner 3. Armstrong gained legendary status as Harrison Ford’s stunt double in the first three Indiana Jones films and has also doubled for Superman and James Bond. His expertise has been sought by directors including Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Martin Scorsese, Paul Verhoeven, and George Lucas. Armstrong’s extensive filmography covers all genres, with credits on Empire of the Sun, Terminator 2, Return of the Jedi, Bladerunner, Gangs of New York, Starship Troopers, and many more.
Vic Armstrong, Lifetime Acheivement Award
rtff 2025 tributes
RTFF 2025 honorees
With over 25 years in Hollywood, Chris O’Hara has quietly shaped action cinema as a stunt designer and 2nd unit director, bringing precision and heart to every project. His work on The Fall Guy (2024) earned a Taurus World Stunt Award for Best 2nd Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble. O’Hara played a key role in advocating for the Academy’s Achievement in Stunt Design category, secured for the 100th Oscars in 2028 for 2027 films, a landmark for the stunt community.
O’Hara’s additional credits include Baby Driver, Jurassic World, The Avengers, Venom, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, Free Guy, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Spider-Man 2, Kill Bill: Vols. 1 & 2, and Fight Club. Doubling for stars like Matt Damon in The Bourne Supremacy and Bradley Cooper in The Hangover series, O’Hara’s collaborative spirit and artistry continue to elevate action storytelling, cementing his legacy as a Hollywood mainstay.
“I’m thrilled and deeply honored to receive the Maverick Stunt Award at the 2025 Round Top Film Festival. I love how this festival embraces independent filmmakers from all walks of life, celebrating diverse voices and bold storytelling. Their recognition of stunt design as a vital part of cinematic artistry is truly significant, and it underscores their commitment to championing innovation and creativity. I’m beyond excited to attend the Round Top Film Festival and be part of this vibrant celebration of cinema.”
Chris O'Hara, Maverick Stunt Award
BIO COMING SOON
John B. Poindexter, Lifetime Legendary Texan Award
Thomas Sadoski is an acclaimed Tony-nominated actor respected for his work across stage, television, and film. Currently playing and winning awards at film festivals across the United States and abroad, Sadoski can be seen in Adult Children. Sadoski both produced the film and stars alongside Betsy Brandt, Mimi Rogers, Aya Cash, and Ella Rubin. He will next begin production on the film Jill Take a Break, starring alongside Cobie Smulders, in addition to serving in a producorial role. Sadoski can also be seen in the film Lilly, about pay equity activist Lilly Ledbetter, in the role of real-life attorney Jon Goldfarb, available to stream now. Other film work includes Devotion, The Mimic, Killing Eleanor, The Last Word, I Smile Back, Wild, John Wick, John Wick: Chapter Two, Take Care, The Dramatics, The New Twenty, Circledrawers, Loser, Happy Hour, Winter Solstice, and hit television series such as The Newsroom and Life in Pieces. In 2009 he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for Neil LaBute’s Reasons to Be Pretty. In 2018 he became a founding Ambassador to War Child USA, and he also serves on the Board of Directors of INARA and the International Advisory Council of Fortify Rights, using his platform to support children and communities affected by human conflict and natural disasters.
Thomas Sadoski, 'Lone Star Storyteller' Tribute
Jared Shaw is a versatile and accomplished creative professional, working as an actor, writer, executive producer, and technical advisor. He recently concluded his most ambitious project yet on Season 2 of The Terminal List: True Believer, where he served as actor, writer, executive producer, and technical advisor. Beyond Terminal List, Jared has appeared on shows such as Lioness (2023), SEAL Team (2018), and The Warfighters (2016–17), among others. On the film side, his credits include The Tomorrow War (2021) as “Tank,” Civil War (2024) in a supporting role, and a range of stunt and technical roles in blockbuster franchises like Jurassic World, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Transformers: The Last Knight. Jared brings a rare blend of creative vision, real-world technical acumen, and deep storytelling instincts to every project. Whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, he’s committed to authenticity, precision, and elevating the narrative impact of his work.
Jared Shaw, Brigands Veteran Award
BIO COMMING SOON.
Lynn Wyatt, Lifetime Achievement Award in Arts and Philanthropy
Paulina Chávez is making waves as one of the breakout stars of Landman, the hit Paramount+ series created by Taylor Sheridan’s 101 Studios (Yellowstone, Lioness, 1923, and more). Set in the high-stakes world of West Texas oil, Landman debuted to audience and critical acclaim in late 2024 and quickly became one of Paramount+’s most-watched series. Starring alongside heavyweights like Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Hamm, and Demi Moore, Paulina shines as Ariana Medina, a resilient young widow navigating life and loss in the oil boomtowns of Texas. Her layered performance has earned praise for its emotional depth and authenticity, marking a powerful next chapter in the rise of this formidable young talent. A proud Mexican-American born in El Paso and raised in San Antonio, Paulina began performing in local theater at just seven years old. She quickly moved from community stages to national screens, gaining early recognition in Netflix’s The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia where she made history as the first Latina lead in a multi-camera Netflix comedy. She later starred as fan-favorite ‘Flora’ in Fate: The Winx Saga. On the big screen, Paulina recently captivated audiences again in Disney+’s 2025 feature Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip opposite Texas-native Eva Longoria and Cheech Marin. Her feature film work includes the award-winning theatrical release of The Long Game (Mucho Mas Media) in 2023, starring native Texan Dennis Quaid, based on a Del Rio-based 1950s era true story. This critically acclaimed film’s production and festival success, premiering at SXSW, made a cultural and cinematic impact, with Paulina’s performance as Daniela Torres solidifying Chávez’s presence on the big screen. Her additional credits include voicing characters in The Casagrandes Movie (Nickelodeon), portraying Young Kim Kardashian in Scandal Made Me Famous, and appearances in short films and regional television. Beyond the screen, Paulina Chávez was also a vocalist and former mariachi violinist, with deep musical roots inspired by artists like Juan Gabriel, Shakira, Selena Quintanilla and Shania Twain. She remains proudly connected to her heritage and hometown of San Antonio, often speaking about the role her South Texas upbringing has played in shaping her values and career. Off-camera, Paulina Chávez is a passionate advocate for the Latinx community. In partnership with The Salvation Army in San Antonio, she founded the “Be Your Own Kind of Genius” scholarship to uplift and inspire young creatives in her hometown.
Paulina Chávez
rtff 2025 RISING STAR Showcase
rtff 2025 RISING STAR Showcase
Greg Tarzan Davis quickly established himself as a highly sought after young actor starring alongside Hollywood’s elite actors. He made his feature film debut in 2019 in the 20th Century Studios’ film The Call of the Wild, alongside Harrison Ford. Davis starred alongside Tom Cruise in Paramount Pictures’ Academy Award Best Picture nominated and global box office hit Top Gun: Maverick. The film, which was also lauded as the 2022 Best Picture by the National Board of Review, included on the 2022 AFI Awards Movies of the Year list, and nominated for a Critics Choice and Golden Globe award, is one of the top ten highest grossing movies of all-time in North America. Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie then cast him in the seventh installment of the global franchise Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning, which was released in July 2023. This summer, he reteamed with Cruise for their third consecutive film together Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Born and raised in New Orleans, Davis was exposed to theatre at a young age when his grandmother took him to local theater productions. He credits his high school teacher for encouraging his desire to pursue his love for acting, which he did in his final years of college, debuting as the lead in the play By The Way, Meet Vera Stark. Davis graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with a degree in Elementary Education and taught first grade in New Orleans for several years, before leaving to pursue his dream of acting. He quickly landed guest-starring roles on Chicago P.D. and All Rise, and went on to recur on Good Trouble and ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. Davis currently lives in Los Angeles.
Greg Tarzan Davis
Jacob Lofland currently stars in Taylor Sheridan's hit Paramount+ series, Landman, opposite Billy Bob Thorton. Most recently, he starred in the Warner Bros. film, Joker 2, opposite Joaquin Phoenix. Previously, he was seen in the independent film 12 Mighty Orphans alongside Luke Wilson and the Blumhouse thriller A House on the Bayou. Prior, Jacob was the lead in the second season of AMC’s The Son, starring opposite Pierce Brosnan in the networks breakout Western series. He debuted in Jeff Nichols' Mud, opposite Matthew McConaughey, which premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival and has since earned a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. He followed that performance with a lead role in Sara Colangelo's Little Accidents, opposite Elizabeth Banks and Boyd Holbrook, which premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. In 2016, Jacob appeared again on the big screen opposite McConaughey in Gary Ross’ Free State of Jones. Lofland went on to play a major leading role in the Maze Runner franchise for Twentieth Century Fox, starring as Aris Jones in the final installation The Death Cure which hit theaters in 2018.
Jacob Lofland
Ayden can currently be seen as the lead in the independent feature Honeyjoon, which won the Untold Stories pitch competition at 2024 Tribeca Festival and recently premiered at the 2025 festival. She can also be seen in Paul Feig’s feature Jackpot, opposite Awkwafina and John Cena streaming on Amazon. She stars in the Peacock series Mr. Throwback, opposite Steph Curry and Adam Pally. Ayden also starred in the feature, Cora Bora, alongside Meg Salter, Manny Jacinto and Heather Morris which premiered at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival and is set to stream on Netflix later this month. She can previously be seen in the Showtime comedy series I Love That For You opposite Vanessa Bayer and Molly Shannon, as well as in the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ comedy The Afterparty opposite Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson, Zoe Chao, and Ike Barinholtz. Mayeri can also be seen in Spin Me Round opposite Alison Brie and Aubrey Plaza. Directed by Jeff Baena and produced by the Duplass brothers, the feature had its world premiere at the 2022 SXSW Film Festival. In 2022, Mayeri starred opposite Jon Hamm in Greg Mottola’s reboot of the cult classic Confess, Fletch, and performed alongside Alison Brie, Jay Ellis, and Kiersey Clemons in the Amazon feature Somebody I Used To Know. Her television credits include Midnight Kiss which was part of Blumhouse TV and Hulu’s horror anthology series Into The Dark, HBO’s VEEP, FOX’s New Girl, and Amazon’s Homecoming. Additionally in film, she previously starred in Netflix’s Alex Strangelove, Lionsgate’s Wander Darkly opposite Sienna Miller and Diego Luna and the independent feature Before You Know It for director Hannah Pearl Utt, the two latter projects both having premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
Ayden Mayeri
Charlie will next be seen playing the young version of George Clooney’s titular character in Noah Baumbach’s next feature film for Netflix Jay Kelly with Adam Sandler. He just wrapped starring in the independent feature Let It Come Down alongside Eliza Scanlen and Edvin Ryding. Charlie started acting at the age of 9, starting out as Billy Costa in Warner Bros’s The Golden Compass with Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman, but is perhaps best known for his roles as Elton John’s A&R exec Ray Williams in Paramount’s Oscar-winning Rocketman opposite Taron Egerton, and as Leo Roth in ABC’s Red Band Society opposite Octavia Spencer. He has gone on to work prolifically and most recently can be seen starring opposite Mark Rylance and Damien Lewis in the Wolfhall follow up, The Mirror And The Light for BBC One and in the third series of Apple TV's smash hit series, Slow Horses.
Charlie Rowe
the magic of RTFF 2025
EXPERIENCE
the Official trailer
CLOSING NIGHT party
RTFF '54
2025
RED CARPET
2025
LEGENDARY LADIES OF TEXAS
2025
farm day
opening night party
round top round up
2025
education screening
FESTIVAL EVENTS + PHOTO LINKS
HIGHLIGHTS
JOIN US THIS YEAR
PASSES
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Exclusive 2026 Festival Luminary Early Bird Pricing
LUminary Pass
PASSES
For our Film Lovers. Enjoy 4 days of film screenings, panels & tribute events, as well as intermissions with talented and diverse entertainment. Food & beverages will be available for purchase.
$375
Exclusive 2026 Festival Silver Screen Early Bird Pricing
SILVER SCREEN PASS
JOIN US THIS YEAR
PASSES
Upgrade to the all-access pass. Enjoy all the benefits of the Silver Screen Pass, plus VIP access to the opening and closing night parties!
$575
Exclusive 2025 Festival Luminary
Early Bird Pricing
LUminary Screen Pass
PASSES
For our Film Lovers. Enjoy 4 days of film screenings, panels & tribute events, as well as intermissions with talented and diverse entertainment. Food & beverages will be available for purchase.
$300
Exclusive 2025 Festival Silver Screen Early Bird Pricing
SILVER SCREEN PASS
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