Founded by Shanna Schanen and Skylar Schanen, a dynamic mother-daughter duo, the Round Top Film Festival embodies the spirit of creativity, education, and community enrichment. Our roots run deep in Round Top, Texas, where we've witnessed its evolution from a quiet retreat to a vibrant hub. We're proud to contribute to its cultural growth while celebrating and preserving its unique charm.
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Our passionate, women-led team is dedicated to bringing the excitement of the film industry to our community. Through film screenings, workshops, and events, we aim to educate and inspire the next generation of filmmakers, celebrating the diverse avenues within the art of filmmaking and the beauty of Round Top, Texas. 

THE FACES OF RTFF

SHANNA SCHANEN  + SKYLAR SCHANEN

SHANNA SCHANEN  + SKYLAR SCHANEN

MEET THE TEAM behind RTFF

CO - FOUNDERS

Our commitment is to empower aspiring filmmakers by providing access to film education resources and career development support. Through seminars, camps, scholarships and our annual film festival, we aim to cultivate talent, foster creativity, and create pathways for success in the dynamic world of film.


The Round Top Film Festival (RTFF) is committed to enriching our community through the power of film and the arts. Our mission is to ignite creativity, encourage learning, and provide a magical cultural experience that leaves audiences inspired. We are dedicated to curating a program that includes the best films from around the world for a unique, sophisticated, distinct audience, creating opportunities for open dialogue, appreciation, and the celebration of diverse voices of cinema.


CLIENTS HAVE BEEN TRUSTING US WITH THEIR BRANDS SINCE 2015

from our founders

A message

VISION

MISSION

Rob is a proud native Texan and has lived his entire life in Texas. He met the love of his life, Shanna, and they married in 1995. In 2000, Rob and Shanna welcomed their daughter, Skylar, into the world. Skylar led them into the world of dance, singing, and acting. Rob enjoys golf, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family, as well as entertaining friends at their farm in Round Top. He is very proud of Shanna and Skylar for their hard work in bringing RTFF to Round Top and is excited about what the festival will bring to the community and surrounding areas.


Development director

Rob Schanen

Skylar Schanen’s filmmaking journey began at 17 when her screenplay SPACE CASE caught the attention of filmmaker Zack Scott. The film went on to achieve significant success on the festival circuit, setting the stage for her burgeoning career. She honed her craft at Chapman University’s renowned Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, where she also acted in THE SECRET OF SINCHANEE and directed two short films, ANGEL and DEEP DOWN. In 2024, Skylar co-founded the Round Top Film Festival with her mother, Shanna Schanen, further solidifying her presence in the industry. She continues to develop the festival while actively writing new screenplays, pushing the boundaries of her creative vision.


co-Founder & Festival Executive creative producer

Skylar Schanen

Shanna Schanen, originally from La Grange, Texas, and deeply tied to Round Top, has a diverse background that enriches her commitment to community engagement and providing platforms for the arts to flourish. Shanna dedicated herself to her family while channeling her energy into numerous fundraising events. Her passion for philanthropy led her to serve as President of the Board at Uptown Dance and holding leadership roles in the National Charity League, where she spearheaded a multitude of charitable galas, educational events, and kid clubs. In 2024, Shanna co-founded the Round Top Film Festival alongside her daughter, Skylar Schanen, melding her love for film with her dedication to fostering artistic expression and community enrichment.


CO-FOunder & Festival executive Producer

Shanna Schanen

WILL BRITTAIN, Actor, "Everybody wants some!!"

I think this is the new Telluride of the South, happening right now.

“I think this is the new Telluride of the South, happening right now.”

VIRGINIA MADSEN, ACTRESS, "SHEEPDOg"

 We are all gonna be here next year, right?!
This place is almost like it’s not even real. It’s so beautiful.

 “We are all gonna be
here next year, right?!"

LILLI KAY,  Actress + Rising Star Honoree

I'm really excited. I feel like it's a special gift to be in a film space that is created by women. This is really amazing.

"I feel like it's a special gift to be in
 a film space that is created by women."

Marie botha,  ACTRESS  + Rising Star Honoree

It’s like the coolest place. I didn’t know any place like this existed. I mean it’s a dream, really. For me, coming from South Africa, being here, like at the core of country, it’s such a dream.

"I didn’t know any place like this existed.
 I mean it’s a dream, really."

VONDIE CURTIS-HALL, actor  "Sheepdog"

I got to sit on a longhorn today...I love this one, I love the vibe of it. I’ve been to Sundance, I’ve been to Cannes, I’ve been to Toronto...I feel this is really like a hometown, cozy, everybody-knows-everybody festival. It’s a completely different vibe, I really love it.

"It’s a completely different vibe,
 I really love it.”

DEEP WATER PRODUCTIONS

What a fantastic time at Round Top Film Festival. Everything was extremely well organized with people who are serious about the industry. For a first year festival, it brought in top talent from around the country. I will definitely be back!


"What a fantastic time at Round Top Film Festival."

CHRISTIAN WALLACE, AWard winning writer,  "Landman"

I’m very excited about what our cast and crew have done with Landman. And, to get to share it at this festival, it’s a huge honor.

"to get to share it at this festival,
it’s a huge honor."

sasha lane, actress + rising star honoree

It’s great to have a first, so this is the first of Round Top Film Festival, and I think that’s something really unique. It’ll be cool to think back in like 10 years, and think ‘oh, we were at the first one’ and see how far it’s come and grown.

"It’ll be cool to think back in like 10 years, and think ‘oh, we were at the first one’"

matt dallas, actor, "Sheepdog"

The crowd has been amazing. Round Top is... there’s nothing like it, the excitement, the buzz, the synergy. To be here in Round Top, tonight, screening the film in Round Top, is really a dream come true.

"Round Top is... there’s nothing like it, the excitement, the buzz, the synergy."

James Portolese, producer + juror

The Round Top Film Festival is on its way to being a premiere festival in the country and I can't wait to come back next year! I fell in love with the town, the people and the especially the festival and will gladly sing its praises to every filmmaker I know.

"The Round Top Film Festival is on its way to being a premiere festival in the country"

SHANNA SCHANEN

SKYLAR SCHANEN

Susan Ashcroft

SHONNERY PETTIT

  Nancy Worthington-Broyles
 
Rob Schanen

Tanya Ruby

BRIAN BECKER

Tracey marshall

BOARD of
DIRECTORS

William Broyles Jr.

Gerry Byrne

RJ CASEY

Camille Chambers

Joe Newcomb

BUDDY QUAID

Joe Rosenberg

TOM STRUTHERS

ADVISORY
BOARD

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