ATTENDING THE 2026 FESTIVAL
Special Guests
Singer-songwriter round
Singer/songwriter round
Round Top Film Festival (RTFF), the annual celebration of independent film, storytelling and community in Round Top, Texas, is expanding its programming in 2026 with the launch of its first official music programming, presented in partnership with Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe and Vinyll Studios. On Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, festival attendees will experience a special screening of SONGWRITER, an original documentary series created and produced by Vinyll Studios, featuring the episode Shane McAnally: “Merry Go Round.” Following the screening, an intimate songwriter round will feature four-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Shane McAnally, two-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter Josh Osborne, and an additional Grammy Award-winning songwriter to be announced in the coming weeks. The collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for the festival, bringing together the worlds of film and music through one of Nashville's most celebrated music institutions.
** Tickets are limited, and not included with Passholder benefits.
Just named one of the 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters by the New York Times and the #2 Billboard Charting Country Songwriter of All Time by Record Research, Shane McAnally has written and/or produced over 50 number one songs, garnered four Grammy Award wins, been nominated for more CMA Awards than any other songwriter in history, and been named ACM’s Songwriter of the Year twice. Shane has worked alongside everyone from Sam Hunt to Kacey Musgraves to Niall Horan to Kelly Clarkson and received Billboard’s Trailblazer Award for his work both in country music and in championing voices in the LGBTQ community. In 2023, McAnally brought the Tony Award-winning musical Shucked to Broadway – a production he wrote the music and lyrics for with collaborator Brandy Clark. Shucked was nominated for 9 Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album during the 2023 season. McAnally has made a career out of unforgettable storytelling. Now, he’s taking that same wit and heart from the writer’s room to the stage. He has sold out shows in major cities, including Los Angeles, New York City and Nashville with his latest venture in stand-up comedy. Shane McAnally proves that great storytelling – whether in song or comedy – always hits.
Shane McAnally
Bio Coming Soon.
Josh Osborne
FIND YOUR VOICE - ROGER LOVE
FIND YOUR VOICE - ROGER LOVE
Alex, a lifelong stutterer, struggles with his identity, career, and sense of self. Being told since childhood that his stutter was permanent, he tries his whole life to live around it. He meets legendary voice coach Roger Love, who believes that no one is stuck with a voice they don't love. We follow Alex as he challenges decades of fear and silence to discover what happens when someone dares to believe they were never broken.
Roger Love Tribute and Conversation
Directors: Eric Chase, Nick Daley
Roger Love is recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on voice and the most commercially successful vocal coach in history across both speaking and singing. Over the course of his career, Roger vocally produced more than 150 million units in worldwide sales, authored bestselling books and training programs, and coached some of the biggest names in entertainment and business.
His Academy Award-winning film coaching work includes Walk the Line, Crazy Heart, and A Star Is Born. Roger has coached some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Bradley Cooper, Joaquin Phoenix, Angelina Jolie, Tom Brady, Zoe Saldaña, Jennifer Aniston, Keira Knightley, John Mayer, Jon Bon Jovi, Paul Simon, Gwen Stefani, Selena Gomez, Tyra Banks, Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Maroon 5, and The Beach Boys, while also advising influential leaders and organizations, including Tony Robbins, Simon Sinek, Forbes, JPMorgan, and Fortune 500 companies worldwide.
Roger Love
RTFF Rising Star Showcase
RTFF Rising Star Showcase
Step into the spotlight with Hollywood’s Next Generation. This special showcase features a handpicked group of young actors whose recent roles are turning heads and building momentum. Join us for an intimate, moderated conversation as they reflect on the roles that put them on the map, the transitions they're navigating, and the path ahead. With talent, charisma, and undeniable presence, these rising stars are well on their way to becoming household names- and you’ll be able to say you saw them when they were just getting started.
Nolan Almeida can currently be seen opposite Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson in Apple TV’s comedy BROTHERS, which premiered September 23rd. The 8-episode series follows McConaughey and Harrelson playing fictionalized versions of themselves. Nolan plays Matthew McConaughey’s son, navigating family dynamics and a new crush. Nolan is an Orange County native who made his professional theatre debut at age fifteen in the musical, NEWSIES. A role he recently returned in a Summer 2026 production at The MUNY. While still in high school, he traveled to Los Angeles for an audition that landed him the lead role of Peter Pan in the musical’s national tour, taking him all over the country. He performed over 350 performances in more than 35 cities across North America, and was the first male actor to play the role following the footsteps of Mary Martin, Sandy Duncan and Cathy Rigby.
Nolan Almeida
Bio Coming Soon.
Alex Fitzalan
Felice Kakaletris is a rising young actor and singer making her feature film lead debut as Rose in Rain Reign, starring opposite Paul Rudd, Jeremy Sisto, Gretchen Mol, and Mary Stuart Masterson. Performing since the age of 8, her previous screen credits include Molly in NBC’s Annie Live!, as well as roles in The Crowded Room (2023), Schmigadoon! (2022), The Sisters Karras(2023), and The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo (2021). In addition to acting, Felice is also a passionate vocalist and performer. She is represented by David Doan at CESD, Mallory Levy at DDO, and manager Taylor Bright at Thruline Entertainment.
Felice Kakaletris
Jasper Jones is an actor who was born and raised in Austin, Texas. He can now be seen starring in Amazon MGM's series, NEAGLEY, a spinoff of the massive hit JACK REACHER, that has now been renewed for Season 2. Recently, Jasper had a breakout supporting role opposite James Badge Dale in KING IVORY, which screened at the Venice Film Festival in 2024. Jasper has a background in sports, soccer being his main passion before acting
Jasper Jones
Bio Coming Soon.
Kiana Madeira
Gregg Sulkin is a British actor and producer whose career spans film and television across the UK and United States. He is best known for his roles in Marvel’s Runaways, Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place, Netflix’s Pretty Smart, and the BBC’s World on Fire. His recent work includes Hulu’s The Kollective and Tyler Perry’s Netflix film The Six Triple Eight, alongside Kerry Washington and Oprah Winfrey. He also stars in Crawlers, the Thunder Road-produced horror film scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release in October 2026, and will next appear in the BBC/PBS period drama The Forsytes. Expanding his work behind the camera, Sulkin is also an executive producer on Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of The Devouring Gray.
Gregg Sulkin
Giovanni M. Porta is an award-winning screenwriter and producer, and the only screenwriter to sell two feature spec scripts in 2024. His college comedy, Queen B, is shooting this spring for Netflix, with casting underway, and Phantom is set up at Disney with legendary director Kenny Ortega attached to direct. Both sales were reported by Deadline Hollywood. He continued that momentum this year, selling two more spec scripts, one to Netflix and another to Angel Studios. Porta is also the writer and executive producer of Paramount+’s At Midnight, starring Oscar Nominee, Monica Barbaro, Whitney Cummings, and Anders Holm.
Giovanni M. Porta | Moderator
From Page To screen
From Page to Screen
How does a great book become a compelling television series? This panel takes audiences behind the scenes of the journey from page to screen. Using Long Bright River as a real-world case study, showrunner Nikki Toscano and editor Matt Barber will explore the creative challenges of adaptation: what stays, what changes, and how story, character, and pacing evolve from the writer's room through production and the editing process. Joining them will be a literary agent who specializes in bringing books to film and television, offering insight into how stories are discovered, sold, and developed for the screen.
Bio Coming Soon.
Matthew Barber
Matthew Barber
Bio Coming Soon.
Nikki Toscano
Nikki Toscano
Leslie Zemeckis is a best-selling author, actress, and award-winning documentarian whose acclaimed films include Behind the Burly Q and Bound by Flesh. She has written three best-selling books on burlesque and iconic showgirls, and has acted opposite stars such as Tom Hanks and Colin Firth. A writer and speaker dedicated to preserving women’s stories, she founded the mentorship program Stories Matter, delivered the TEDx talk Forgotten to Forever and in 2023 was honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for her work celebrating women’s independence and agency. She is also the co-founder of the Santa Barbara Literary Festival.
Leslie Zemeckis | Moderator
Leslie Zemeckis | Moderator
From Combat to Camera: Veteran Voices in Film
From Combat to Camera: Veteran Voices in Film
This powerful panel explores the journey of military veterans who have transitioned from active service to active storytelling- finding purpose, expression, and community in a new kind of mission. From the battlefield to the backlot, the shared values of discipline, trust, and teamwork create a natural bridge, and sense of camaraderie, between military units and film crews. Hear from veteran filmmakers, writers, and actors who are redefining the narrative by not just telling war stories, but telling their stories. This conversation will explore how the film industry can become a meaningful next chapter for veterans, the challenges and triumphs of translating military experience into creative careers, and why honoring these voices matters now more than ever.
Bio Coming Soon.
Nate Boyer
Bio Coming Soon.
Jack Carr
RJ Casey brings decades of special operations experience from the Department of Defense and other government agencies with combat tours on four continents. He has worked in various roles on major films including Christopher Nolan’s Inception, Dark Knight Rises, and Dunkirk. RJ also worked on Netflix’s Extraction 2, where he not only was the rescue coordinator, but was part of the stunt team that executed a daring helicopter-to-moving-train jump at over 50 mph without CGI, blue screen, or safety wires. Over the years, he has been an actor, stuntman, aerial safety coordinator, consulted on scripts, and more. RJ has multiple wins and nominations from the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Stunt Ensemble in Motion Pictures, a Taurus World Stunt Award nomination for Best Specialty Stunt, and won the RTFF’s first Maverick Stunt Award last year. Today, his collaborative approach with multiple departments continues to blend art and science delivering creativity, technical expertise, safety, and intensity during every project. All while championing his fellow veterans in the business, RJ is honored to moderate this panel and be part of the entertainment industry!
RJ Casey
Bio Coming Soon.
Randy Couture
Bio Coming Soon.
Matt Westbrook
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 | Moderator
Danger by design: Film & TV Stunt Designers in Conversation
Danger by design: Film & TV Stunt Designers in Conversation
Dive headfirst into the adrenaline-charged world of stunt design with an engaging panel that blends artistry, advocacy, and insider insights. Bringing together some of today’s most innovative stunt designers, this conversation traces the craft’s journey from early cinematic daredevils to today’s painstaking choreography; and its long fight for overdue Academy recognition. Panelists will unpack the day-to-day challenges of designing action, the hurdles performers face on set, and the growing influence of stunt designers stepping behind the camera. Featuring personal anecdotes and opportunities for audience interaction, this dynamic session promises a lively, action-packed discussion that both entertains and educates.
Stunt designer, stunt coordinator, stunt performer. My movie career started at an early age. My father was the stunt coordinator on a film and they needed a young girl to ride a pony. Cut to over 60 years later and I have just finished working on the latest production of the Mummy. During my 60 years in show biz I've worked on so many big productions from the original Indiana Jones Trilogy through to Digger with Tom Cruise which has just been released. I've stunt doubled women from Queen Elizabeth II to Sharon Stone all whilst raising a family and running a home.
Wendy Armstrong
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
Bio Coming Soon.
Jodi Caseres
Tyler Galpin is a Stunt Coordinator and 2nd Unit Director with nearly two decades of experience creating action for film and television. A second-generation stunt professional, Tyler grew up in the industry and has spent his career learning how to build action from both sides of the camera.
His work spans more than 100 film and television productions. As a Stunt Coordinator and 2nd Unit Director, Tyler approaches action as an extension of storytelling. From the earliest stages of designing a sequence through rehearsals, camera placement, performance, and final execution, his focus is creating action that feels motivated by character rather than action for action's sake. Tyler is a member of the Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures and continues to work as a Stunt Coordinator and 2nd Unit Director, bringing together the worlds of stunt performance, filmmaking, and action design to create sequences that move the story forward.
Tyler Galpin
Bio Coming Soon.
Toby Holguin
Bio Coming Soon.
Greg Powell
Bio Coming Soon.
Melissa Stubbs
Who, What, Wear: The Importance of Costume Design and Storytelling
Who, What, Wear: The Importance of Costume
Design and Storytelling
Costume design is one of the most powerful forms of visual storytelling in film and television. Long before a character speaks, what they wear can tell us who they are, where they come from, what they desire—and sometimes who they hope to become. Part artist, part historian and part storyteller, the costume designer works closely with directors, actors and production designers to create a visual language that helps define both character and world. This conversation will explore how costume can reveal character, establish a time and place, influence popular culture and, at its best, become an unforgettable part of the story itself.
Bio Coming Soon.
Janie Bryant
Bio Coming Soon.
Carol Cutshall
Bio Coming Soon.
Sophie de Rakoff
John W. Glaser III is an Emmy-winning Costume Designer with a career spanning theatre, television, and film. Based in New York, he is best known for his work on Netflix’s Bridgerton, where he fuses Regency-era elegance with modern aesthetics to create bold, character-driven costumes. His extensive portfolio includes Gotham, Still Star-Crossed and Person of Interest. Drawing on theatrical roots, Glaser’s designs - like Penelope Featherington’s Old Hollywood-inspired makeover - emphasize storytelling through style. His work has earned industry acclaim, including a nomination from the Costume Designers Guild and an Emmy win for his work on Bridgerton season 3. He is currently nominated for another Emmy for his work on Bridgerton season 4.
John Glaser
Setting the Scene: The Craft of Production
Setting the Scene: The Craft of Production
The production designer is one of the principal architects of that world, working with the director to establish the visual language of a film: its environments, architecture, sets, locations, colors, textures and overall atmosphere. This conversation brings together four extraordinary artists who will explore what goes into designing a film—from the earliest conversations with a director to collaboration between departments that shape the visual identity of a film. Take a rare look behind what audiences ultimately experience on screen, and at the extraordinary artistry involved in creating not simply how a movie looks, but how it feels.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, David received his undergraduate degree from San Francisco State University, and graduate degree from 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 Gropman
Bio Coming Soon.
Karen Schulz Gropman
Bio Coming Soon.
Wynn Thomas
Meryl Poster is an award-winning producer and media executive with a career spanning film, television, and digital media. She served as co-president of production at Miramax, overseeing films like Chicago, Chocolat, and Good Will Hunting. she founded Superb Entertainment, developing projects including Las Hermanas and The Mosquito Supper Club Cookbook. She has produced TV shows such as Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce and Project Runway All Stars, as well as the Ambie-nominated podcast Call Your Grandmother. Known for her collaborative leadership, she continues to create innovative content across platforms.
Meryl Poster | Moderator
Made in Texas - The Story Behind Mattress Mack
Made in Texas - The Story Behind Mattress Mack
Go behind the scenes of Mattress Mack, the inspiring true story of Houston icon Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale. Join the filmmakers and cast as they explore bringing this beloved Texas entrepreneur’s remarkable life and deeply personal family story to the screen. From adapting real-life events to filming in Texas, the conversation will highlight the creative process, performances, and collaboration behind the film. Discover how this powerful story celebrates resilience, compassion, family, and the enduring Texas spirit.
Bio Coming Soon.
Dianna Agron
Bio Coming Soon.
Shane Andries
Bio Coming Soon.
Christian Sosa
Bio Coming Soon.
Billy Magnussen
Bio Coming Soon.
Richard Gladstein
FESTIVAL JURY
Bio Coming Soon.
Catherine Hardwick
Martin C. Jones is a 2x Emmy® Award-nominated producer, creative strategist, and former Head of Austin Studios. Founder of Day For Night Entertainment, Jones has produced independent films, television, music videos, and award-winning shorts while building platforms that champion filmmakers and connect their work with audiences. In 2026, he launched Release Producer™ (releaseproducer.com), a new professional practice focused on producing the critical path from finished film to audience—from positioning and packaging through launch and monetization. He is also founder of Black Film Geniuses and an active mentor, speaker, and advocate for independent filmmakers and the future of independent film.
Martin Jones
Bio Coming Soon.
Theo Rossi
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