Endora Film Fest returns to Caldwell County

Special to the LPR

Caldwell County’s fourth annual festival of new, independent cinema returns this weekend with a free screening in Martindale on Friday as well as a day of programming in Lockhart on Sunday, culminating with a special 30th anniversary screening of “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” at 7 p.m. — the epic drama starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp, filmed in Lockhart.

Endora Film Fest takes its name from the classic star-studded drama. Endora is Lockhart’s fictitious name in the film.

The festival, which is chiefly sponsored by the Caldwell County Community Services Foundation, kicks off Friday, Nov 3, at 7 p.m. in Martindale at the courtyard across the street from Martindale River Café. The films will be introduced by Sonja Villalobos, Mayor Pro Tem of Martindale, who will discuss the city’s Dark Sky Ordinance.

The new documentary “The Stars at Night” — chronicling the mythology and science of the night sky – will play at sundown, followed by Q&A with Director Betty Buckley.

On Sunday, Nov 5, Endora Film Fest transpires in downtown Lockhart’s Gaslight-Baker Theatre with a mix of new short films, documentaries and creative narratives. 

A few highlights include:

10 a.m. – “Two Birds & A Stone.” A teen battles his mental health on 420, while a cop embarks on a journey of his past that will impact the young man’s future.

Noon – “Raúlrsalinas and the Poetry of Liberation: Un Trip”

Co-directors Anne Lewis and Laura Varela present their new film on the life of the legendary Texan Chicano poet and activist, Raúl Salinas, in a screening made free to the community courtesy sponsorship form the Summerlee Foundation.

2 p.m. — Lone Star Showcase

A diverse compilation of recently made short films from Texas filmmakers, especially stemming from Austin, followed by Q&A with the creators.

4:30 p.m. – “Wheel of Heaven”

A surreal, layered, art-school narrative from Louisiana that probes themes of divinity and predatory relationships.

A day pass for Sunday’s programming — as many screenings as one cares to watch — only costs $10 and benefits the nonprofit festival. A full schedule and link to purchase tickets is available at www.EndoraFilmFest.org