On April 1st, I attended the 10th Annual Water, Texas Film Festival, hosted by the Texas Water Foundation at AFS Cinema here in Austin. It was an evening filled with stunning visuals, personal stories, and powerful reminders of just how deeply water is woven into the fabric of Texas life. From the Hill Country springs to the Gulf Coast bays, water isn’t just a resource here—it’s a part of who we are.
The festival showcased a lineup of short films, each capturing water’s role in Texas through a different lens. Some focused on environmental issues, others celebrated the cultural or recreational connections we have with water. But all of them shared a common thread: water matters, and the way we talk about it matters just as much. It was a compelling showcase of the way storytelling can elevate conservation—and bring people together.
One of the highlights of the night was the exclusive preview of Life on the Wild Neches River, a documentary exploring the beauty, biodiversity, and cultural significance of the Neches River in East Texas. The film was created by Ellen Temple and Curtis Craven, with contributions from Ron Kabele and Thad Sitton. The documentary preview offered a heartfelt and visually rich tribute to the people and ecosystems that call the river home. Following the screening, the filmmakers took part in a panel discussion that added even more depth, sharing insights into the creative process and the personal stories that shaped the film.
I wasn’t just there for the films—I was also there to connect. As someone exploring new career paths in the environmental and communications space, I’m always looking for opportunities to meet like-minded “green” professionals and organizations. Events like this are great not just for inspiration, but for networking with people who are working at the intersection of storytelling and sustainability.
What struck me most was how many different backgrounds were represented—filmmakers, scientists, water policy advocates, nonprofit leaders, and community organizers—all coming together around a shared appreciation for this vital resource. It reminded me that environmental communication doesn’t have to follow one formula. It can take shape as a policy campaign, a documentary, a grassroots project, or a simple, powerful short film.
See the list of winners below, selected by TWF Board Member and AFS Founder Richard Linklater.
- Documentary: Floodplain by Tapi Studio
- Narrative/Art: A Texas Mermaid Movie by John David De Virgiliis
- Film about a Water Organization: The Science of Restoration by Harte Research Institute
- Under 18 Filmmaker: Know Before You Go by Dominic Jin
If you’ve never been to the Water, Texas Film Festival, I highly recommend keeping it on your radar. It’s not just for filmmakers or environmentalists—it’s for anyone who’s ever been moved by a river, a rainstorm, or a memory tied to water. And if you’re like me—navigating your next professional chapter—it’s also a great place to find your people.
Because at the end of the day, water isn’t just life. It’s tied to stories, connections, and potential.
