Wimberley Film Festival brings attendees closer to nature with screenings under the stars

Combining film, music and outdoor recreation, the second annual Wimberley Film Festival is slated to kick off April 12 at Blue Hole Regional Park.

Festival co-founder Riley Engemoen says he wanted to bring something new to Wimberley – a small town that he says boasts a large artistic community.

“I wanted to bring some cinema to the small town,” Engemoen said. “You know, we don’t even have a movie theater or anything anymore. So, yeah, I wanted to shine a light on the arts, nature and film.”

The event is hosted by Engemoen’s production company, Netta Lou Creative, as well as Wimberley Parks and Recreation.

Engemoen says this year’s crop of films are mainly documentaries, with a little bit of animation thrown in. Most are from Texas, and many feature eccentric characters or boast themes centered on nature and the outdoors.

One Engemoen is particularly excited about is “Strong Grandma,” about an elderly woman’s journey to become a bodybuilder. Another is “Down Home,” a documentary Engemoen co-directed that focuses on a summer camp in Elgin for folks with disabilities.

“It’s super fun and lighthearted, and it just follows our main character Ian as he goes through his entire week at summer camp,” Engemoen said.

The festival takes place outdoors at Blue Hole Regional Park, a spring-fed swimming area. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a swimsuit.

The band All My Groovy Friends will provide tunes with the film screenings beginning once the sun sets.

“This event is just a super relaxed event,” Engemoen said.

The film fest will also raise money for the Watershed Association. The nonprofit focuses on preserving and keeping fresh the waters of Jacob’s Well and Cypress Creek.

While this is only the second installment of the film festival, Engemoen says he looks forward to keeping the event going for years to come.

“I think we’re gonna try to keep this going for as long as we can,” he said. “It’s definitely a lot of work, but I think it’s something we believe in and we just wanna give back to the local community and provide something fun for everybody to gather for.”

Advance tickets to the Wimberley Film Festival are on sale for $20. Children 10 and under can attend for free.

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