El Paso Film Festival Brings Star-Studded Lineup To The Sun City

The El Paso Film Festival is back, and this year’s lineup of guest speakers is one of the most exciting yet. Fans of independent film and Hollywood blockbusters alike will have plenty of reasons to grab a seat at the table.

Yes, Kevin Smith is coming, the legendary filmmaker behind Clerks, Dogma, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. But he is not the only big name attendees will want to hear from. The spotlight this year also belongs to a trio of powerhouse voices who each bring something very different to the conversation.

READ MORE: HOLLYWOODS INDIE DARLING, KEVIN SMITH, COMING TO EP

Lloyd Kaufman: The King of Cult Cinema

Lloyd Kaufman is a living legend of independent filmmaking. As co-founder of Troma Entertainment, he gave the world The Toxic Avenger and an entire universe of outrageous, unapologetic cult classics. His career has inspired countless filmmakers to embrace the weird, the bold, and the subversive. At EPFF, Kaufman will share his decades of experience pushing boundaries and creating art that refuses to play by Hollywood’s rules.

Elizabeth Avellán: Building Texas Film Powerhouses

Elizabeth Avellán has helped shape the Texas film landscape more than just about anyone. As co-owner and Vice President of Troublemaker Studios, the production company founded with director Robert Rodriguez, she has overseen films that grossed over a billion dollars at the box office. More importantly, she has been a driving force in making Austin one of the premier filmmaking hubs in the country. At the festival, Avellán’s perspective on producing, building community, and creating opportunity for storytellers is essential for anyone dreaming of strengthening El Paso’s own film industry.

READ MORE: DIRECTORS THAT SHAPED THE TEXAS FILM LANDSCAPE

Adrianne Palicki: From Friday Night Lights to Hollywood Blockbusters

Adrianne Palicki is no stranger to the big screen. She broke through as a series regular on Friday Night Lights before landing roles in massive films like Legion, Red Dawn, and G.I. Joe: Retaliation. She has also carved out a reputation as a versatile performer who thrives in action, drama, and genre television. Palicki’s career path is proof of the range and resilience it takes to succeed in Hollywood, and her insight is sure to resonate with actors, writers, and fans alike.

More Guest Speakers at the El Paso Film Festival

In addition to Smith, Kaufman, Avellán, and Palicki, the festival will also feature an impressive list of guest speakers!

Not just members of Hollywood, but also some of those homegrown filmmakers we know and love from right here in El Paso that have been making waves. Expect members of El Pasos own Tower Productions team such as director Carlos M. De La Torre as well as locals like the Sun City Sweetheart herself, Stephanie Valle, or El Pasos own Film Commissioner, Drew Mayer-Oakes!

Check out the full list here or go to the site and get some more details on all of the amazing guests coming to The El Paso Film Festival this year:

• Ellar Coltrane – Actor (Boyhood, The Circle)

• Jessica Meraz – Actress (Supergirl)

• Kevin Ford – Documentary Filmmaker (The Bomb)

• Evan Miller – Writer and Director

• Emilio Garcia-Sanchez – Actor and Writer (The Society, Star Wars: The Bad Batch)

• Jeni Robins – Comedian and Actress

• Drew Mayer-Oakes – El Paso Film Commissioner

• Jennifer Kuczaj – Producer (Transpecos)

• Zach Passero – Director, Editor and Animator

• Carlos M. De La Torre – Writer and Director

• Tyler Russell – Writer, Director and Producer

• Hope Martinez – Writer and Director (Open Eye Films)

• Abe Bueno-Jallad – Actor

• Stephanie Valle – Journalist and Host of Borderland Crimes Podcast

• Walter Perez – Actor

• Charles Horak – Producer and Radio Personality

• Abel Rodriguez – Publicist and Content Acquisition

• Christian Moldes – Writer, Director and Actor

• Julia Barnett – Producer and Actor

• Ya’Ke Smith – Filmmaker

• Mindy Raymond – Producer and Actor

• Richard Dane Scott – Writer, Producer and Actor

• April Sánchez – Screenwriter

• Kenneth Castillo – Filmmaker and Author

• Buddy Calvo – Producer and Director

• Rafael Prieto – Writer and Director

• Alecs Roman – Writer and Director

• Ulises Cordova – Director, Cinematographer and Colorist

• Hunter George – Producer and Music Supervisor

• Elliott Hinojos – Writer, Editor and Director

With names ranging from Hollywood veterans to El Paso’s homegrown talent, this year’s El Paso Film Festival is shaping up to be a can’t-miss celebration of storytelling on every level.

Join The 2025 El Paso Film Festival from Thursday, Sept. 25th to Saturday Sept. 27th!