Film Festival FAQ

The Waco Independent ilm Festival is in person July 17-20, 2024 in Waco, TX. A full schedule of films, parties and panels, plus locations will be updated on the ticketing page. Check the link on the top right corner of the page.

All sorts of people! We’re open to the public, and filmmakers come from all over the world to share their work with you.

You’ll see all film genres: comedy, drama, horror, thriller, documentary, animation, and more. We have feature length films, short films, music videos and even screenplay readings.

We share stories that grab hold of us and won’t let go.

These films come from Texas and around the world.

Independent means they’re not created by the big studios. These are films made by passionate independent storytellers.

No, you can buy tickets for just one film block (we call them mixtapes). Check the schedule to see what time works best for you. Click the block to buy tickets. You can also save a little $$ by purchasing a Six Pack of Tickets. Or get access to everything with the VIP Pass.

Short films are… well, short. Usually about 10-15 minutes long. And what makes them great is that there are no rules. Filmmakers can experiment, unburdened by a complicated story or a daunting budget. Short films are where the audience can most live in the moment.

We create a “mixtape” of shorts films - about 90 minutes of short movies centered around a theme.

We group short films together through a common theme. Most films are 10-15 minutes long, and each block lasts from 90 minutes to 2 hours - just like most full-length movies. Mixtapes will have funny films, serious films and everything between.

Usually there’s a family friendly block, a horror block, a block of raunchy rom-coms, and a weird and wild block. Plus, there are new blocks with new themes every year.

It’s a common question. A festival can be intimidating, but this is accessible, interesting, and meaningful storytelling. And part of the fun is sharing with other people what you thought of the films!

Yes, you can buy tickets at the theater, but some screenings may sell out.

Access to all film blocks, all educational sessions, and all receptions and parties. A VIP pass includes a free drink at each party, a free t-shirt, and a free festival swag bag. Good for every day of the festival, July 18-21 plus you get free access to stream our online encore July 21-27 to catch any film you missed in the theater.

No. If you need to leave the theater you can, but some say the Q&A’s are the best part!

We have a marked specific films as family-friendly. Our other film blocks are individually rated: “Parental Guidance Suggested” and “Mature Audiences”

Yes! You can put it on your calendar - we host an after party each evening and there are educational sessions throughout. Specific times and locations will get updated on the schedule. PS - We are famous for our awesome parties!

Yes! Get more info here.

Snacks will be available at the theater. But there are also a number of restuarants within walking distance, including Union Hall Food Court just 1 block away.

We need folks to scan tickets, help set up venues, clean up at parties, cmove boxes and more! Check out of volunteer page for a list of roles and times.

There is lots of free street parking on Austin Avenue, Washington Avenue, 7th Street and 8th Street. There is paid parking behind the Hippodrome. FREE PARKING available behind the Grand Masonic Lodge on Columbus. You can park there and take the festival shuttle to the other locations.

No problem! Send us an email: info@wacoindie.com

Researchers at Cornell determined that a woodchuck could chuck about 700 pounds. “Compared to beavers, groundhogs/woodchucks are not adept at moving timber, although some will chew wood. A wildlife biologist once measured the inside volume of a typical woodchuck burrow and estimated that — if wood filled the hole instead of dirt — the industrious animal would have chucked about 700 pounds’ worth.”