Enriching our community through the art and business of Independent film.

The Heart of Texas Film Society is a 501(c)(3) non profit corporation. We are a completely volunteer staff who seeks to improve our community through film. Find out more about our year round programming below…

Waco INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL

ANNUAL FESTIVAL IN JULY

Consistently ranking in FilmFreeway’s Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals in the World, Waco Independent Film Festival (WacoIndie) brings our Central Texas community together through independent film. Established in 2016, we engage audiences with films from major festivals and Texas talent. We believe that engaging community with new viewpoints and stories make us all more understanding of the world we share.

We build networks and careers through our industry education and promotion. Add in some chips & salsa with our own WacoIndie magic, and we create one of the most unique experiences on the festival circuit. Recently named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s 20 Great Festivals for First-Time Filmmakers.

reel Stories documentary series

ANNUAL SERIES IN FALL

Reel Stories documentary series is aimed at understanding our community better, putting a spotlight on underserved people and looking and discussing issues that we can all improve.

Working with local partners, we present this annual fall series at no cost to the community. The films are accompanied by free food, performances, art, and guided conversation.

• AfterShock, a SXSW Documentary about the inequities in the healthcare system that has caused a disproportionate number of black women to die during childbirth.

• A Most Beautiful Thing, an NCAAP Image Award nominee, this film chronicles the first African American high school rowing team in this country (made up of young men, many of whom were in rival gangs from the West Side of Chicago).

• Deep in the Heart, a documentary narrated by Matthew McConaughey explores the diverse ecosystems in Texas and the efforts to preserve our natural wildlife. Reel Stories documentary series is aimed at understanding our community better, putting a spotlight on underserved people and looking and discussing issues that we can all improve.

254 Showcase

ANNUAL SERIES IN SPRING

We are so proud of the work being made in the Central Texas area and we are honored that we can share some with you. The 254 showcase is a night of networking and appreciation featuring passion projects from local young moviemakers and seasoned storytellers. This includes brand new work and films that have won multiple awards on the festival circuit.

In addition, Waco Indie hosts networking events where area creatives (directors, writers, actors, musicians, podcasters and streamers meet to mix and mingle. Our goal is to spark new creative collaborations and uncover the talent found in the Waco area.

It's movie magic happening right here in Waco!

Waco indie live

MONTHLY WEBSERIES

Each month we livestream on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube! We catch up with some of our 600 alumni filmmakers to discuss their new projects. Plus we chat with local artists and arts leaders about new events happening in our Central Texas. And, it’s the first place to hear updates on our film events.