The Front Festival Film Showcase

HOT, TEXAS FILMS.

Join us at Laguna Gloria on Sept 1 (Fri) as we host The Front Festival 2023 Film Showcase for the second year.

Arrive before sunset for an artist panel and magic show, each exploring the stories that shape us. Then, under the stars and by the lake, watch a curated selection of independent films, featuring works by women and LGBTQ+ directors and filmmakers in Texas.

Presale passes available. Scroll for details.

2023 FILM SHOWCASE SCHEDULE + LINEUP

✰ 7P — Hot, Texas Renaissance: A Panel ✰

Ahead of the film screenings, join us for a panel produced in collaboration with The Contemporary Austin. In this discussion led by Simone Alexander, Senior Manager of Engagement and Accessibility at The Contemporary Austin, we’ll hear from Austin-based creatives nurturing a renaissance of femme, queer and BIPOC artists in the Texas South.

✰ 8P — Black Girl Magic Show ✰

Join Texas-based magician and storyteller Nicole Cardoza, as she shares her perspective on stage magic, the history and future of Black magicians and the magic inherent in us all.

✰ 8:45P — The Front Festival Film Showcase ✰

Gather in the outdoor amphitheater for our two-hour short film showcase, featuring 15 films by women and LGBTQ+ directors, editors, producers and talent in Texas. This year’s headlining shorts include:

✰ ALL NIGHT ✰

Good Food and Big, Texas Skies

Enjoy festival cocktails by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Topo Chico and Ego Tequila and sober-curious teas from Liquid Death, with snacks by Austin-based chefs and brands.

You can also explore the grounds, soaking up all The Contemporary Austin — Laguna Gloria’s shop, sculptures and art installations have to offer.

MEET THE LINEUP

Featured Films & Shorts

Guest Speakers & Artists

Simone Raquel Alexander (she/her) is a freelance artist, arts administrator, and arts advocate working in the nonprofit field and theatre community. She serves as Producing Artistic Director and Founder of New Manifest Theatre Company, where she has brought together an ensemble of interdisciplinary artists. Simone serves as the Senior Manager of Engagement and Accessibility at The Contemporary Austin Museum and the Development Director of Ground Floor Theatre. Simone Alexander’s artistic vision is dedicated to sharing the art of the people of today through storytelling from a diversity of uniquely specific voices, styles, and perspectives. Simone’s practice centers harm reduction tools and collective agreements as a funnel to tackle challenging themes and hold space for creativity and collaboration to thrive.

Nicole Cardoza (she/her) is a magician and a storyteller. She’s collaborated with brands including Google, Patreon, and Soho House. She’s toured the country and performed at universities, exclusive venues, for corporations and private events. She’s also the founder of Reclamation Ventures, a venture studio creating and incubating ideas for our collective wellbeing. It also manages the Reclamation Ventures Fund, which provides philanthropic and early-stage investments in individuals and organizations making wellness more accessible. Over the past two years, it has granted over $500,000 in direct support to marginalized wellness leaders. Nicole’s first published book, Mindful Moves, a mindfulness book for children, was published in Spring 2021. @blackgirlmagician on IG, TikTok and YouTube, blackgirlmagician.com.