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Cinematic A Round Top Film Festival: The Sequel N early 250 film lovers, Round Top stars, and leading men and women from Houston and Austin packed the barn at Windy Knoll for the second annual Round Top Film Festival Gala. Country crooner Calder Allen and signature pours from Ellis Motel set the scene. Following cocktails, guests sat down to Round Top favorite Lulu's braised short rib, paired with wines from Round Top Vineyards and Napa Valley's Blackbird Vineyards. Emcee Marla Hurley of Modern Marla kicked off the thank yous, followed by festival co- founders Shanna and Skylar Schanen, who thanked supporters and reaffirmed the mission of RTFF: to provide a platform for independent filmmakers to share their stories with the world. Special guest Joe Newcomb, CEO of Truth Entertainment and producer of Dallas Buyers Club, spoke about the vital role film festivals play in nurturing emerging filmmakers, emphasizing the growing momentum of filmmaking in Texas, driven by new tax policies like the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program. La Grange High School student Jackson Elliot shared his dream of pursuing filmmaking and expressed his gratitude for RTFF's impact, particularly for launching its first Screenwriters Workshop with Giovanni Porta and Skylar Schanen. By Candice Cowin. Photography Kolton King. The live auction, led by Carrie Frugé of Biddy Up, featured stays at Cibolo Creek Ranch, and Four Seasons Costa Palmas, as well as a safari in Tanzania with Ganam. Also up for grabs was a custom-designed Janus motorcycle in collaboration with artist Laura Goodson; a tandem skydive with stunt artist RJ Casey, co- founder of Four Branches Bourbon; artist Tony Bernard's The Brown Dog painting; and a trip to Hacienda Agazul to create a custom barrel of tequila. The bidding action heated up with a raffle to win a diamond tennis necklace donated by Zadok Jewelers. The Ray Johnston Band coaxed the crowd to their feet at the close of the auction, ending the night with dancing. Spotted: Rob Schanen, Shonnery and Tom Pet tit, Susan and Rick Ashcroft, Tanya Ruby, Norelle and Brian Becker, John Cone and Greg Fourticq, Cinda and Armando Palacios, Sofia and Owen Massey, Angie Tamplain, Clarissa and Luis Labastida, Tracy Marshall, Kim Rolland, James Dick, Minnie Baird, Liz Stepp, Hannah Laster, Paul Weitz, Martine Weitz, Rachel Thornquist, Callie Neatherlin Jesse Greendyk, Natalie and Ryan Laskowski, Lindsey Pleasant, and Katie Kime. RJ Casey Cinda & Armando Palacios Rick & Susan Ashcroft Natalie & Ryan Laskowski Cosimo Blodgett, Skylar Schanen Shanna & Rob Schanen Hannah Laster, Paul Weitz Martine Weitz Katie Kime Jennifer Welch Aisling Ayers Ava Ayers Rachel Thornquist Callie Neatherlin 40