Kevin Smith Set to Join El Paso Film Festival

      Credit: Photo by Allan Amato, courtesy of El Paso Film Festival

      Filmmaker Kevin Smith will be the special guest at a unique one-night event, “An Evening with Kevin Smith,” taking place on Thursday, September 25, to kick off the new edition of the El Paso Film Festival.

      Now in its eighth year, the festival honors independent and cross-cultural filmmaking and has been recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee for two consecutive years, in addition to being named one of the 2024 Coolest Film Festivals in the World.

      Best known for the Clerks series, along with films like Chasing Amy, Dogma, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Smith promises to provide attendees with insights into his extensive career in independent filmmaking.

      “This will be my first official visit to El Paso, Texas — and I couldn’t be more excited,” Smith stated. “I’m not just here to discuss my career; I aim to share my experiences with the next generation of indie filmmakers. Festivals like this are where passion intertwines with opportunity, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

      The evening will encompass stories, audience interactions, and Smith’s trademark blend of humor and sincerity. “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Kevin Smith to El Paso,” expressed Andrea Calleros, executive director of the El Paso Film Festival. “By hosting prominent figures like Kevin Smith, the festival strives to connect generations of film enthusiasts, celebrating the pioneers of independent cinema while inspiring those crafting the classics of tomorrow.”

      Carlos F. Corral, artistic director of the El Paso Film Festival, added, “We established this festival to highlight bold voices in film. Kevin Smith embodies everything we love about independent cinema—authentic creativity, fearless storytelling, and community building through film. We’re privileged to bring him to the El Paso stage.”

      Smith is among previous guests of the festival, which has featured personalities such as Robert Rodriguez and his Troublemaker Studios co-founder Elizabeth Avellán. She noted at the 2023 festival that El Paso’s emerging film scene reminded her of Austin’s in the ’90s.

      “I’ve been in this business for 30 years — wow,” she remarked. “What I see here mirrors what occurred in Austin in the late ’80s and early ’90s: You’re investing in yourselves and in one another. This community possesses that capacity, and it’s already happening, with wonderful people involved.”

      The current edition of the film festival will take place from Thursday, September 25, to Saturday, September 27. Additional events include a screening of The Toxic Avenger, featuring Troma Entertainment president Lloyd Kaufman. You can find the complete festival schedule and ticket details here.

      Main image: Kevin Smith. Photo by Allan Amato, courtesy of the El Paso Film Festival.