CULTURE CLUB
TAYLOR — A film series celebrating “bold and inspiring stories” created by women cinematographers debuts at the McCrory Timmerman Building in September, reflecting downtown’s growing female-owned and managed businesses, sponsors said.
The sprawling historical edifice at 201 N. Main St. will host the inaugural She Speaks Film Festival Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19.
The two-day event will start with an opening party at the McCrory Timmerman Friday night.
On Saturday, a full day of shorts and features will be shown in the McCrory-Timmerman Upper Foyer, followed by an Awards Ceremony just across the street at the Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St.
The festival is “a celebration of what’s possible when women are given room to tell their stories, in their own voices, on their own terms,” said Jessica Drake, the founding director of the event.
HEADED TO DOWNTOWNTAYLOR
For the board members at the She Speaks Film Festival, Taylor’s historic downtown offers an ideal choice for the inaugural festival.
Planners said the number of women-owned or female-managed businesses made Taylor the ideal choice to hold the festival.
“When we came and toured and then met all the different women who basically keep the downtown commerce of Taylor running, it was just kind of a no-brainer being a female-centered festival,” said Sarah Joy Byington, a local filmmaker and sponsor manager for the She Speaks Film Festival.
As for the team at the McCrory Timmerman, “we are happy and proud to host a women’s creative event,” said Judy Blundell, an artist and co-owner of the 1888 building.
AUSTIN FILM VETERAN
After spending more than 20 years in the Austin film industry, Drake noticed the area lacked a festival that championed bold female filmmakers.
She decided to change that. “I wanted to build the kind of space I had been searching for, a festival that uplifts women’s voices, encourages creative risk and fosters genuine community,” Drake said.
While Austin offers the Austin Film Festival, now in its 33rd year, it is known as a writer-focused event and is highly competitive.
The AFF is an eight-day festival and four-day conference scheduled for Oct. 29 to Nov. 5.
WHY A FEMALE FILM FESTIVAL?
She Speaks Film Festival was created to give women filmmakers a “focused, intentional space” to share their work and build community, Drake said.
“This festival exists for those voices, and I am honored to help create a space where they can be seen, heard and celebrated,” Drake said.
I wanted to build the kind of space I had been searching for, a festival that uplifts women’s voices.” — JESSICA DRAKE FOUNDING DIRECTOR
According to the founder, the festival welcomes narratives across a variety of genres, formats and points of view. From emerging creators to established filmmakers, organizers said the festival showcases women’s stories and keeps them center stage to inspire all audiences.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
According to Drake, the She Speaks Film Festival had an “astounding” 165 films submitted for its debut. However, it could only accept 49 due to the oneday, one-venue schedule, and the festival organizers hope to expand in 2027.
Times and the final schedule can be found at shespeaksfilmfestival.com.
The She Speaks Film Festival will include a panel discussion from the nonprofit Women in Film & Television Texas. It will be led by actor, director and producer Alexandra Chando, now based in Austin and Los Angeles, who is known for her recurring role on “As the World Turns.”
Panelists include Texas filmmaker Kat Candler, producer and director of the 2026 Netflix series “Little House on the Prairie.”
The festival also will feature an additional block of films by Drake and other board members screening during the opening night mixer at the McCrory Timmerman galleries from 7 to 10 p.m. Sept. 18.
The She Speaks Film Festival Awards Ceremony will convene after the credits roll for the last film at The Black Sparrow Sept. 19.
It is open to the public, and no ticket is required.
The films will be judged by a jury of female creatives who hail from backgrounds in acting, directing, producing, talent acquisition and writing, including a judge from the Austin Film Festival.
There will be an Audience Choice award attendees will vote on at the festival.
NOWSHOWING
According to Drake, filmgoers should expect a day filled with cinematic offerings from all over the planet. The features, divided by genre categories and geographic location, will be shown together.
The She Speaks Film Festival will feature a documentary short block, international short block, U.S. short block, Texas short block, documentary feature and narrative feature. Each is an awards category, plus plaudits for best actress, best actor, best director, best cinematographer and best emerging filmmaker.
HOWTOATTEND
According to Drake, the She Speaks Film Festival is confirming the selected filmmakers’ attendance, which will determine how many tickets will be available for sale.
More information can be found at shespeaksfilmfestival.com.
The historical McCrory Timmerman Building at 201 N. Main St. Is the setting for the She Speaks Film Festival. The films will be judged by a jury of female creatives. For more, visit shespeaksfilmfestival.com.
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