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Bolivar Film Screening and Talkback
Mission Accomplished! Supporting Women Every Way We Can
It was an amazing evening to remember for filmmaker, star and native Texan, Nell Teare, who was in town at the historic River Oaks Movie Theatre May 30th for an event made possible by WIFT/Houston. Nell’s poignant film, Bolivar, was well received by the large audience which included a few fellow grads from Houston’s High School for The Performing & Visual Arts.
The talkback included Nell and some cast members: Robert Pine (CHiPs, Star Trek: Enterprise, Lakeview Terrace, Criminal Minds, Grey’s Anatomy to name just a few of his acting credits), who plays the father of Nell’s character. Robert came in from LA with his wife, Gwynne Gilford (former actress/current psychotherapist). They are a delightful couple who share a daughter, Katherine (former actress/current psychotherapist and son, Chris (actor).
The cast includes several non-professional talent…Nell’s family members, Sean Teare and Hannah Teare Young (who play the main characters parents when young) and Wyatt Teare and Mary Marsland Teare (who play the younger versions of the film’s sister and brother, Nell Teare and James Walsh).
Nell wrote Bolivar based on the personal experience of living with their mother’s mental health issues and who ultimately died from drug abuse. The film was made in part to fulfill her mother’s desire that her three children work on a film project together (their mother was an actress who had performed at The Alley Theatre). The Teare family spent time on Bolivar Island (where much of the film’s action takes place) so it was, in a way, a sort of homecoming for Nell and her siblings.
Nell did an amazing job directing and starring in the film (also writing it with her co-star, James Walsh). Robert Pine brought his A-Game to the project, wavering between grief, anger and love with a deft touch one would expect given his lengthy acting career.
The event was successful, fun and inspiring in part due to the tireless efforts of Robert Saucedo, River Oaks Movie Theatre Artistic Director.
A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!
Houston Film Commissioner and Pro Stuntwoman Share Insight with Members
Alfred Cervantes, Executive Director of The Houston Film Commission, regaled us with stories about films and filmmakers. His extremely interesting presentation covered everything from how to get your property listed as a potential film location to rubbing elbows with the famous at the Cannes, Sundance and SXSW film festivals. He was a terrific guest and is a true amabssador to H-Town!
Jody Haselbarth, SAG-AFTRA stuntwoman was on hand for a “show and tell” about her long career in Texas and Hollywood. We learned she was set on fire by Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey, jumped out of an airplane, was drowned in a tub by two badass guys and drove a car off a cliff. I guess it’s all in a day’s work of a hardworking stuntwoman!
As a thank you gift, Cynthia Neely (chapter President) presented Alfred with the just-released book, “Hooray for Hollywood,” by Jeanne “Hollywood” Basone, star of the GLOW Girls (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) in which Jody was one of the original GLOW girls herself (and can be found in the book). Hooray for Jody!
The TXMPA “Road Show” Arrived In Houston With Updates On The “Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program”
Our chapter’s president, Cynthia Neely, attended the Texas Media Production Alliance (TXMPA) “Road Show” April 23, 2025 to hear Fred Poston, executive director TXMPA, update those in attendance about the “Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program” and the incentive fund.
Getting this legislation passed (HB4568) means well-funded, long-term state production incentives can unleash the potential that’s always been here in the Lone Star State. In short, making Texas a verifiable (financial) lure for projects in development to take place here.
The Texas moving image industry will have a REAL CHANCE to prove its mettle. Finally. And bring projects to our state, our crews and our new graduates wanting to work in this industry, without being forced to travel to another state offering financial incentives that heretofore, Texas has not had.
Cynthia urged WIFT/H members to write their respective member of the House of Representatives with support in passing this important bill.
Send a stamped letter with information on who you are, what you do, where you live (to prove you are their constituent), your contact information and that you support HB4568, The Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program.
And remember, like your mother always told you, “Say Thank You!”
WIFT/H joins forces with the Houston Association of Producers (HAP) at their luncheon with special guests, Michael & Christine Swanson
The Houston Association of Producers is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional organization advocating on behalf of Houston area producers and the Houston film industry. Two WIFT/H members (Michelle Mower & Ruth Villatoro) serve as President and VP of HAP. Guests of honor included the dynamic duo (and husband/wife production team), Michael & Christine Swanson, founders of Faith Filmworks. They were in town to screen their independent film, Albany Road. Both provided great insight and positive energy into how to make and sell original and local productions. “You don’t need to go to LA-you can do it here in Houston!” they both agreed.
For information on submitting your work to the upcoming “Hapie Awards”, please see our “Announcement” page. Submission deadline is May 26. WIFT/H will be on hand to announce some of the winners at the Award Gala Event on August 20, 2025.
The University of Houston Center for Public History (and new WIFT/H Education Sponsor!) hosts movie screening & talkback panel on “Lilly”
WIFT/H was happy to support this event – the screening of the film, “Lilly”, a dramatization of the true story of Lilly Ledbetter and her fight for the 2009 Fair Pay Act, starring Patricia Clarkson and directed by Rachel Feldman. The Talkback panelists included: Stephanie Tsuru, Co-Founder of SheSpace; Kelly (Kleinhort) Montes, Executive Director of Catalyst; Dr. Chinhui Juhn, Henry Graham Professor of Economics at UH and Dr. Nancy Beck Young, John and Rebecca Morres Professor of History at UH. Impressive panelists! Impressive story! Incredible night!
WIFT/H presents one night screening of “1-800-ON-HER-OWN” at historic River Oaks Theatre
WIFT/H was proud to present the one-night-only screening of Oscar-nominee Amy Hobby’s newest documentary, “1-800-ON-HER-OWN”. The film features the life and music of Ani DiFranco, “pioneering indie musician and feminist icon, who founded her own record label, “Righteous Babe Records” in 1990, a move that established her as a DIY trailblazer.”
This musical roadtrip takes the viewer through DiFranco’s early punk-folk past to her life today as activist, rock star and mother.
Cynthia had the opportunity to address the crowd about our organization and its history of supporting women in film and television. It was a fun, rockin’ night!
Dynamic, Successful & Talented Describe Speakers At The Original Cadillac Bar Gathering
We couldn’t get enough of what our guest speaker, Cindi Andress, had to say on the current state of production and talent. We learned much from Heather Leigh Jackson about her photography career and the differences between unit photographs, BTS (Behind the Scenes) and production photography. And Wendy Martin gave us good intel on working as a hair and make-up crew member. We love hearing success stories from our very own Women in Film and Television/Houston members!
Find out more about our guest speakers here:
