Fort Worth
The Fort Worth Film Commission is bringing back its program that helps filmmakers qualify for the Oscars.
For the third year in a row, the Academy Awards’ Board of Governors is recognizing Dallas-Fort Worth as one of six Oscar-qualifying areas in the country. North Texas replaced Miami on the list that also includes Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Atlanta and the Bay Area.
To that end, the FWFC launched its premiere package program last year that provides filmmakers with a free theatrical release since, per Academy rules, a film must screen for seven consecutive days to qualify.
The package also includes an all-expenses paid trip to Cowtown to celebrate the film. Of the four projects supported by the program last year, “The Pearl Comb” landed on the Academy’s Oscar shortlist.
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On Wednesday, the FWFC announced this year’s program recipients.
“When we launched this program, we set out to showcase why Fort Worth belongs in conversations about serious independent film. With applications doubling since last year, this tells us that the film community agrees,” said Taylor Hardy, Fort Worth film commissioner, in a news release. “Every filmmaker who visits represents a potential production and every production means more economic impact and jobs created in Fort Worth. Our goal isn’t just a screening, it’s building new relationships and a pipeline for future projects.”
“The Pearl Comb” director Ali Cook at the film’s premiere at Texas Movie Bistro in Lake Worth on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. Fort Worth Film Commission FWFC announces 2026 premiere package recipients
The Oscar-qualifying screenings for each film will be held at Texas Movie Bistro (3980 Boat Club Road) throughout August and September. Folks can find tickets on the theater’s website.
Then, on Oct. 28, the FWFC is hosting a red carpet screening and Q&A at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth for the films. See the full list below.
“Birdie”- Directed by Praise Paige, a story of Black immigrant girlhood by a first-generation Nigerian filmmaker. It made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.“Cindy Sherman: Picture This”- Directed by Sophie Chaninian, which provides a portrait of the enigmatic artist.“Monitor”- Directed by Michael Berardini, an animated horror short that was the opening night film for Annecy, the world’s largest animation festival.“Powdered & Dancing”- Directed by Hugh John Wyld, a compelling LGBTQ+ drama featuring lead actor Alex Lawther (”The Imitation Game,” “Alien: Earth”). 
The premiere of “Jedo’s Dead” at Texas Movie Bistro in Lake Worth on Sunday, July 20, 2025. Fort Worth Film Commission
In addition, the FWFC is hosting two special presentations on “their journey to the Academy Awards.”
“Thank You For Listening”- Directed by Gene Gallerano and executive produced by Texas Monthly, a documentary that chronicles Joshua Ray Walker’s journey as he battles third-generation cancer and plans his return to the Grand Ole Opry, the mecca of country music, in a captivating exploration of hope and healing. The Star-Telegram spoke to the film’s creative team earlier this year.“Last Minute”- Michael Cusumano’s short film set in pre-internet days, about a single mother scrambling to help her son with a last-minute homework assignment. The screening is in partnership with the Louisiana Film Prize.
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Brayden Garcia is the entertainment reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, where he mainly writes about how the film and TV industry impacts North Texas, from Taylor Sheridan shows to the Fort Worth Film Commission and everything in between.