MovieMaker Magazine has named the El Paso Film Festival, founded by filmmaker and artistic director Carlos F. Corral, as one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World.” The annual list is curated with the help and feedback from a panel of filmmakers who have had recent successful festival runs with their films. The Panel of Cool shared their on-the-ground festival experiences highlighting those that resonated with them the most.

Tim Molloy, editor of MovieMaker, visited the film festival last year and was immediately captivated by the city and the people. The festival was recognized as one of the “Top Fifty Film Festivals Around the World Worth the Entry Fee” and the City of El Paso was also recognized as one of the “Top Twenty-five Places to Live and Work as a Filmmaker” earlier this year according to MovieMaker.

"El Paso is a fascinating place. The easy mix of energetic, youthful filmmakers and locals who don't sweat crossing the border and coming back during their lunch hour gives you a sense that anything can happen,” said Molloy. “The films and talks are challenging and provocative — but also comforting, because it's a relief to know a film community like this still exists."

The film festival also has a deep commitment to fostering new talent with the collaboration of the “Creating Ways” conference, which was founded by Drew Mayer-Oakes, Film & Creative Industries Commissioner at Visit El Paso. The festival now provides educational panels, workshops, and networking events to support filmmakers at every stage of their career. "We are incredibly honored to be recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as having one of the coolest film festivals in the world," said Mayer-Oakes. "The El Paso Film Festival is a real hit — audiences love the programming, filmmakers have a great time, and special guests get a genuine, “cool” experience.”

The El Paso Film Festival continues to build on its success and remains a key cultural event in the region, dedicated to amplifying the voices of independent filmmakers and fostering a love for film while also promoting the cultural vibrancy of El Paso.

MovieMaker magazine is based in Hollywood, California. Published by Deirdre McCarrick and edited by Tim Molloy, MovieMaker has offered profiles, advice, insider tips and product reviews regarding the film industry since 1993.