Piney Woods Film Festival

The Piney Woods Film Festival, held in The Woodlands, deep in the heart of Montgomery County, Texas, is a celebration of bold, independent cinema from around the world. Founded as a 501(c)(3) and rooted in Texas creativity, we proudly spotlight student and emerging filmmakers while providing a vibrant space where stories from every background take root, grow, and thrive. Through film, we connect global voices with local communities — nurturing the next generation of storytellers and honoring the power of cinematic expression.

Nestled on the western edge of East Texas’ legendary Piney Woods, The Woodlands offers more than scenic beauty — it’s a community deeply rooted in nature, creativity, and connection. The Piney Woods Film Festival celebrates this unique setting, where towering loblollies and southern oaks provide the backdrop for stories that inspire, challenge, and unite. Hosted in Montgomery County, our festival is where Southern charm meets cinematic vision — right here in the heart of Texas’ forested soul.

The festival was founded by filmmakers and storytellers who grew up hiking, camping, and exploring these very woods — some even earning their Eagle Scout badges beneath the pine canopy of East Texas. Today, their children carry on that tradition, making memories of their own in the same whispering forests. With 25 to over 50 years of experience in film, television, and production our founders bring both seasoned industry knowledge and a heartfelt connection to the region. That deep-rooted passion for storytelling and place is what inspired the birth of this festival — a space where stories, like trees, are meant to grow strong and reach far.