Documentary to Premiere at Austin Film Festival
The film explores the life and legacy of celebrated screenwriter Bill Wittliff.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Documentary
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The documentary A Man of Vision: The Bill Wittliff Story is set to premiere at the State Theatre on November 1, 2026. This screening coincides with the 33rd Austin Film Festival held in the city.
Why it matters
The project serves to honor the legacy of Bill Wittliff, who famously chose to base his career in Austin rather than moving to Hollywood. It also highlights the artists preserved within the Wittliff Collections.
The 33rd Austin Film Festival runs from October 29 through November 5, 2026. The event serves as the venue for the premiere of the new documentary centered on the late screenwriter.
The players
Bill Wittliff
He was a prominent screenwriter who wrote the 1989 Lonesome Dove adaptation and died in 2019.
Elizabeth Mims
She directed the new documentary and previously co-directed the 2012 film Only the Young.
Austin Film Festival
This annual event established a screenwriting honor named for Bill Wittliff in 1995.
The details
Directed by Elizabeth Mims, the film examines the career of the writer behind the 1989 Lonesome Dove adaptation and 1979's The Black Stallion. The production includes interview footage captured by Steve Mims.
Timeline
1979: Bill Wittliff wrote the screenplay for The Black Stallion.
1989: Bill Wittliff wrote the television adaptation of Lonesome Dove.
1995: The Austin Film Festival established an annual screenwriting honor named after Bill Wittliff.
2019: Bill Wittliff died.
November 1, 2026: The documentary premieres at the Austin Film Festival.
Industry Dynamics
The film aligns with efforts to preserve Texas cinematic history by highlighting the artists documented within the Wittliff Collections. It reflects a trend of festivals elevating regional biographies alongside national film releases.
Attendees can view the film at the State Theatre during the festival schedule. Tickets for festival events are available through the official Austin Film Festival platform.
The takeaway
The documentary offers viewers a detailed look at how one writer maintained a successful career while remaining in Austin. This film underscores the lasting impact of local creators on the broader television and film landscape.
Further reading
Find more local Documentary coverage on our film page.
More information
Review the full schedule at the Austin Film Festival event information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KUT.
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