Unpacking “Giant”: An Author and Screen Classic at the Austin Film Festival

Overview of the Event

The Austin Film Festival, in collaboration with the Texas Book Festival, presents an exciting opportunity to dive into the world of “Giant.” This unique event combines a book discussion and a film screening as part of the 51st Annual Paramount Summer Classic Film Series.

Event Details

Scheduled for August 24, 2025, at the historic Paramount Theatre, the schedule is as follows:

• Doors Open: 1 PM
• Film Screening: 2 PM
• Discussion: 5:30 PM

Conversation Highlights

Attendees will enjoy a conversation featuring Julie Gilbert, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated author discussing her book, Giant Love: Edna Ferber, Her Best-Selling Novel of Texas, and the Making of a Classic American Film. Gilbert will converse with Sean O’Neal, an Oscar-nominated screenwriter known for his insightful takes in Texas Monthly. The dialogue will be preceded by a screening of the 1956 film adaptation of Giant.

Film Synopsis

Directed by George Stevens, this epic film stars icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean. Set against the vast landscapes of Texas, it tells a gripping story woven through the personal and social conflicts of its time.

This cinematic masterpiece showcases Dean’s final performance as the complex character Jett Rink, a figure whose presence challenges the status quo of Taylor and Hudson’s rancher characters. The film’s grandeur—as expansive as the Texas territory it represents—stands as a testament to its enduring impact on American cinema.

About the Guests

Julie Gilbert

Julie Gilbert is celebrated for her range as a novelist, biographer, and playwright. With a rich educational background from The Dalton School and Boston University’s School of Fine Arts, her literary contributions shine bright; her recent work Giant Love recounts the journey of creating Ferber’s iconic tale and its subsequent film adaptation.

Sean O’Neal

Serving as a writer-at-large for Texas Monthly, Sean O’Neal specializes in the realms of film and television. His expertise has been recognized across various notable outlets, including GQ and The A.V. Club.

Attending the Event

Tickets can be purchased with a $5 discount using the code AFFFRIEND. Additionally, signed copies of Giant Love will be available for purchase onsite, courtesy of First Light Books.

Venue and Logistics

• Location: Paramount Theatre, Austin, Texas
• Parking: $6 parking is available at the 600 Congress parking garage, entrance at 155 W 7th St.
• Clear Bag Policy: Full event details will include guidelines for personal items.

Conclusion

This engaging event not only celebrates cinema but also enlightens participants about the literary roots behind a film icon. Such gatherings offer enriching experiences for aficionados of both literature and film.

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