If You Denton Know Joshua Butler, now you do.

Joshua Butler, founder of Thin Line Fest, joins Brad to talk about what it takes to build a lasting creative institution in Denton. They unpack Joshua’s path from Houston to UNT, the early days of Texas Filmmakers, and why Thin Line has stayed rooted in documentary storytelling for nearly two decades. Joshua also previews what’s coming March 18–22, including films, music, photography exhibits, and new late night dance parties, plus the behind the scenes challenges of funding, venues, and competing for premieres in a crowded festival landscape.

Key Takeaways

• How Texas Filmmakers started as a student organization and became a lasting nonprofit
• Why Thin Line focuses on documentaries, and what “truth” really means in film
• What makes Thin Line Fest unique: downtown, walkable, volunteer driven, and free
• A preview of Thin Line Fest March 18–22 (film, music, photo, and new additions)
• The real logistics: venues, budgets, staffing, premieres, and competing with bigger markets
• Joshua’s career path from local media to major event production, then the pivot during COVID
• Denton community culture, darts, favorite hangs, and a documentary recommendation

Learn more about Thin Line Fest: March 18–22 in downtown Denton. Film, music, photography, and late night events, all walkable and volunteer driven. Find the full schedule and details at Thin Line Fest online. https://www.thinline.us/