Armadillo World Headquarters and Austin Film Festival Tap Local Filmmaker for Jim Franklin Documentary

Armadillo World Headquarters and Austin Film Festival have selected Emil Lozada as the winner of the Jim Franklin “The Armadillo Man” Film Fellowship. The filmmaker will receive a $25,000 grant to create a short documentary about the artist, which will premiere at the festival in October.

Lozada, an Austin-based British director, has directed documentaries for environmental conservation organization Re:wild and helmed works about the queer community and other marginalized Texans. The Queen vs. Texas, about drag queen Hermajestie the Hung’s activism in the face of Texas’ increasingly hostile anti-LGBTQIA legislation, was nominated for Best Texas Short at South by Southwest 2024, the Odyssey Impact Award at DOC NYC 2023, and Best Documentary Short & Best LGBTQ+ Film at Palm Springs Film Festival 2024, while Grey Horse, Lozada’s story about an Indigenous equestrian from Austin, won Best Documentary Short at Austin Lift-Off Film Festival 2023 and Best Native American Film at McMinnville Film Festival 2023.

The director is next tasked with telling the life story of Jim Franklin, the Austin Music Industry Hall of Famer who served as the de facto art director of beloved live music venue Armadillo World Headquarters. The Armadillo, which was open from 1970 to 1980, launched applications for the fellowship last December after returning as a lifestyle brand in 2024.

“I’m beyond excited to tell Jim’s story,” Lozada said in a statement. “As someone drawn to Austin’s counter cultural roots, I’ve long admired his influence. His vision helped shape the creative, independent spirit that still defines this city. It’s an honor to help share that legacy.”

The project will premiere at the Austin Film Festival, which runs from October 23-30, then broadcast on public media stations and digital platforms via Austin PBS.