A Dallas documentary filmmaker delves into the historical significance of a Texas archaeological treasure

Olive Talley lives just 150 miles from the Gault archaeological site. But I might never have known about it if I hadn’t gone to Antarctica. That’s where the Dallas filmmaker was listening to a lecture aboard a boat with friends when she learned secondhand about a farm in Williamson County with ties to the first civilizations to walk the continent, more than 10,000 years ago.

It led to a deep dive for the former journalist that led to the documentary The stones speakwhich will have its world premiere on Saturday as part of the Austin Film Festival.

“I couldn’t fathom that we had an incredible, paradigm-shifting archeological site here in Texas in our backyard,” Talley said. “I had no idea. I knew nothing about archeology or the Gault site, and that’s what fascinated me so much. How could none of us know?”

Narrated by retired WFAA anchor John McCaa, the film tells the story of the 30-acre site about 50 miles northwest of Austin while paying tribute to Michael Collins, the archaeologist who worked tirelessly to unearth , interpret and preserve its artifacts for several decades. . Groundbreaking discoveries provide evidence of human life in Texas 20,000 years ago, much earlier than previously thought. But search efforts were complicated by landowner disputes and financial struggles. Today it is home to the Gault School of Archaeological Research, founded by Collins.

“It was my curiosity that drove me, but it was the magnetism of Mike Collins and his ability to draw you into his passion,” said Talley, who was a Pulitzer finalist in 1990 while working at the Dallas Morning News. “Nobody had fully told the backstory of the challenges Mike faced to save this place.”

Talley said his first phone conversation with Collins lasted about four hours and came with an invitation to the site. After shooting some initial footage around 2017, a colleague suggested he turn it into a documentary. Although the humble and reserved Collins is a compelling storyteller, his health deteriorated as Talley continued production over the next six years. Fortunately, he was able to use stock footage to fill in any gaps.

“It was a difficult story to do in some ways because I was weaving these narratives. It’s part historical documentary and part biography, and part mystery,” Talley said. “I want to honor the legacy of Mike Collins, what he accomplished and why he matters to all of us. It brought people together for the common good.”

After the world premiere, expect Talley The stones speak it will play other festivals and eventually find a home on a streaming service. He is also preparing a shorter version to air on PBS. “My goal is to take it as far as I can and inspire people,” he said.

The week-long Austin Film Festival, which opens Thursday, is known primarily for its screenwriting panels and workshops. However, this year’s lineup includes screenings of a handful of projects with ties to North Texas, including the films below.

• The disturbing horror saga The Beldham marks the directorial debut of Dallas filmmaker Angela Gulner, shot in Oklahoma and starring Patricia Heaton and Corbin Bernsen.

• Dallas native Mackinlee Waddell (“GCB”) stars American spirita romantic drama filmed in Austin about an awkward encounter between two former high school sweethearts.

• Includes a program of short films made in Texas Taco Babya comedy from Dallas director Jacob Daniels and starring local collaborators Caleb Davis, E’an Verdugo and Melissa Chick.