‘Elastic Hearts’ Team Alleges Texas Film Credit Denial — SkimNews
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- Milad Avaz alleged that the Texas Film Commission rejected “Elastic Hearts” over its abortion storyline after a closed-door review by Greg Abbott’s office, while giving no written reason.
- Texas Film Commission rejected the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program application on June 25, 2026, nine months after the September 8, 2025 filing—beyond its usual one-to-three-month turnaround and after production had wrapped.
- Misam Avaz said the roughly $128,000 credit would have covered post-production for the $2.2 million film, and its denial hurts the filmmakers’ backend and ability to start their next project.
- “Elastic Hearts” was described in its grant application as a story of siblings confronting grief and as a “tribute to and reimagining of Texas,” without explicitly mentioning abortion.
- “Elastic Hearts” reported hiring a local crew of 40-plus and about 125 background actors, while Texas spending was estimated at $1.24 million and came closer to $1.3 million.
- Andrew Mahaleris said the governor’s office reviews applications thoroughly, need not approve every grant, and weighs standards of decency and whether projects portray Texas or Texans negatively.
- Cole Sprouse said that, if the filmmakers’ account is accurate, the rejection is a First Amendment violation and viewpoint discrimination; Darby Lee-Stack also condemned the decision.
Why it matters: The Avaz brothers’ financial setback is specific: roughly $128,000 in credit they say would have covered post-production for the $2.2 million film, leaving a thinner backend and less ability to start the next project. Because no written reason was supplied, the filmmakers are alleging a First Amendment and viewpoint-discrimination violation.
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