Nearly 200 Lampasas residents turned out Friday at The Adelphia for two screenings of the new, locally produced documentary “Lampasas – Hometown, Texas.”
The film, crafted by Chase Kuker and Jordan Kuker — brothers raised in Lampasas who spent years in the Los Angeles film industry before returning home full-time in 2023 — celebrates the town’s rich history, hidden gems and bright future.
“I’m excited for everybody to finally see what we did in such a limited amount of time,” Chase said. “This is going to be such a great asset for the town, for everybody to see what Lampasas is, and for the people who have lived here and grown up here — to remember what it was, see what it is today and see what it can be.”
The documentary aims to tell the story of Lampasas from its past to the present and what lies ahead. Boyce Cabaniss, one of the many voices featured in the film, paints a vivid picture of the city’s past. From the Park Hotel to the city’s mineral springs, Cabaniss explains what made Lampasas one of Texas’ original resort destinations.
Cabaniss’ storytelling is enhanced by old photographs brought to life through artificial intelligence. The Kuker brothers said they did not want to overuse new technology, but they wanted to give audiences a glimpse into times past.
Shawn Kirkpatrick, one of the attendees at Friday’s screening, felt the documentary was well executed.
“The aerial photography and the animation of the old pictures — it was great,” Kirkpatrick said. “I thought they did a great job. Their heart was in it, no doubt about it.”
The film features many local voices, including Lampasas EDC Board President and businessman Deorald Finney, former mayor Jack Calvert and Lampasas County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melissa Unger.
Members of local community groups also are included, such as Forward Lampasas founder Eddie Bowden, Harrell Clary of Cooper Spring Nature Park and Janet Crozier of the Lampasas Community Gardens. The restoration efforts at the Fourth Street church and Keystone Hotel by Debbie Reynolds and Andy Fish were highlighted as well.
Lampasas Public Library board member Judy Lansford is another community member featured in the documentary. For Lansford, the film meant everything.
“I thought it was world-class,” Lansford said. “I just cannot believe how professional, truthful and spot-on it was. It meant a lot to me because I got to talk about the library, and it’s my passion in this town.”
Although the documentary includes plenty of Lampasas voices, another familiar local talent helps tie it all together. Wayne Brooks, the veteran rodeo announcer and commercial voice talent, serves as narrator. A five-time PRCA Announcer of the Year, Brooks’ professional delivery adds polish and heart to the film.
Municipal Judge Robert Gradel offered comments on the production after viewing it Friday night.
“It was very professional,” he said. “The narration was good, the production values were good, and it presented the town in a very positive light.”
Gradel’s sentiments were echoed by his wife, Robin Gradel, a Lampasas Association for the Arts board member who believes the film could help attract new visitors to the “Gateway to the Texas Hill Country.”
“I loved the documentary and all the comments they included about how a lot of us are working toward making this an incredible place to live,” Robin Gradel said. “You had the sculpture park, Artemis Ranch, the wineries, the golf course — there is plenty to do in Lampasas, and it is a great place to live.”
For those who wish to see the film, the Kuker brothers have planned additional screenings around town. They also intend to submit “Lampasas – Hometown, Texas” to various film festivals and explore streaming options.
Of all the projects the brothers have worked on together, this one carries the most meaning for Jordan.
“This is probably one of the most special because it is our hometown and we get to bring our skills and put them back into this town,” Kuker said. “We want to show what restoration, preservation and the identity of a small hometown can really feel like. Being able to help tell that story is a blessing.”