Armadillo Man: The Trips of Jim Franklin is a documentary I made during a film fellowship awarded by Passion Point Collective in partnership with Armadillo World Headquarters. I worked with Sandra Adair as my mentor, alongside an incredible team, to bring Jim Franklin’s fascinating story to life. The documentary is currently touring film festivals and will be broadcast on PBS across North America in 2026.
Synopsis:
Armadillo Man: The Trips of Jim Franklin tells the story of the iconic concert poster artist who helped establish the Austin music venue, Armadillo World Headquarters, and is credited with making Austin “weird.” At the intersection of psychedelic art, outlaw country, and rebellion, Jim Franklin is an artist whose larger-than-life personality helped define 1970s Austin counter-culture. As the emcee of the Armadillo World Headquarters, Franklin’s on-stage persona became as unforgettable as the acts he introduced, from Willie Nelson to Bruce Springsteen… But it was his armadillo-centered art that became the ultimate symbol of Austin's artistic revolution. Blending new interviews, archival footage, and animation, this documentary captures the spirit of a visionary artist and his lasting legacy.
Crew:
Director: Emil Lozada
Executive Producer: Sandra Adair
Producers: Arnelle Lozada, Chris Bourke, Marcus Peterzell, Amy Slotnick, Nicholas Strauss
DP/Colorist: Chris Bourke
Composer: Graham Reynolds
Editor: Brittany Hammer
Edit Assistant: Stephen Gamache
Animator: Fernão Spadotto
Sound Design and Mix: Lyman Hardy
Post Audio Producer: Allison Turrell
Finishing House: Stuck On On
Additional Camera: Daniel Escobar
Client: Armadillo World HQ
Agency: Passion Point Collective