Film - 2/5 - The Austinot

SXSW Red Carpet Musings With Todrick Hall, Nick Offerman

March 22, 2017 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

From the “audio only” side of the red carpet, press members tend to get photos of the stars in profile once they’ve made their way over to the “photos” section

SXSW red carpets are paraded on by people buzzing about their film projects. This year, I spoke with the stars and directors behind two world premiere films at ZACH Theatre, “Behind The Curtain: Todrick Hall” and “Infinity Baby.” In the spirit of keeping things local, I asked each person if Austin tickles their creative side, and whether they have any advice for Austinites who want to walk a red carpet some day.

Todrick Hall and Katherine Fairfax Wright

The documentary “Behind The Curtain: Todrick Hall” follows the American Idol singer turned YouTube sensation and Broadway star as he plans and executes a tour for his musical “Straight Outta Oz,” based on [Read more…]

Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in Reopens in South Austin

March 13, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

For seven years, Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in has been a place where families and friends can get together to watch movies under the open sky and relive childhood memories. The world’s first boutique drive-in movie theater has held fundraisers for diverse organizations in Austin and donated to charities, and has been a place for local up-and-coming filmmakers to showcase their talent.

So when Blue Starlite asked for help relocating to a new, permanent home in South Austin, its fans showed love, gratitude and support in return. [Read more…]

See Texan-Made Short Films During SXSW With Free Community Screenings

March 10, 2017 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Film still from “One” (Credit: Emily Ma and Grace Zhang)

While narrative and documentary features get their fair share of buzz, movie lovers should know SXSW offers a slew of short films that educate, entertain and inspire viewers. Although the festival highlights work from all over the world, there are many Austinites and other Texans who are showcasing their shorts between March 10 and 18, too. Here’s a list of the screenings you should look out for to support local creatives. Some of them are free and open to the public. [Read more…]

Austin Film Industry at SXSW Film 2017 With 7 Full-Length Screenings

March 9, 2017 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Lance Letscher Metal Collage SXSW Film 2017

Artist Lance Letscher working on a metal collage (Credit: Jason Gamble Harter)

We all know Austinites are a talented bunch. Even though SXSW Conference & Festivals showcase visitors from all over the world, many Austinites have their work featured during the event, as well. During SXSW Film, which runs March 10-18, 2017, seven full-length Austin-related films will be screening. Support Austin’s local film industry.

Because details are subject to change, we’ve included links for each film where you can see when and where each screening will take place. [Read more…]

Restored Globe Theatre Preserves Old Pastime in Bertram, Texas

January 27, 2017 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Globe Theatre in nearby Bertram, Texas

Guest article by Judy Rae Merhar

The world was by no means perfect in 1935, but perhaps it was simpler. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers danced across screens, and the world was graced with the birth of two cultural icons: the Dali Lama and Elvis Presley. And lo and behold, Globe Theatre in Bertram, Texas, opened its doors for the first time.

[Read more…]

Local Austin Film ProGamer Premieres This Week at Austin Film Festival

October 12, 2016 by Bill Tucker 1 Comment

Professional gamer White Ra competes for big cash and glory in ProGamer (Credit: ProGamer)

Imagine an NBA arena packed to the rafters on a Saturday. Stage lights flash across the at-capacity crowd. Monstrous displays broadcast the evening’s match-ups. An exuberant emcee walks onto the stage and announces the first bout. The crowd roars as the combatants go to their respective corners, put on headphones, and man their mouse and keyboard.

Oh, I’m sorry. Did you think I was talking about professional wrestling? A heavyweight bout? I was actually setting the scene for an eSports tournament. Professional gaming has become a worldwide sensation, attracting millions of fans through webcasts and live events. “ProGamer,” directed by Austin native Justin Agnew and premiering at this year’s Austin Film Festival, provides an inside look into this pixelated phenomenon and the personalities that make it tick. [Read more…]

Answers to Common Questions About SXSW Film for Austin Locals

March 11, 2016 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Sixth Street during SXSW (Credit: Ian Aberle via Flickr CC)

During SXSW, parts of our city seem unrecognizable. And sometimes, the festival itself can be downright confusing. Luckily, Janet Pierson, Head of SXSW Film, provided us with helpful answers to some of the most common SX questions. Below is valuable information from Pierson and the SXSW website. [Read more…]

3 Austin Documentaries You Should See During SXSW Film

March 10, 2016 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Austinites have to share their city during SXSW, so it only seems fair that a few featured documentary films would highlight Austin’s intriguing history with new information for both natives and newcomers to learn.

“A Song For You: The Austin City Limits Story,” “Honky Tonk Heaven: Legend of the Broken Spoke,” and “Tower” make their debut during the 30th SXSW Music, Film and Interactive Conferences and Festivals. Each film aims to skillfully investigate significant happenings in our city. [Read more…]

Iconic Austinite Richard Linklater Takes SXSW Film By Storm

March 9, 2016 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Richard Linklater – dream is destiny Still Photo

“Richard Linklater – dream is destiny” features interviews with Matthew McConaughey, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Jack Black, Julie Delpy, Kevin Smith. (Credit: “Richard Linklater – dream is destiny”)

This year, Austin and the 30th annual SXSW are celebrating homegrown filmmaker Richard Linklater with a premiere of his new film, a documentary about his work and even an art show. [Read more…]

Free Summer Flicks Are Back with 101X Summer Cinema Series

June 16, 2015 by Guest Blogger 1 Comment

101X Summer Cinema Series (Credit: 101X.com)

Guest article by Emily Burns

Each year, Austinites eagerly anticipate the return of the 101X Summer Cinema Series where they can escape the crazy day to day routine, relax and enjoy a good movie in good company. Last year’s event included films like Jurassic Park, Independence Day, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Goonies and Back to The Future.

It’s finally that time of year again. After much deliberation, the votes are in and 101X has released this year’s feature film schedule. The 10th season kicks off July 1st at Central Market (4001 N Lamar Blvd) with [Read more…]