Friday, October 31, 2008

Vote for AFF as best Austin festival!

UPDATE - 11/06/08


Thanks to all who voted! Austin Film Festival won the A-List Poll.


----
Time to vote!
The Austin360.com A-list is hosting a poll to discover Austin's best festival. Show your support for writers, filmmakers and movies everywhere by supporting the Austin Film Festival.


CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BALLOT (poll is on bottom right, under City Life)
You can vote once per hour and polls close on Tuesday, November 4 at 11:00PM CT.



Thanks!

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Audience Award Winners Announced!

The Austin Film Festival is pleased to announce its 2008 audience award winners. Votes were cast by ballot following all film screenings. Winners by category follow:

Out of Competition Feature:
“Slumdog Millionaire”

Writer: Simon Beaufoy
Director: Danny Boyle

Narrative Feature Competition:
“A Quiet Little Marriage”
Writer/Director: Mo Perkins
Documentary Feature Competition:
“Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman”
Director: Eric Bricker

Narrative Short:
“Pop Art”
Writer/Director: Amanda Boyle

Narrative Student Short:
“Miracle Investigators”
Writer/Director: Jeremy Dehn

Documentary Short:
“Road To Tlacotepec”

Director: Berndt Mader
Animated Short:
“The Inquisitive Snail”
Director: Flemish Beauty

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Texas Book Festival | Bonnie and Clyde Screening!



Pictures at a Revolution, Bonnie and Clyde Screening

Sunday November 2, 2008 1:30pm
Alamo Ritz Downtown, 320 E. 6th St.
See it on the Book Fest Schedule

In "Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood", Mark Harris vividly depicts the epic human drama behind the making of the five movies nominated for Best Picture in 1967 – Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, The Graduate, In the Heat of the Night, Doctor Doolittle, and Bonnie and Clyde – and through them, tells the larger story of the cultural revolution that transformed Hollywood, and America, forever. The product of extraordinary and unprecedented access to the principals of all five films, combined with 20 years' worth of insight covering the film industry, Harris' Pictures at a Revolution is a windfall to pop culture historians and movie buffs everywhere.

For 15 years, Harris has worked as a writer and editor covering movies, television, and books for Entertainment Weekly, where he now writes the "Final Cut" back-page column. He has written about pop culture for several other publications as well. A graduate of Yale University, he lives in New York City with his husband, Tony Kushner.

Monday, October 27, 2008

New Merchandise Now Here!

Thanks to all the writers, filmmakers, sponsors and attendees who made the 15th annual Austin Film Festival another great event!

Take home a piece of the fest - new t-shirts, hats, tote bags and more. Perfect for the holidays or the writer you love.
T-Shirts






Hats


Tote Bag

AFF Custom Moleskines
2008 Festival Art Poster
For the complete AFF Store: Click Here!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Narrative Feature Winner Screens Tonight!

Don't miss this year's Jury Award winner for Narrative Feature:

LOST & FOUND
Director: Nobuyuki Miyake

A rural train station in Japan is the setting for this charming and sad story. The lives of the denizens of this station, from the lovelorn to the lonely, all intersect in and around the lost and found department. Shot with an incredible grace, and with wonderfully subtle and human performances by an ensemble cast, Miyake’s feature is a tale of human bonds and the need for connection.

Thursday, October 23
9:00PM, Alamo Drafthouse Lakecreek
13729 Research Blvd

More information: http://aff.bside.com/2008/films/lostfound_aff2008

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Greg Daniels visits Amy's Ice Creams



Outstanding Television Writer awardee Greg Daniels takes a quick break from Austin Film Festival activities to enjoy a refreshing treat at local favorite Amy's Ice Creams on South Congress avenue this past weekend.

Austin Film Festival & Amy's Ice Creams partnered again in preparing special flavors for the event - this year focusing on Daniels incredible portfolio of television projects. Flavors included "Chocolate Chip Cookie D'oh!", "Great Scott Chunk" and "King of the Chill".

Flavors available while supplies last at 6th & Lamar, South Congress and Super South Congress locations.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Film Jury Award & Screenplay/Teleplay Winners!

Congratulations to the 2008 Film Jury Award winners and Screenplay/Teleplay winners!
Stay tuned for Audience Award announcement...

FILM
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Les Ninjas du Japon - More Info
Tuesday, October 21, 5:15 p.m., Hideout Theater
Wednesday, October 22, 7:30 p.m. Alamo Lakecreek

NARRATIVE FEATURE
Lost & Found - More Info
Wednesday, October 22, 7:00 p.m. Regal Arbor
Thursday, October 23, 9:00 p.m. Alamo Lakecreek

Special Jury Award
Left - More Info
Wednesday, October 22nd, 9:30 p.m. Texas Spirit Theater

ANIMATED SHORT
Chainsaw - More Info
Tuesday, October 21, 9PM, Shorts 8, Hideout Theater

DOCUMENTARY SHORT
Zietek - More Info
Tuesday, October 21, 6PM, Shorts 10, Dobie Theater

Special Jury Award for Personal Expression and Advocacy:
Passages - More Info
Wednesday, October 22, 6PM. Dobie Theater

NARRATIVE STUDENT SHORT
Danzak - More Info
Tuesday, October 21, 3PM, Shorts 7, Hideout Theater

NARRATIVE SHORT
Sikumi - More Info
Wednesday, October 22, 9:15PM, Shorts 11, Regal Arbor

Special Jury Award for Ryan Andrews’ performance
Frankie - More Info
Wednesday, October 22, 6PM, Shorts 3, Dobie Theater

Special Jury Award
Megatron - More Info
Wednesday, October 22, 9:15PM, Shorts 5, Hideout Theater

SCREENPLAY
Drama Screenplay: “Mine” Anita Skibski
Comedy Screenplay: “eLove” Betsy Morris
Latitude Productions Screenplay Award:
This award is sponsored by Los Angeles-based motion picture production company Latitude Productions, which was founded by company President Curtis Burch “Shimmer Lake” Oren Uziel
Sci-Fi Screenplay: “The Man Who Would be Sherlock Homes” Walter Campbell

TELEPLAY
Drama Teleplay: “Pushing Daisies: Rumpology” Steve Daniels
Sitcom Teleplay: “The Office: The Crossword Contest” Beau Henry

PITCH COMPETITION

FIRST PLACE (tie): Nick Hurwitch
FIRST PLACE (tie): Jim Macak
SECOND PLACE: Troy Miller
THIRD PLACE: Steve Chatterton

Charlie Kaufman in Austin with "Synecdoche, New York" & more!


SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK
7:30PM Paramount Theatre Charlie Kaufman in attendance
Theater director Caden Cotard's life in Schenectady, New York is looking bleak. His wife Adele has left him to pursue her painting in Berlin, taking their young daughter Olive with her. A new relationship with the alluringly candid Hazel has prematurely run aground. And a mysterious condition is systematically shutting down each of his body's autonomic functions. Worried about the transience of his life, he moves his theater company to a warehouse in New York City. He directs them in a celebration of the mundane, instructing each to live out their constructed lives in a growing mockup of the city outside.
(P.S. Today's word on dictionary.com is synecdoche - coincidence?)
THE THACKER CASE
7PM Regal Arbor Cinema Filmmakers in attendance
A controversial wrongful death suit in a small town is the backdrop to AFF alum Brian Jun’s The Thacker Case, the follow-up to his 2006 festival hit Steel City. When the body of Kevin Thacker is discovered behind the police station after he is brought in for drunk driving, the stories simply don’t add up to the accidental death the police claim. His parents bring a young attorney onto the case to try to find justice for their son. Jun’s feature has a new take on the classic courtroom procedural, mixing in the gritty realism of New Hollywood with a moving family story.
COWBOY SMOKE
7PM Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center
Filmmakers in attendance

Joe is a suburban convenience store clerk with big dreams of becoming a cowboy. After packing his boots and moving to South Texas to learn from the real deal, Joe’s ideal of the mythic cowboy is shattered when he finds himself holed up in a town that survives on a human smuggling trade. His beliefs turned upside down, Joe is ready for anything when approached by a mysterious fugitive offering help and advice. An epic, twisting, heartfelt ride through the immigration dilemma, Cowboy Smoke forces its characters to come to their own terms with right and wrong and, ultimately, what it means to be a cowboy.
SIX GUN
9:15PM Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center
Filmmakers in attendance

Some cowboys never learn. In the Texas hill country of the 1870’s a man is losing his ranch. And it’s largely his fault. There’s some dirty money tied up in it all. Fights between old friends. And a buzzard of a man steals a girl. It’s a Texas horse opera – a digital dime novel shot in the places where the old west really was, by people who live up the Chisolm Trail. The western has come home. With that rare indie cast of seasoned actors in their forties, fifties and sixties this is the tall tale that dares to ask “Why do bad things happen to funny people?”
SITA SINGS THE BLUES
9:15PM Bob Bullock Spirit Theater

Sita is a goddess separated from her beloved Lord and husband Rama. Nina is an animator whose husband moves to India, then dumps her by email. Three hilarious shadow puppets narrate both ancient tragedy and modern comedy in this beautifully animated interpretation of the Indian epic Ramayana. Set to the 1920's jazz vocals of Annette Hanshaw, Sita Sings the Blues earns its tagline as "The Greatest Break-Up Story Ever Told."

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Sunday Highlights

Conference Updates

The Finalist and Semifinalist panel in the Driskill Hotel Hogg Room at 11:30 am has been canceled.

Tell Your Story: David Wain has moved to 2:30 pm in the Victorian Balcony

Tell Your Story: Tim Kring has been canceled.

Shane Black's Tell Your Story has been moved to the Driskill Hotel Ballroom.

Buy your 2009 badges at AFF Registration at a discounted rate!

Today's Party

Austin Film Society Party
5 pm - 7 pm
Six Lounge
117 W. 4th
Producers Badge holders over 21 will be admitted.

Film Highlights

Rock-afire Explosion lights up the Spirit Theatre at 9:30 pm with some good old-fashioned Showbiz Pizza showmanship.

David Wain's Role Models screens with Seann William Scott and Jane Lynch in attendance at 4 pm at the Paramount Theatre.

Get a peek at festival favorite Wendy and Lucy at the Paramount at 7 pm.

Narrative feature winner Lost & Found plays at the Dobie at 7:15 pm.

Don't miss The Poker Club at the Dobie at 2 pm with writer/actor Johnathon Schaech.

Find more films and panels at http://aff.bside.com

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Saturday Highlights

Conference Updates

Tell Your Story: Lawrence Kasdan
2 pm Victorian Balcony
Join the writer of Body Heat, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Empire Strikes Back, Silverado, and Grand Canyon for an intimate conversation on the balcony.

The following panels will be signed for the hearing impaired

Young Filmmakers Panel - Texas State Capitol
10/18
10:45 am - 12 pm
Texas State Capitol Building
Alive! Performance

Conversation w/ Danny Boyle
10/18
2 pm - 3:15 pm
SFA Ballroom
Alive! Performance

Conversation w/ Greg Daniels
10/18
3:45 pm - 5 pm
SFA Ballroom
Alive! Performance

Saturday's Conference Wrap Party now at Buffalo Billiards!

The Conference Wrap Party will now take place at Buffalo Billiards on the corner of 6th and Brazos, kitty corner from the Driskill Hotel.
Weekend, Conference and Producers Badge holders will be admitted.

Saturday Film Highlights

Come see artists under pressure in the documentary Art 365, 5 pm at the Hideout.

AFF alum Spencer Parsons brings more Texas flavor to the festival (by the way of Denmark) with I'll Come Running, tonight ar the Rollins at 9:30.

The Paramount gets started at 6:30 pm with Paul Schrader's Adam Resurrected. After that start laughing at Visioneers featuring Zach Galifianakis.

The Comedy Vanguard series continues with Happy Birthday, Harris Malden (Alamo Ritz, 5:15 pm) Do not ask him about his mustache.

The poignant documentary Summer Child debuts at the Regal Arbor. Director Iris Olsson is in from Finland for the film.

Tom Skerritt kicks it old school in person at the Bob Bullock IMAX theatre with Top Gun at 9:30 pm. Yes, that Top Gun. Disclaimer: Goose still dies.

With a title like Psycho Sleepover, we don't really need to sell it. We know you, you're drawn to comedy horror like a moth to one of those things that zaps moths with that awful gr-ZAT sound. 11 pm at the Alamo Ritz.

Don't forget to check out all of our films and panels at
http://aff.bside.com

Friday, October 17, 2008

Friday Highlights

Film Highlights

Danny Boyle unveils Slumdog Millionaire tonight at the Paramount (7:30 p.m.), and presents Shallow Grave afterward (Paramount, 10 p.m.).

Meanwhile Jake Kasdan takes a trip down memory lane with a screening of Zero Effect (9:30 p.m., Spirit Theatre) and AFF alum Toby Wilkins will throw down the old-fashioned freakout in person presenting Splinter at the Alamo Lake Creek (10 p.m.).

Death in Love depicts the effects of a Jewish woman's love affair with the doctor in charge of human experiments in a Nazi concentration camp on the lives of her sons many years later. Writer/director Boaz Yakin (Fresh, Remember the Titans) will be in attendance at his 8 p.m. screening at the Alamo Ritz.

If you still have comedy itches that need scratching, Who is KK Downey? lights up the Alamo Ritz at 11 p.m. If you need help staying up, try one of the Midnight Espresso shakes.

That barely scratches the surface . . .
see http://aff.bside.com for more films and panels!

Conference Updates

10:45 a.m. A Conversation with James Cromwell, Driskill Hotel Ballroom
Join James Cromwell for a conversation about his recent turn as Bush senior in Oliver Stone's W. and learn about the actor's process.

3:15 p.m. Another new panel! If you haven't heard. Lawrence Kasdan will be joining John August and Shauna Cross for their Shot of Inspiration panel inside the Driskill Ballroom.

Shuttles to Film Texas BBQ

Attn: Producers Badge Holders
The Film Texas BBQ Supper at the French Legation Museum begins at 5 p.m. There will be continuous shuttle service starting at 4 p.m. outside the Driskill Bar at 7th Street and Brazos to and from the supper. The shuttle should run every fifteen minutes until 7 p.m.

Saturday's Conference Wrap Party now at Buffalo Billiards!

The Conference Wrap Party will now take place at Buffalo Billiards on the corner of 6th and Brazos, kitty corner from the Driskill Hotel. (Weekend, Conference and Producers Badge holders admitted)

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Welcome to the 15th Annual Austin Film Festival

All the latest festival news for Thursday, October 16

Conference Updates

The following panelists and filmmakers have regretfully been forced to cancel their appearances due to schedule conflicts. Channing Dungey, Matthew Grost, James V. Hart, Lauren Levy, Michael McDonald, Rachel Miller, Gayla Nethercott and Chuck Skylar.


Evening Film Highlights


Catch W. with James Cromwell in attendance at the Paramount Theatre at 7 pm.

Director Eric Bricker presents Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman with Frank Lloyd Wright's favorite photographer in attendance at the Rollins Theater at the Long Center at 7 pm.

The race to find "the god particle" is chronicled in Atom Smasher at 8pm at the Hideout Theater around the corner from the Driskill Hotel.

All Roads Lead Home will be shown at the Bob Bullock IMAX at 7PM - part of the Target Family Film Series. Children 15 & under free!

A team of Japanese cyclists travel to Africa for a dramatic bicycle race in the compelling Les Ninjas du Japon at 10pm at the Rollins Theater.

Do you swing? Catch the true story of the infamous swingers nightclub, Plato's Retreat, in American Swing at 11:30pm at the Alamo Ritz.

That barely scratches the surface . . .
see http://aff.bside.com for more films and panels!

PLUS

Festival Parties
ACVB Opening Night Reception
5:00pm - 6:45pm
Mohawk
912 Red River St.
Producers Badge Holders will be admitted.

Late Night Welcome Party
11:00pm - 1:00am
Mohawk
912 Red River St.
Conference & Producers Badge holders will be admitted.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Rob Pattinson Scheduled to Attend AFF!


The 15th annual Austin Film Festival has just confirmed that rising Twilight star Robert Pattinson is scheduled to attend the “How To Be” screening, Saturday, October 18, 7:15PM at the Regal Arbor Cinema in Austin, TX.

More Info about How to Be:
A wry comedy about Art (Robert Pattinson), a frustrated musician, undergoing what he sees as a quarter life crisis. This is not helped when his girlfriend dumps him and he has to move back in with his middle class parents, who are far from thrilled with the idea. Art's only friend, agoraphobic Ronny, is holed up in a London flat in a daze of nitrous oxide and electro music. Art discovers self-help guru, Dr Levi Ellington, author of 'It's Not Your Fault'. Using inheritance money, Art pays for Dr Ellington to move in with him and his parents becoming Art's full-time life coach, shadowing him wherever he goes. How to Be is a charming comedy with a winning cast. More Info Here

How to attend?
Film Passes - $42 – access to How To Be and over 190 other film screenings during the 15th annual Austin Film Festival (October 16-23, 2008). Film Pass holders admitted ahead of individual ticket-holders. Want an even better chance of getting your seat? UPGRADE to a Lone Star Badge – for priority entry into all theaters in the badge line ahead of Film Passes! Purchase your film pass here.
Individual tickets on sale for $9, 30 minutes prior to screening time at theater box office, if seating capacity allows after badge-holders and film pass holders are seated.

Visit http://www.austinfilmfestival.com/ for more information and to buy your badge or pass!

Want more Twilight?


Don’t miss screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg at her Adapting Twilight panel – that includes a sneak peak of the film! More information here.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

TBA #1 Revealed : Rock-a-Fire Explosion




Sunday, October 19 9:30PM
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum - Spirit Theater

Just announced! You've seen the videos on YouTube...now see the documentary everyone will be buzzing about! Rock-a-Fire Explosion at the 15th annual Austin Film Festival with director Brett Whitcomb in attendance.


Synopsis:
"The Rock-a-fire Explosion" is the story of a small town car salesman, a struggling inventor, and an animatronic rock band, that quickly becomes an eccentric portrait of childhood memories, broken dreams, and the resilience of the human spirit. With the closing of Showbiz Pizza in the early 90s, and the subsequent removal of The Rock-a-fire Explosion, a small but determined group of fans persisted with their hopes of reviving their fallen obsession. It wasn’t until 2007, with the resurgence of the Rock-afire Explosion on YouTube with songs like “Miss New Booty,” “Hey There Delilah,” and “Love in This Club,” that the animatronic band found its way back into the public consciousness. Chris Thrash, a car salesman from Phenix City, Alabama who recently purchased a Rock-afire Explosion, has led the charge with his inventive programming and clever song choice.


Don't forget to add it to your festival calendar at http://aff.bside.com. Film Passes to see this and over 190 film screenings during the festival are available by clicking here, calling 512-478-4795, picking up at Waterloo Records or Follett's Intellectual Property, or during AFF registration which opens at 12PM at the Driskill Hotel.

Individual tickets available 30 minutes prior to screening at theater box office if seating capacity allows after badge-holders and film pass holders admitted. For more information on the Austin Film Festival at http://www.austinfilmfestival.com/

Monday, October 13, 2008

Lawrence Kasdan return to Austin Film Festival!



Lawrence Kasdan, AFF's 2001 Distinguished Screenwriter Award Recipient
“A writer’s film festival – that may be the best idea ever. It’s magical…It’s the best film festival in the world.”

Lawrence Kasdan, pictured above with son Jake, will once again be returning to the Austin Film Festival! Don't miss Lawrence at Conference panels - or Jake's intimate panels and special retrospective screening.

Catch Jake at...

10/17 - Writing for Laughs: The Sitcom - Details

10/17 - Roundtable: Writers/Directors - Details

10/17 - Jake Kasdan Presents...Zero Effect - Details

10/18 - Writing Comedies: PG-13 vs. R - Details

10/18 - Tell Your Story: Phil Rosenthal & Jake Kasdan - Details

Lone Star, Weekend, Conference and Producers Badges Still Available! Be first in line to all the films PLUS select Conference panels and parties - click here.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

The 2008 Festival Program Guide

Here's your look at the entire festival schedule - from panels to parties and all the films inbetween, start planning your Austin experience! Do so online at http://aff.bside.com/2008/schedule or click the cover below to open the .pdf.

Need something a little smaller? Download the Pocket Guide here.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Working for the weekend? Come to Austin!

You never need an excuse to come to Austin for the weekend - but here's why you won't want to miss what Saturday and Sunday hold for those who choose to spend their time in this buzzing film city during the 15th annual Austin Film Festival & Screenwriters Conference.


On Saturday and Sunday, the 18th and 19th of October, professional agents, producers and world-renowned screenwriters are gathered here in downtown Austin to talk to you. You'll learn more about screenwriting in one weekend than you thought possible - surrounded by fellow writers and filmmakers who are looking to make connections!

A Weekend Badge gets you into every film at the festival (over 190 screenings included world, U.S. and regional premieres), all panels on Saturday and Sunday (see an exciting selection below), as well as the Pitch Finale Party and the Conference Wrap Party.


What more do you want from the city that has a little of everything - at a price you can afford? Make the investment to further your career.

Saturday 10/18:
9:00-10:15 a.m. The Art of the Pitch
In this business, you have to know how to pitch both yourself and your script. Learn how to make great connections wherever you may be and pitch your script in any setting from a meeting to a party. Start networking now and leave everyone wanting more. Juliana Farrell, Bob Soderstrom

9:00-10:15 a.m. Dialogue Finding Voice
How do you create dialogue that drives the story but feels natural? How do you make sure that the dialogue flows with the scene and pacing of the film? Get tips from the pros and make your dialogue really say something. John August, John Lee Hancock, Steven Harrigan, Tom Copeland

10:45a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Concept to Creation
Meet Whip It! screenwriter/Derby Girl author Shauna Cross and Whip It! producer Kirsten Smith. They’ll discuss the process of taking an idea from a book to a screenplay and beyond.
Dawn Wiercinski – moderator

2:00-3:15 p.m. Writing Comedies: PG-13 vs. R
Sometimes you just gotta say &#@%$! Then again, you don’t want the MPAA breathing down your neck. Hear from top comedy writers about the tradeoffs of writing for R and PG-13 ratings. Bob Fisher, Jake Kasdan, Kirsten Smith, Warren Etheredge-moderator

2:00-3:15 p.m. A Conversation with Danny Boyle
Meet 2008 Extraordinary Contribution to Filmmaking Award recipient Danny Boyle, the legendary director and producer behind Slumdog Millionaire, Sunshine, 28 Days Later, Trainspotting and A Life Less Ordinary to name a few. Chris Kelley - moderator

3:45-5:00 p.m. Action Thriller
Beware! This session features guns, explosions and elaborate set pieces galore. A look into the action thriller. Shane Black, Tim Kring, Terry Rossio, Beau Thorne, John Turman, Steven Puri - moderator

Sunday 10/19
11:30-12:45 p.m. The One-Hour Drama
In a world of cop shows, doctor shows and lawyer shows, how do you make your writing stand out? With so many new outlets for dramatic writing, find out how writers keep up with the ever-expanding landscape of dramatic television.
Matthew Federman, Melissa Rosenberg, Karine Rosenthal, Stephen Scaia, Michael McDonald - moderator

11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Tell Your Story: David Wain
Find David Wain by the fireplace in the Victorian Balcony. Ask questions about Role Models, The Ten, Wet Hot American Summer and join the casual conversation on the couches. Later, walk down to the Paramount and catch Mr. Wain’s latest comedy Role Models screening at the Paramount at 4:00 p.m.

11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. From Frame to Frame: Adapting Comic Books to the Screen
If this summer’s films taught us anything, it is that the comic book is king. From superheroes to the graphic novel, all forms of comic book writing have been turned into successful films in recent years. Hear about the challenges of this genre from writers who currently adapt comic books for film. Beau Thorne, John Turman, Karl Williams - moderator
2:30-3:45 p.m. Tell Your Story
Find Shane Black by the fireplace in the Victorian Balcony. Ask questions about Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and join the casual conversation on the couches.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Oliver Stone's "W." announced as Opening Night!

15th annual Austin Film Festival announces Opening Night!

W.
Writer: Stanley Weiser
Director: Oliver Stone
Cast: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks, Thandie Newton, Richard Dreyfuss, James Cromwell, Toby Jones, Jeffrey Wright, Ellen Burstyn, Rob Corddry, Scott Glenn
With James Cromwell in attendance...

An event everyone will be talking about. Don't miss out on the one-night-only premiere of W. - Opening Night of the 15th annual Austin Film Festival - just steps away from the Austin Capitol where Bush, former Governor of Texas, held office.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 7:00PM, PARAMOUNT THEATRE

James Cromwell in attendance!

Whether you love him or hate him, there is no question that George W. Bush is one of the most controversial public figures in recent memory. In an unprecedented undertaking, acclaimed director Oliver Stone (2007 AFF Extraordinary Contribution to Filmmaking Recipient) is bringing the life of our 43rd President to the big screen as only he can. W. takes viewers through Bush’s eventful life -- his struggles and triumphs, how he found both his wife and his faith, and of course the critical days leading up to his decision to invade Iraq. --

ALSO DON'T MISS...

ROLE MODELS
Writers: Paul Rudd, David Wain, Ken Marino
Director: David Wain
Cast: Paul Rudd, Sean William, Elizabeth Banks, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, A.D. Miles, Joe Lo Truglio, Jane Lynch, Bobb’e J. Thompson

With David Wain & Seann William Scott in attendance!



SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 4:00PM, PARAMOUNT THEATRE - AUSTIN, TX

Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott star in Role Models as Danny and Wheeler, two salesmen who trash a company truck on an energy drink-fueled bender. Upon their arrest, the court gives them a choice: do hard time or spend 150 service hours with a mentorship program. After one day with the kids, however, jail doesn’t look half bad. Badge-holders gain entry into theater before film pass and individual ticket holders at all screenings. Individual tickets on sale after badge & film pass holders seated if seating capacity allows.
Film Passes ($42) available online, by calling 512-478-4795, at Waterloo Records (600A N. Lamar) and Follett's Intellectual Property (2025 Guadalupe).
Invidivual Tickets available for $9, 30 minutes prior to showtime if seating capacity allows after badges & film pass holders admitted.

Friday, October 03, 2008

Get Inspired with Artistic Documentaries

A few artistic highlights from the Documentary Features Competition! See them both at the 15th annual Austin Film Festival. Film Passes are $42 and available here.
VISUAL ACOUSTICS: THE MODERNISM OF JULIUS SHULMAN
Director: Eric Bricker Regional Premiere
Thursday, October 16, 7:00PM, Rollins Theatre
(Bricker & Shulman in attendance)
Sunday, October 19, 7:15PM, Regal Arbor Cinema
(Bricker in attendance)

As the favorite photographer of architects and designers from Frank Lloyd Wright to Charles Eames, Shulman populated his photos with human models and striking landscapes, combining the organic with the synthetic, melding nature with revolutionary urban design. The resulting images helped to shape the careers of some of the greatest architects of the 20th century. Bricker's fascinating portrait is a testament both to the art of the mid-century California modernists and to a brilliant photographer who captured its indelible images. Narrated by Dustin Hoffman.
--

ART 365
Directors: Cacky Poarch, Melissa Scaramucci World Premiere


Saturday, October 18, 5:00PM, Hideout Theater
Thursday, October 23, 4:00PM, Hideout Theater

In March 2007, six projects were chosen from 134 entries to receive $10,000 to create a new body of work in one year. These Oklahoma artists receive not only funds, but professional support from a curator who provokes and encourages the artists to flex their creative muscles. With vastly different projects, a year that keeps getting shorter, and intense installation challenges, Art 365 documents a unique time and artists committed to their community. Poarch and Scaramucci's intimate access to the process of creation makes for a dramatic and intriguing story.

For a complete festival schedule visit http://www.austinfilmfestival.com/

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Poster Artwork Released & festival pocket guides have arrived!

The 2008 Austin Film Festival pocket guides have hit the streets! Be on the lookout to pick up your copy and start planning your festival itinerary. They've been spotted at our festival venues, downtown shops and eateries and tonight (10/2) during First Thursday at Cissi's Market on South Congress Avenue. Stop by to snag your copy and register for your Film Pass or Film & Food ticket!




15th Annual Austin Film Festival Poster (by Dirk Fowler)



See it for yourself at the festival - just 2 weeks away!