ART AND INDEPENDENT FILMS

Ok, I know they don't have a million dollar budget. I also realize that they are at times difficult to figure out. But art films and independent films are usually a lot more thought provoking then the usual Hollywood offerings. If you live near Abilene Texas you have the opportunity to see some very creative films in October:


October 2005 ~

Thurs. 13 October PARAMOUNT ART FILM - "Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut," 7:30 pm. From 26-year old first time director Richard Kelly comes this provocative film, a genre busting fable that blasts the American suburban drama into a wildly imaginative realm of time travel, alternate universes, and the manipulation of one's fate. At it's core, however, this unique film is the simple story of a boy trying to make a stand in a lonely, chaotic world. Originally screened at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival, "Donnie Darko" became one of the festivals most talked-about and heatedly debated films. The director's cut features 20 minutes of never-before-seen footage, new & enhanced visual effects, and new music. 2004, color, scope, 133 minutes. Rated R for language and some violence. For more information visit http://www.donniedarko.com/. This screening also serves as the opening film of the 2005 WESTfest Short Film + Video Competition.



Fri. 14 October WESTfest 2005 SHORT FILM + VIDEO COMPETITION - Public Screenings of competition Program A, 7:00 pm. This annual film competition for student and independent filmmakers, now in it's eighth year, features works of 15 minutes or less in a variety of categories including dramatic, documentary, animation, and experimental. The juried competition consists of two competition programs, screened over two consecutive nights. Cash awards are given to the top films, including an Audience Award voted on by the festival audiences. All seats $5. For more information visit www.paramount-abilene.org/westfest.



Sat. 15 October WESTfest 2005 SHORT FILM + VIDEO COMPETITION - Public Screenings of competition Program B, 7:00 pm. This annual film competition for student and independent filmmakers, now in it's eighth year, features works of 15 minutes or less in a variety of categories including dramatic, documentary, animation, and experimental. The juried competition consists of two competition programs, screened over two consecutive nights. Cash awards are given to the top films, including an Audience Award voted on by the festival audiences. All seats $5. For more information visit www.paramount-abilene.org/westfest.


You should know that many times these films will present a point of view that will be completely opposite to the one you hold. But I can assure you they will give you much to think about. I usually do not agree with the majority of these films. I usually will not watch the type of material that is presented during the film festival. I do make an exception for the film festival so I can see what philosophical point of view will be presented by Hollywood in the years to come.