Best New Microcinema

Houston has already gotten some national attention in the realm of microcinema for possessing the eccentric little converted church known as Aurora Picture Show. Another well-known outlet for independent short films, Independent Exposure, has held screenings all over the United States and across the globe. (One event was held in a gunpowder factory in Belgrade one week before the NATO bombing.) The only cities fortunate enough to have regular monthly screenings are San Francisco and Houston, the full-time homes of founder Joel Bacher and operator Patrick Kwiatkowski. They've found an appropriately interesting enough venue in a fire station-turned-art gallery/theater. Kwiatkowski wisely makes each showing not just a viewing of some unique film shorts from international filmmakers but a party where people can mingle for some time afterward, complete with open bar. It's a welcome addition to Houston's film scene.