The Development of Independent Filmmaking

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A A A Comments By Olivia Flores Alvarez Thursday, Jul 15 2010

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The Southwest Alternate Media Project (affectionately known as SWAMP) has been at the forefront of independent filmmaking in Houston for more than 30 years. Today, members of SWAMP and their friends look back on The Evolution of Independent Film in Houston with a panel discussion by Marian Luntz, a former SWAMP staffer and currently curator of film and video for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Rick Ferguson, executive director of the Houston Film Commission; and filmmakers Carlos Calbillo, Pepper Mouser and Jim Barham. The early days of local independent filmmaking were marked by the leadership of such talents as the late Eagle Pennell and James Blue. Mary M. Lampe, executive director for SWAMP for the last 12 years, says both men were extremely influential. “James Blue was committed to making filmmaker tools available to everyone. He thought that a camera was just like a pencil or a pen, just another tool for self-expression.” And Pennell, Lampe says, was part of Robert Redford’s inspiration for the Sundance Film Festival. “He wanted to have a place where filmmakers like [Eagle Pennell] could show off their work.” 6:30 p.m. Museum of Printing History, 1324 West Clay. For information, call 713-522-8592 or visit www.swamp.org. Free.
Thu., July 15, 6:30 p.m., 2010

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