Tired of the rush and crush of megaplex cinemas? Tired of seeing the same formulaic drivel that Hollywood coughs up? Then hit Dean’s Credit Clothing’s Film First Thursdays; at today’s event, indie director Ya’Ke Smith will screen three of his dramatic shorts and then take your questions. If you don’t know Smith, you should. He’s earned awards from the Directors Guild of America and Showtime, and he even got a nod from the Student Academy Awards. Today’s films include Shoppin’ (a single mom tries to feed her family after losing her credit at the neighborhood grocery store), The Second Coming (an estranged father attempts to make amends with his son) and Hope’s War (a U.S. soldier back from Iraq has a hard time adapting to everyday life). 9 p.m. 316 Main. For information, call 713-437-5249 or visit filmhouston.texaswebhost.com. Free.

First Thursday of every month, 8:30 p.m., 2006

This article appears in Aug 3-9, 2006.