The Mini-Dallas VideoFest is coming to Houston thanks to Bart Weiss, co-founder of the Dallas VideoFest; John Dean Alfone, founder and producer of Corsair Media Productions; micro-cinema 14 Pews; and Houston’s Women in Film and Television.
“Houston is a very hip city.” says Alfone. “People here are progressive. I think they’re definitely interested in [film]. I think [the festival’s]…for people who want to see something different…and I think it will give them some kind of cutting-edge look at non-Hollywood, high-quality filmmaking.”
One of the highlights of the festival is The Trouble with Ray, a short that focuses on gay and prisoner rights activist Ray Hill’s recollection of the Houston LGBT movement. The short is produced by Jarrod Gullot and directed by Travis Johns. There is also Carmen Menza’s astrophotographic exploration Dream Big. Menza’s short is in line with the festival’s focus on displays of new technology. Currently a Houstonian, Alfone has a short in the festival, The Arnold Chronicles; it was filmed in his home state of Louisiana.
VideoFest, which just celebrated its 27th year, is known as a huge supporter of Texas filmmakers and artists. “The vast majority of the artists who show work at VideoFest are Texans.”
3:30 to 11 p.m. 14 Pews, 800 Aurora. For information, visit 14pews.org. $10.
Sat., March 7, 3:30-11 p.m., 2015
This article appears in Mar 5-11, 2015.
