Short Cuts

A University of Texas student organization called the University Filmmakers Alliance (UFA) is hosting an interesting two-part event this weekend which is open to the community at large. Jump Cut '98, a compilation of student film projects in competition, will screen Friday, May 1, 7pm, in the Texas Union Theatre. UFA Conference '98: Texas Connection will take place throughout the day on Saturday, May 2 in the Texas Union. The conference's purpose is to give the attendees an opportunity to interact with film and video industry professionals. The keynote speaker is film director John Badham (Saturday Night Fever, WarGames, Nick of Time, and many others). Some other workshop participants include Dwight Adair (Granite House producer), Sandra Adair (The Newton Boys editor), Layton Blaylock (cinematographer), Richard Lewis (documentarian), Elizabeth Peters (UT film instructor), and numerous others. Admission is free and open to the public on a space-permitting basis. The registration and check-in area will be in front of the Union Ballroom, beginning at 10am. Badham's keynote address is curiously part of the event's closing ceremony, which begins at 8pm in the Ballroom and will also include the Jump Cut '98 awards presentations. For more info see the website at http://www.utexas.edu/students/ufa or call 386-5447 or 495-5505...

Stephen Purvis, the director of Deep in the Heart (of Texas), a narrative feature film that was developed from the monologues showcased in the locally developed stage production, In the West, will be speaking this Sunday May 3, 3pm, at Borders on "How In the West Became Deep in the Heart." The film, featuring a host of Austin talent, opens at the Dobie next Friday, May 8...

James F. Robinson and members of the crew of Still Breathing (which opens this weekend around Austin) will be conducting a filmmaking workshop titled "Case Study: The Making of Still Breathing" in San Antonio (where much of the film was shot) this Saturday, May 2. The seminar will take place at the University of the Incarnate Word International Conference Center and ticket proceeds will benefit the P.E.A.C.E. Initiative. For more info contact Patricia Alston-Blanchard at 210/735-4988 or brcsa@connecti.com...

Going to the movies just got easier this weekend with the opening of the Tinseltown 17, a new 17-screen Cinemark theatre at Stassney and I-35. The location is smart - it's in a theatrically underserved area of town. Now if only we could make the films smarter...

Barna Kantor of the Cinemaker Coop will give a two-day workshop in Super-8 filmmaking Saturday May 9 and 16. For more info about signing up call 469-0114...

The Austin Film Society (AFS) has announced the appointment of Rebecca Campbell as the new managing director. She is replacing Elizabeth Peters, who has stepped down after three years in the position. Campbell brings to the job a wealth of experience in nonprofit management and both educational and hands-on experience in filmmaking. The AFS is now also accepting applications for two permanent part-time positions - Artists Services Director and Programming Coordinator. The job postings read as follows: "The Artists Services Director should have a knowledge of low-budget filmmaking and Austin's film community, as well as excellent office skills. The Programing Coordinator puts AFS film programs and audiences into theatres. A passion for and knowledge of films combined with office skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks is needed. The salary for each position is $600 per month. Mail cover letter and résumé to: AFS, 3109 N. I-35, Austin, Texas, 78722. Deadline is May 15."