Short Cuts

Thanks to the Austin Film Society, it finally looks as though Austin will have its own state-of-the-art multimedia sound stages out at the old Robert Mueller Municipal Airport. The motion, which went before Mayor Kirk Watson and the Austin City Council last Thursday morning passed with, ah, flying colors, clearing the way for the next phase of the project, which includes meeting with city managers in an effort to negotiate a site-management agreement. According to AFS associate director Anne del Castillo, "this is where the real work starts," such as negotiating the business plan and clearing a swath through the red tape that typically precedes any major development such as the proposed sound stages... In other AFS news, a last-minute screening of the new film tale of day-trading intrigue -- Boiler Room -- has been scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Alamo Draft House at 7 pm. The film stars Dazed and Confused alumnus Nicky Katt, who will be in attendance with co-stars Scott Caan (Varsity Blues) and Jamie Kennedy (Scream). Tickets (which include a private party afterward) will be available to members only for $10 and will be available to the public on the day of the show for $15... The AFS, SXSW Film, KLRU, The Austin Chronicle, and the University of Texas RTF Department co-present another installment in the Texas Documentary Tour at the Alamo Drafthouse, Wed., Feb. 16, at 7 and 9:30 pm. This time out it's a pair of short films by Albert and David Maysles (Salesman, Gimme Shelter): Meet Marlon Brando (1965) and What's Happening: The Beatles in the USA (1964). Albert Maysles will be on hand to introduce the films and conduct a Q&A afterward. Advance tickets are available to AFS and KLRU members by calling 322-0145... Speaking of screenings, HBO is finally slated to show the edition of their celebrated 30x30 kid's film showcase featuring local kidfilmmakers Duncan Knappen and Rusty Kelley. The pair's short film "Toy Car" (which won the Creative Excellence Award at the National Children's Film Festival as well as First Prize, Elementary Category, at the Austin Children's Museum's Youth Film Festival) is scheduled to air Tue., Feb. 15, and again Sun., Feb. 20. Check local listings for times... Houston's Indie Slate magazine has announced the creation of Indie U, a comprehensive "35mm hands-on film shoot workshop" taking place Feb. 19-20 in Dallas. Described as "a total immersion weekend ideal for anyone who wants to know first-hand about 35mm production," Indie U features veteran director of photography Arledge Armenaki as the primary instructor. Armenaki, for those of you who don't recognize the name right off the bat, shot the Rudy Ray Moore blaxploitation classic Avenging Disco Godfather as well as Howling V: The Rebirth, so you know this is at the very least going to be an interesting weekend. Registration is $429 and complete details are available by calling 877/463-4375... Last but so not least, it's not even funny, Feb. 11 (that's today, folks) is the last day you can register to attend the SXSW Film Conference and Festival at the paltry $205 rate. After that, the price goes up, the lines get long, and the wallets get light. "But what do I get for my $205?" I hear you ask. A (very) partial list of this year's panelists includes D.A. Pennebaker, the Hughes Brothers, Janeane Garofalo, Monte Hellman, Christine Vachon, John Pierson, and, hey, what are you still reading this for? Go get that badge!

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