Short Cuts

Film Marches on Dept: In the wake of last week's tragic events and the continuing state of nervous uncertainty virtually everywhere, Austin theatre attendance has experienced a sizable drop-off. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema owner Tim League wins the Understatement of the Year Award, saying that "It was a very slow week," although, paraphrasing Ice Cube, he added that Saturday "was a very good day." Other local theatres have hurt from the weeklong attendance drought, as have chains across the country... Another film showcase that's been hit particularly hard by history-in-the-making has been the 2001 Cinematexas Short Film + Video Festival, which gamely went on with the show, noting "film festivals as a phenomena began en masse after World War II as a means to promote international dialogue," adding "obviously this is as urgent now as it was then." The festival, which runs through Sunday, Sept. 23, at various venues around town, is featuring 291 films from 26 countries this year, many of which you're unlikely to ever catch anywhere else. For ticket info, locations, showtimes, schedule updates, and everything else, check out www.cinemtexas.org, call 762-1235, or see our Cinematexas profile... Austin Studios has announced they're offering production internships in departments such as grips, props, camera, special effects, and wardrobe. According to their press release, no experience is necessary, but enthusiasm, a good attitude, and a willingness to do hard work is a must. The internships are unpaid, must be taken for college credit, will begin in October (subject to change), and participating individuals will need to commit to work 15-20 hours per week. Interested parties should send a résumé and cover letter to Austin Studios Production Internship, Attn: Elisabeth Sikes, 1901 E. 51st, Austin, TX 78723, or fax to 322-5139... "Internships?! But I already have my Super-8 micro-epic in the can!" If that's the case you might want to check out the fifth installment of the wildly popular Flicker Austin Film Festival, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 8pm, at the Blue Theater (916 Springdale). Flicker presents locally shot Super-8 and 16mm films under 15 minutes, with a cash film grant awarded at each bimonthly fest. Several spots for local filmmakers are still available at press time. Cost is a paltry $5, and all additional info is available at www.flickeraustin.com... Finally, San Antonio-based film group CineSA is holding its quarterly mixer this Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Blue Star Brewing Company at the Blue Star Arts Complex just down the road in gorgeous SA. The event kicks off at 6pm and continues through the evening. See www.cinesa.org or call 210/733-7170.