Now everyone knows that fireworks are illegal within Austin city limits, but anyone that’s driven a few miles has seen those roadside stands where you can pick up a lot more than a few bangers and bottle rockets.

But what’s life like for those purveyors of pyrotechnics? That’s what Raul Buitrago explores in his new short documentary “False Fires,” which he has just put online in time for the Fourth of July celebrations.

Yet it’s about a lot more than who’s buying up a few bull rides and whistling missiles at the Half Off Fireworks Stand in West Austin. This is a quiet slice of life punctuated by some big bangs, and subtly an examination of America’s incredibly complicated relationship with gunpowder in all its forms and uses – from joy-bringing sky-bound illuminations to roman candle wars to school shootings – as well as the boredom of minimum wage jobs and the ephemeral nature of this here-today-gone-tomorrow industry.

Watch the entire 26 minute short right here:

Catch more of Buitrago’s work at www.raulbuitrago.com.

This article appears in June 28 • 2019.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US

The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.