Keepin’ It Local
During the holidays it’s important to help those in need, and there’s few needier than slavishly overworked and criminally underwatched local filmmakers. Thankfully ’tis also the season to not leave your house, so cuddle up with one of these five homegrown titles. – Dan Gentile
Arlo & Julie
For those looking for more musings on late-20s relationship ruts after bingeing Aziz Ansari’s Master of None, Steve Mim’s comedy filters marital nervousness through a distinctly Austin lens with a touch of puzzle-solving mystery.Available via iTunes, $19.99
Austin Stories
Before Portlandia put a bird on everything, this sitcom brought Central Texas weirdness to a national audience via MTV. Don’t settle for a YouTube stream; support the cast and purchase an autographed DVD from star Howard Kremer.Available via www.howardkremer.com, $39.95
Balls Out
A true athlete savors the thrill of victory, dreads the agony of defeat, and also enjoys a good dick joke, as proven in local writer Bradley Jackson’s intramural football comedy.Available via iTunes, $11.99
Best of On Story
A perfect stocking stuffer for budding screenwriters, the best interviews from the first three seasons of KLRU’s venerated program are now available, with uncut discussions with luminaries such as Sydney Pollack, Shane Black, and Damon Lindelof.Available via www.austinfilmfestival.com, $15
7 Chinese Brothers
Local mumble legend Bob Byington’s latest film follows slacker Jason Schwartzman as he learns the ropes at his new auto shop job. Will his beautiful supervisor return his affection? Will he learn how to change oil? The answer to both questions is probably no, but the film’s easygoing charm is sure to delight.Available via iTunes, $9.99
This article appears in December 18 • 2015.
