In the 1980s, the coolest four hours of cable was Night Flight, the USA Network’s hyperhip mix of Z-movies, New Wave and punk sensibilities, and dissident politics. Now it’s back online, and its commitment to the cutting edge continues with “Short Film Showcase” – a celebration of 10-minute storytelling that’s already streaming work by a host of ATX talents.

The first four shorts in the lineup include three from Austin filmmakers, starting with a double bill from Don Swaynos. “Don’t Ever Change” takes a sideways look at mothers, daughters, and serial killer fandom, while “The Horrible Life of Dr. Ghoul” is a story of how tough it is to be a classic, late-night TV horror host. They’re joined by a very different kind of haunting in “The Outfit,” a Yen Tan collaboration with Hutch Crane about an ambitious young politician with more in his closet than just a comfy cardigan or two.

Check out all three – plus Peter Litvin‘s hellacious take on screenwriter rejection, “The Slump,” starring Austin’s own Sam Eidson, and the entire vast Night Flight back catalog – at www.nightflightplus.com. Subscriptions are $4.99 a month or $39.99 for the year.

This article appears in January 10 • 2020.

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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.