Worldfest Houston (the 44^th edition of this film festival) currently unwinds at the AMC Studio 30. As always, Worldfest displays an appearance uniquely its own. There are local filmmakers holding world premieres, multiple films from around the world, and even that stalwart of indie cinema Henry Jaglom.

Premieres include the sci-fier Radio Free Albemuth (based on a novel by Philip K. Dick) from L.A. based director John Alan Simon, and Trish Ray’s Sugar Baby, which was shot in Calcutta. Ray runs the local Next Actor Studio.

A narrative film from New Orleans, Flood Streets, has its world premiere and explores the lives of eccentric Big Easy characters and how they’ve adjusted post-Katrina. Documentaries include Please Remove Your Shoes about the Transportation Security Administration.

In a phone interview with Free Press Houston the star of Jaglom’s Queen of the Lot, Tanna Frederick detailed how Queen is a sequel to one of her previous film collaborations with Jaglom, Hollywood Dreams. In the latter film she’s just arrived in L.A. from the Midwest, anxious to find work. In Queen of the Lot Frederick’s character has changed her name to reflect a modest bit of success. Frederick’s also wearing an ankle bracelet because she’s under house arrest after a couple of drunken driving convictions.

Frederick and Jaglom, in addition to films, have staged versions of some of his popular films like Always; in addition to an original play penned by Jaglom titled Just 45 Minutes From Broadway.

All films unroll at the Studio 30, with seminars held at the Westchase Marriot. A full schedule can be obtained from the Worldfest website.

- Michael Bergeron