Houston Cinema Arts Festival highlights

Among the highlights of the Houston Cinema Arts Festival (November 12 – 16) are presentations where the filmmakers interact with the film and audience. Revolve on Cinema: The Performances (11/16, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 4:30 pm.) will feature the Revolve Dance Company busting out some jazz and lyrical dance moves while the film unspools behind them.

“It’s a film in progress,” explains HCAF Artistic Director Richard Herskowitz. “The filmmakers, Heather and Ben Epps have made eight segments starting with the short Angsters. It’s an interstitial project and a one-of-a-kind experience.”

The theme of endangered species gets a twist in Deke Weaver’s Wolf, playing at the Rice Media Center (11/15, 7:30 pm.). It’s part of Weaver’s Unreliable Bestiary series. Additionally, the Brandon Gallery (formerly Domo Book Store, next to Brasil at Dunlavy and Westheimer) hosts exhibits from attending artists, including a collection of Jem Cohen’s Polaroid street photos. Cohen will be showing shorts based on the Occupy Wall Street movement during the festival.

Another presentation that promises to blow people minds is an interactive 3D screening that incorporates optical illusions from Ken Jacobs. Nervous Magic Lantern blends Jacobs interest in perception with his lengthy career as an avant-garde director. Nervous Magic Lantern unwinds at the Aurora Picture Show the evening of Friday, November 14.

— Michael Bergeron

by Michael Bergeron