Houston’s Cinema Arts Festival highlights films by and about artists from every medium. Every year offers interesting films with panels with the filmmakers themselves that serve as rare cinematic opportunities. Some films that are included are new attractions that are yet to be released. Events and screenings happen all over Houston’s theaters, including a Conversation with Robert Redford at the newly opened Sundance Cinemas.
Films this year include “Beauty is Embarrassing,” “A Late Quartet,” “Stand Up Guys,” and the Oscar contender “Silver Linings Playbook.” In celebration of Gene Kelly’s 100th birthday, a free screening of the Best Picture winner “An American in Paris” will screen on the final night of the festival at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. The festival also includes the Texas Filmmaker’s Showcase, a 98 min. presentation of the best local short films – including Chris Spisak’s “The Order of Things” (where this author served as the 2nd assistant camera).
Robert Redford will receive the Levantine Cinema Arts Award, past recipients being Isabella Rossellini and Ethan Hawke. The festival kicked off today and continues until the end of the week. If you live in the Houston area, love movies, or are an aspiring filmmaker be sure to take advantage of this incredible annual film festival.
For more information on tickets and events, visit their website at www.cinemartsociety.org.
