As owner of the longtime Montrose performance/event space AvantGarden, Mariana Lemesoff has been trying to keep her establishment up and running during these COVID-stricken times, while also making sure patrons are safe and symptom-free.
One thing she’ll be doing is launching a film series that’ll be complete with social-distancing precautions. “We had featured filmmakers’ works occasionally but however, during COVID, we realized we had the opportunity to create a safe space for culture and entertainment, while social distancing,” she says.
Instead of playing movies people can easily see on Netflix, Lemesoff sent the word out that she needed films from Houston-based folk. “I posted once on Facebook,” she remembers. “I posted, ‘AvantGarden is looking to screen local filmmakers’ works,’ and the response was incredible, because I don’t believe there’s a platform for local filmmakers right now.”
Third Ward-based filmmaker Jasmine Williams, one of those who responded to Lemesoff’s request, actually ended up as co-curator for this series. “There were other artists that referenced Mariana’s call for artists to screen, and I just happened to see that and contacted her. … She let me know what the criteria was as far as selection, and since I’ve had experience submitting several films over many different festivals over time, she just allowed me to have access to some of the submissions and make sure that they fit the guidelines.”
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 4-5 and then 8 p.m. each Monday from Oct. 12
Where: AvantGarden, 411 Westheimer
Admission: Free (a $15 donation is suggested)
Details: 832-287-5577; avantgardenhouston.com
Williams will be the first to show off her cinematic talents. “No Chill on the Bike Path: Houston’s Third Ward in Seven Acts,” her documentary on the history and current state of Third Ward, screens on Oct. 4.
Lemesoff’s only requirement for screening a film is that it must have been done by a local, like former New Yorker-turned-Houstonian Syed Hasan, whose documentary “100 Boats” (on the volunteers who saved lives during Hurricane Harvey) is being shown on Nov. 2.
“You know, museums and film festivals present independent features by local filmmakers as long as they have won at least one award,” she says. “But we want to give all filmmakers an equal opportunity.”
As for how these films will be shown, Lemesoff says all screenings are taking place outside every Monday night. “We’re putting a giant screen on the parking lot and we have 150 chairs that we can distance,” she says, “so people can sit comfortably — not be so close to each other — and watch the film.”
The filmmakers will be around for post-screening Q&As, while the refreshments will be drinks and pizza made from AvantGarden’s outdoor wood-burning oven. “At least we will do it during the warmer months,” she says. “Once it starts getting too cold, we may stop and take it over again in March.”
At a time when it seems everyone is literally wondering when and where their next dollar will be coming from, Lemesoff is just looking to give local artists some exposure — and, with luck, some walking-around money.
“Many of the performers who have had regular shows at AvantGarden for 10 years or longer and dependent on the shows to make a living, for their earnings — we cannot forget about them,” she says. “So, we have to find a way to create a safe environment and continue to give them jobs.
“We will work on making this a consistent event that will last for years,” she continues, “and will also help the local filmmakers who have not had an opportunity to feature or to show their movies in public.”
Craig Lindsey is a Houston-based writer.
"local" - Google News
September 30, 2020 at 06:15PM
https://ift.tt/2Gjwft1
Houston’s AvantGarden launches local film series - Houston Chronicle
"local" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2WoMCc3
https://ift.tt/2KVQLik
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Houston’s AvantGarden launches local film series - Houston Chronicle"
Post a Comment