“Austin Film Festival 2009 Preview Guide: Austin Filmmakers”

The Austin Film Festival isn’t just a great time to see a lot of big name movies before they hit wide release, it’s also a great time to see films by Austin filmmakers.  After pouring through all the Austin Film Festival materials, we chose three films by Austin filmmakers that you won’t wanna miss. Check it!

Recommended Films by Austin Filmmakers:

Love and Tambourines by Jeremy Cohen

Synopsis: The exploration of love, tambourines and their overlaps through man on the street interviews, live music performances and the story of two single friends spending Valentine’s Day together.

Austin connection: Jeremy Cohen and producer/actress Stephanie Hunt are Austin born and raised.  Stephanie also stars in Friday Night Lights.  The film was shot all over Austin, including scenes inside Beauty Bar and Flipnotics.

Showtimes:

• Saturday, October 24th, 1P; The Independent at 501
• Wednesday, October 28, 9:30pm; Rollins Theater

Official Site: http://www.hinjuproductions.com/LT : Trailer

Stoner by Michael Greene

Synopsis: Four stoners must navigate their way through the thick haze of college, and in the process learn something about personal responsibility and the ever-dubious American Dream. Watch as our heroes get sucked into the underworlds of drug dealing, pyramid schemes, femme fatales, and gas masks. Festival alum Greene creates an original comedy that’s not just about getting high, but about how you can actually learn a lesson from smoking pot.

Austin connection: Michael Greene is an Austin filmmaker. The film was shot in Austin, mostly on the Eastside.  Plus, everyone knows that the reason Austin drivers suck is because they’re stoned all the time.

Showtimes:

• Saturday, October 24th, 3P; The Independent at 501
• Tuesday, October 27th, 7P; Alamo Lake Creek

Official Site: http://www.stonerthemovie.com/ : Trailer

Holy Hell by Rafael Antonio Ruiz

Synopsis: In a last ditch attempt to save a small financially strapped church, the parishioners decide to make a horror movie to raise the necessary funds.

Austin Connection: Rafael is a native Austinite.  In fact, we used to both live in the 21st St Coop in West Campus.  The movie was shot around Austin, including many scenes at the Riverbend Church.

Showtimes:

• Thursday, October 22nd, 7P; Rollins Theater
• Wednesday, October 28th, 7P; Rollins Theater

Official Website: http://holyhellmovie.com : Trailer