By Liz Lopez
Source: SXSW
The day started with an invitation to the special screening of “44 Pages” that had a World Premiere at the SXSW Edu earlier in the week. I had to take the opportunity to view it, given that this documentary shines a light on the Highlights Magazine that has been published for 70 years.
I could not help but want to learn more behind this print publication with a focus on young children that has been successful for over 7 decades. I have a son who now has a son and I am glad to see they are enjoying the publication I do not recall having the opportunity to have as a subscription when I was a child in the Rio Grande Valley.
My efforts to view the Opening Night Film, “Song to Song”, was an interesting journey as I took the shuttle towards the Parmount Theater in hopes to be there an hour early in line. As we arrived and I walked up to the lines of people going in different directions, so I found a SXSW volunteer to find out what line to get into for the film. She promptly told me all the cue cards had already been issued out. Lucky for me, the shuttle was still waiting for people to board and I bolted back to get on and head to another venue for another film.
At the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, I was able to view the Narrative Spotlight feature film, “Us and Them” and it is one I highly recommend. It is very timely and the viewer will see how the intentions of how one plan goes very wrong. The great thing is this is not the only screening for the dynamite film! I will write a more thorough review, but the film will be screened again at the Alamo Drafthouse today, in theater A at 7:15 pm, as well as Tuesday, March 14th at 11:15 am at the Alamo Ritz.
Nacho Vigalondo’s feature film, “Colossal”, also was screened last night at the Alamo Drafthouse and it is in the Festival Favorites category. I had the pleasure of viewing the film at this past year’s Fantastic Fest and am certainly glad to see it available for viewing at the SXSW Film Festival for another international audience to view, if not at Fantastic Fest. The director served as a bartender at the Highball club next door to the theater for the film’s after party and I am sure it was an unforgettable experience for attendees. To meet, see or hear Vigalondo speak is a treat in and of itself – an experience not to be missed.
There will be additional screenings of the film:
Thursday March 16th at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar at 2:15 pm
Friday, March 17th at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar 7:30 pm