As the oldest independent film and video festival in the world, WorldFest Houston has had some time to establish its reputation as a quality film festival that features, draws attention to, and rewards the work of creative and hardworking independent filmmakers. Now in its 47th year, the festival showcases feature-length films, shorts, and master classes taught by esteemed industry professionals that examine various elements of Indie film production such as budgeting, protecting your script, and maximizing the talent you have to work with.
The aspect of the event that draws the largest crowd is the feature film component. This year’s selection boasts more than 50 promising films for attendants to choose from and will be viewed at the official 47th WorldFest Houston International Film Festival theater, The AMC Studio 30. The most highly anticipated screenings of this year’s festival, many of which are state, national, or worldwide premieres, include the following seven films.
“A Time in Quchi”
Shortly after his grandmother dies, a young boy named Bao is sent to live with his grandfather. Bao’s parents are divorcing, and the combination of tragedy and imbalance presents an ill-fated situation. Thankfully, Bao meets some friends along the way that give this poignant film both comic relief and positive undertones. This Taiwanese film, which has made waves across the Pacific since its release, will air at 5PM on Sunday, April 6. It will play at at the AMC Studio 30 at 5PM on Sunday, April 13 as well.
“Courting Chaos”
This is one of those low-budget films that viewers know will be, or already has been, a success just minutes into the show. The story of a Beverly Hills modern-day princess who falls for the charm of a Venice Beach street artist, this star-crossed story has a Titanic-esque touch but is entirely engaging and original. Its Texas premiere is scheduled for Sunday, April 6 at 9PM, and will play again at 9PM on April 8.
“Last Curtain Call”
Shortly after receiving his big break, a rock musician discovers he has early-onset dementia. What will happen to the musician and his career as he battles this incurable affliction? Find out at the world premiere of this highly anticipated film, which will take place on Wednesday, April 9 at 9PM. If you miss the first screening, you can catch the film again at 5PM on the last day of the festival, April 13.
“Roundball”
Stuck in a rut following the loss of his fiance and growing discontent with his cubicle job, Sam Jones decides to chase his childhood dream of becoming a professional basketball player. Watch this loveable 30-year-old pursue his dream of playing in the NBA at the world premiere of “Roundball” at 5 PM on Saturday, April 5. The film will screen for a second time at 7 PM on April 7.
“Show Must Go On”
This independent Croatian film deserves accolades for its originality. Follow those involved in the production of a reality show as, unbeknownst to contestants, a nuclear war has broken out. Why does the director want to keep this unfortunate current event away from the contestants and to what lengths will he go to keep them from unearthing the truth? To find out for yourself, catch the Texas premiere screening at 7 PM on Sunday, April 6 or the follow-up showing at 7 PM on April 8.
“The M Word”
What is the “M” word? According to the Henry Jaglom film, “The M Word,” there are several. In a bracingly witty and clever fashion, this film explores the themes of marriage, monogamy, men, menopause, and money through the lense of a struggling television network crew. The Texas premiere of this WorldFest Houston highlight will take place at 7 PM on Friday, April 11.
“This
Making its U.S. premiere at WorldFest Houston, this Persian film boasts more than just an intriguing title. In the midst of male-dominated Iranian society, this film follows a woman who wants to have a voice as she plots revenge on her husband following his gross betrayal of her. You can catch this one at 9 PM on Monday, April 7.
Residents of AMLI Uptown’s luxury apartments in Galleria are just about a mile from the action taking place between April 4 and 13, and residents of other AMLI apartment communities in Houston all live within a ten mile radius of The AMC Studio 30 on Westheimer at Dunville. To get your festival pass, visit WorldFest.org.
Which of these films sounds most intriguing to you? Or, if you are already in the loop and planning to attend WorldFest Houston, what film or films are you most looking forward to seeing?
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst