Also Starring Austin
Fascinating new documentary puts Austin's film community in the spotlight
In film, it's common to see breathless devotions to New York City, Los Angeles, and even London, but a new documentary is flipping the proverbial script and spotlighting Austin's many (and we mean many) contributions to film.
Also Starring Austin traces the city's rich history with film and the filmmakers who have worked here, beginning in the early 1900s with the San Antonio-born Tilley Brothers through to modern day Hollywood directors like Richard Linklater, using footage from more than 120 movies, TV shows, and commercials shot in the Capital City.
To tell this story, Austin-based filmmaker Mike Blizzard conducted dozens of interviews, ranging from local film industry pros and celebrities like Willie Nelson and Sonny Carl Davis, to other filmmakers like Robert Rodriguez and Linklater (a process Blizzard calls "especially nerve-wracking"). The result is a fascinating meditation on the history of the city itself, from a sleepy frontier town to a mecca of '70s counterculture to a booming modern metropolis.
Considering the subject matter, the documentary could easily be a nostalgic pining for what the city once was. Instead, it's a meditation on Austin's spirit — a place where people come to be themselves. "Austin continually renews itself in that discovery," says Blizzard. "People can come here, and they can be a little of themselves, they can find themselves and express themselves in ways that they couldn’t be [other places]. It’s easy for us to forget that."
Now, while nostalgia may not be a running theme in Blizzard's film, as a viewer, it's hard not marvel at the skyscraper-less skyline in Outlaw Blues, the dilapidated West Campus houses in Eggshells long ago replaced by cookie-cutter student apartments, the reimagined Texas School for the Deaf in The Faculty, or the Cathedral of Junk in Spy Kids 3-D. And Davis' stroll through downtown in Roadie will have viewers wishing they could press pause long enough to take it all. (Luckily, with a screener, you can.)
An Austinite since the 1990s, Blizzard originally came to town to study at the University of Texas at Austin before launching a career in grassroots organizing and leading mayoral campaigns. At 40, Blizzard decided he had enough of politics and began working as a filmmaker.
Perhaps because of his variety of experiences, "I don’t have rose-colored glasses," he says, but he does have a sweeping understanding of the important aspects of Austin culture — its place in history and politics, its progressive art scene, and, of course, its indelible ties to music, all of which he captures in Also Starring Austin.
"What you have here is in Austin is this creative community where the musicians and the filmmakers are one in the same and all work together," Louis Black says in the film while discussing the music video for The Clash's "Rock the Casbah" which, naturally, was filmed in Austin. Yet another interesting part of the doc discusses how Austin's early-1980s punk scene produced a number of low-budget art films which got the attention of none other than Jonathan Demme.
Beginning in the 1990s and early aughts, Austin's film community moved from sleeper hits like Texas Chain Saw Massacre to bona fide Hollywood blockbusters like Machete, led in part by Rodriguez and Linklater.
"It started to become a really viable here community when Rick wanted to keep making his movies here and I wanted to keep making my movies here, no matter what they were," explains Rodriguez in the documentary, who notably shot the Spy Kids franchise in Austin despite the story being set in South and Central America.
More than anything, Also Starring Austin is Blizzard's love letter to the city, no matter the era. Though he's humble, calling himself merely "a curator" of Austin-shot films, the documentary is both a sweeping history and deeply heartfelt. "I think it is gratifying to hear people say this made [them] fall in love with [the] city again," says Blizzard. "It gives people a window ... These movies have recorded pieces of Austin history that wouldn't exist otherwise."
Catch screenings of Also Starring Austin on February 22-23 and March 3 at AFS Cinema. Stay up to date on additional screenings here.
Festival style has evolved over the past few years. Attendees used to dress according to the mood of the festival; now it's about fitting the mood of your favorite headlining artist. Paulina Valencia and Maria Julia showed up to Day One ready to party with Charli XCX. Photo by Kenn Box
Despite the unusual weather, Elena Hobbes managed to make a classic boho outfit work with some practical footwear. Photo by Kenn Box
If you couldn't tell from the first few images, sequins were all over the festival grounds. Caeil Hwang styled herself in an asymmetrical sequined top and some moto boots with a western flare. Photo by Kenn Box
If you remember the 2000s, then you'll remember the Canadian tuxedo was a style staple. Flash forward two decades and it seems to have made its return, now with a more modern and structured fit. Maria Dupont styled herself in her best denim set for the utmost comfort. Photo by Kenn Box
Christian Hatley showed up to Day Two of the festival prepared and stylish. Photo by Kenn Box
Bringing the mid-2020s party girl vibe, Nidhi Kashyap's look is not only trendy but functional.Photo by Kenn Box
Camo and baby pink is always a cute pair! Deanna Harris is throwing it back to the Y2K era with her cropped graphic tank top and mini skirt. Early 2000s meets country chic in this look. Photo by Kenn Box
It's easy to focus on recreational festival-goers' style, but what about those there to work? Photographer Ryder Cavazos showed up to take some photos in style this year. Photo by Kenn Box
ACL Fest fashion has always had a hint of playfulness to it. Kenley Dunawai sported a South Park mini skirt paired with a black tank top. Photo by Kenn Box
Festival-goers don't need to reach out for Coachella and Marfa; Austin has its own sense of style. Luke Bame's camo shorts and fur vest are a prime example of what Austin's youth are wearing currently. Photo by Kenn Box
"Whismy" is a word that's been trending for quite some time now, and it's the perfect one to use for Audrey Dahlkemper's ACL Fest fit, from her printed rain boots to the tulle skirt.Photo by Kenn Box
Neutral tones are here to stay. Sara Chaney rocks a pair of sturdy Doc Martens to help her trek through the muddy grounds.Photo by Kenn Box
Vintage pieces are a staple in Austin. Andrew Silvas was seen sporting a vintage graphic tank and a classic pair of denim pants on Day Three of the festival. Photo by Kenn Box
Carrington Joseph puts a fun twist on the denim trend with her denim vest. Of course, the look isn't complete without her beaded accessories. Photo by Kenn Box
Negin Nekoonam is the effortlessly cool girl in her white dress accessorized with mud.Photo by Kenn Box
The psychedelic rave combo is one of the best subcultures in ACL Fest street style. Jamison Schilling had the defining countercultural look — though it may become mainstream as the festival begins to book more rave-friendly DJs. (And how about that muddy ombré effect?)Photo by Kenn Box
Graphic tees, camo, and Hunter boots formed a combo seen all over the grounds. Hayley Sherman was spotted wearing all three in the most stylish manner. Photo by Kenn Box
Comfort was key this year. Chantel Smith managed to style comfortable pieces into a cohesive and unique look. Photo by Kenn Box
Trucker hats are making big waves in fashion at the moment. Arden Loss is seen wearing an "I Heart Hot Dads" trucker hat paired with a floral babydoll dress. Photo by Kenn Box
The best festival fits make good use of accessories, and Ashley Galvan is the queen of accessorizing. Photo by Kenn Box
For Baylee Tincher and Peter Jones this year, style was about attitude and performance.Photo by Kenn Box
The protective footwear micro-trend will go down in ACL Fest history.Photo by Kenn Box