Austin Goes to Sundance

Meet the 6 Austin films heading to the 2014 Sundance Film Festival

Last year was an exciting year for Austin-made films at the Sundance Film Festival. Nine feature films and three shorts were made by Texans, with nine of the twelve being shot in Austin or directed by Austin-based filmmakers. Though this year's Sundance lineup has a lighter Texas load, there are still a number of films with Austin ties to keep an eye on.

Boyhood — Announced as part of the Sundance lineup at the last minute, this Richard Linklater film, shot over a twelve year period, stars Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette, Lorelei Linklater (the director's daughter) and Ellar Salmon. Shot in and around Austin every year since 2002, this innovative film, which was and still remains somewhat shrouded in secrecy, follows the story of a divorced family and the "emotional and transcendent journey of childhood to adulthood."

Hellion — The feature version of Austin director Kat Candler's 2012 Sundance short of the same name, this highly anticipated drama stars Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad fame, Juliette Lewis, Josh Wiggins, Deke Garner and beloved Austin-based actor and producer Jonny Mars, who starred in the original short. Hellion follows the story of two wayward young brothers, Jacob (Wiggins) and Wes (Garner), and their relationship with their distant and grieving father (Paul). Child Protective Services sends Jacob to stay with his aunt (Lewis) and his brother and father must come up with a plan to bring him home. This gritty feature is already being hailed for its powerful performances and haunting Texas landscape.

Ping Pong Summer — Written and directed by Michael Tully, a recent Austin transplant and husband of Austin Film Society director Holly Herrick, this film, set in 1985, follows the story of Rad Miracle, a "shy, 13-year-old white kid obsessed with two things: Ping-Pong and hip-hop." This coming-of-age story features a diverse cast including Susan Sarandon, Lea Thompson, Amy Sedaris and Robert Longstreet.

No No: A Dockumentary —This documentary about pitcher and LSD-lover Dock Ellis features an array of Austin talent including first-time director Jeffrey Radice, filmmaker and Austin Film Society board member Mike Blizzard and filmmaker Sam Douglas. Promising to be an entertaining and heartwarming doc, No No tells the story of the man known for pitching a no-hitter while high on acid.

Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter — Directed by Austin filmmakers (and Sundance alumni) David and Nathan Zellner, this character study follows the story of Kumiko, an oddball whose incessant watching of one American film on VHS causes her to head from Japan to Minnesota in search of non-existent buried treasure.

Rat Pack Rat- This short by Austin transplant Todd Rohal tells the powerful story of a Sammy Davis Jr. impersonator who "hired to visit a loyal Rat Pack fan, finds himself performing the last rites at the boy's bedside." Rat Pack Rat also features the producing talents of Austin filmmaker Clay Liford and former Alamo Drafthouse persona Zach Carlson.

Richard Linklater's Boyhood was shot over a 12-year period.

Photo by Matt Lankes IFC Films

Richard Linklater's Boyhood was shot over a 12-year period.

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Weekend Event Guide

Here are the top 7 things to do in Austin this weekend

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Comedy stars, legendary musical groups, and some of the city’s top dance and theater performers are in the spotlight of these can’t-miss activities. Laugh along with Kevin Hart live, or celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake with dance performances for all ages to enjoy. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, January 30

Moontower Comedy presents Kumail Nanjiani: Doing This Again
Stand-up comic Kumail Nanjiani brings new material on stage at The Paramount Theatre for two back-to-back nights. Nanjiani is best known for his roles on the HBO series Silicon Valley and on Hulu’s Welcome to Chippendales. Tickets for both evenings are available.

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The 4th Annual Lunar New Year Festival will be hosted at The Paper + Craft Pantry on February 2.

The Temptations & The Four Tops in concert
Legendary Motown bands The Temptations & The Four Tops join forces for a co-headlining concert at Austin City Limits Live. Fans will enjoy a selection of both groups’ discographies as part of the evening. The concert also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the first time the two bands co-headlined a concert together. A limited number of tickets are available.

Friday, January 31

The Contemporary Austin presents Spring 2025 Exhibitions opening reception
Welcome this spring’s newest exhibitions at The Contemporary Austin — Jones Center with a proper art party. Guests can discover the newest exhibitions: Jiab Prachakul: Sweet Solitude, Raven Halfmoon: Flags of Our Mothers, and Host: Tenant of Culture! Additional highlights include live music on the rooftop and complimentary cocktails. Admission is free and open to the public.

Kevin Hart: Acting My Age Tour
Comedian and actor Kevin Hart takes his stand-up talents on tour and makes a stop at Bass Concert Hall. He’s best known for his appearance in several films including Ride Along, Night School, and the Jumanji franchise. He will perform in Austin for three consecutive nights. Tickets are available now.

Saturday, February 1

Austin Opera presents Verdi's Requiem
Austin Opera will perform the company premiere of Verdi’s Requiem at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. This show starts the newest series from Austin Opera, Opera Unleashed: Epic Masterpieces with Timothy Myers. The show will also feature three Austin Opera debut singers: soprano Leah Crocetto, tenor Limmie Pulliam, and bass Wei Wu. Tickets for both showtimes are available.

Sunday, February 2

4th Annual Lunar New Year Festival
The annual Lunar New Year Festival returns in celebration of the Year of the Snake at the Paper + Craft Pantry. Highlights of the event include local eats, lion and dragon dance performances, and a pop-up market with over 30 Asian vendors. General admission is donation-based. VIP tickets are available for purchase.

Mania — The Abba Tribute in concert
The music of Swedish pop group ABBA takes the stage at Austin City Limits Live. This tribute concert will feature classic hits including "Mamma Mia," "Voulez Vous," and "Dancing Queen." Fans can expect an evening with dazzling costumes and a nostalgic retelling of the group’s rise to stardom. This concert is suitable for guests of all ages.

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