Short Cuts

New Format Alert: As a result of our continuing effort to better organize and present our tons of weekly information and also to better reflect the recent explosion of activity in the local film scene (I know this isn't just my imagination), the special screenings information customarily found in this column can now be found in the regular weekly film listings section. This allows us to compile a more comprehensive rundown of all the repertory, revival, and one-time-only screenings each week and keep this column focused on other "Screens"-related news and events. The special screenings section can now be found at the end of each week's regular film listings and will, hopefully, provide an easier means of reference...

The response to the Texas Documentary Tour has been so startlingly overwhelming that many, many people were turned away from the recent presentation of Ellen Spiro's Roam Sweet Home. Series organizers are investigating strategies for accommodating all comers to future screenings, but in the meantime they want to put out the word that the Roam Sweet Home video can also be purchased for home use. Call The Video Databank at 800/634-8544; the one-hour video sells for $29.95...

The Austin Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology announces the third in a series of public presentations on the theme of Manifestations of the Unconscious in the Arts. "Lone Star From Multiple Points of View" is the title of the upcoming panel discussion of the John Sayles movie which uses methods of criminal investigation that the group finds analogous to the process of psychotherapy. Panelists include Dr. Ricardo C. Ainslie, UT professor of educational psychology; Dr. Sabrina B. Barton, UT assistant professor of English; Dr. Shiree C. Flume, psychiatrist in private practice; and Dr. Jorge Lara-Braud, pastor of El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church. The Lone Star panel takes place Friday, Nov. 21, 7:30-9pm, at the Austin Diagnostic Medical Center Auditorium (12221 N. MoPac); admission is free...

In November and December, the regular monthly meetings of the Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers (AIVF) will be combined with two specially planned screenings of Funhouse Cinema. This coming Monday, Nov. 24, the AIVF will join host Bill Daniel and co-sponsors Reel Women at the Ritz Lounge (8 & 10:30pm showtimes) for a program of shorts titled "Sis Pix." (See story in this week's "Screens" section for more Funhouse info or call 469-1799 for more AIVF info.)...

"Writing for Motion Pictures/Movies of the Week is a class scheduled to begin on Tuesday evenings in January through UT's University Extension continuing education program and to be taught by screenwriter Kathleene Orillion. To be considered for admittance in the limited size class, writing samples bust be submitted by January 5 or earlier. Call 471-2900 or go to http://www.utexas.edu/dce/univext for more info...

Stay tuned for more details next week for some events scheduled for Dec. 4 & 6 that will benefit the University Film Society's struggle to keep the Union Theatre open. In the meantime, you might want to check out the text of Richard Linklater's impassioned speech on the subject at last month's UT Mall rally. Go to http://www.detourfilm.com.