Short Cuts

Things are springing back to life as the summer nears its end (or so the calendar says). Dormant since even before the summer began have been the regular monthly salons of the local chapter of the Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers (AIVF). Meetings are now resuming and will be held on the last Monday of every month at 7pm in different locations. This month this meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 30, at the North Village public library (2139 W. Anderson Lane). Meetings are informal and open to anyone with an interest in film or video. The goal is to provide a forum for film and videomakers to show their completed and in-progress work so that they may receive feedback and critiques from their peers. The meetings also provide opportunities for independent artists to find support, advice, and assistance in future projects... And what, you ask, can the national AIVF do for you? Well, the organization has just arranged for members to participate in a 20-minute session with PBS programming representatives to discuss projects for possible play on PBS and/or as part of The IndependentLens, a new showcase of independent fiction and nonfiction films. Meetings will take place at the AIVF office in New York City on Wed., Sept. 22. There are only 20 spaces available. Participants will be selected on the basis of a brief proposal that should include: your contact information; project details including length, genre, format; a project description/synopsis; and your bio, including past projects. Participants will be chosen by PBS staff and will be notified on or before Sept. 17. For consideration, fax your information by Wed.,Sept. 8 to: AIVF/PBS Sessions at 212/463-8519. Applicants must be current AIVF members...

Well-deserved kudos are due the Austin Film Society (AFS), which has been selected to receive a National Honoree Award by the Directors Guild of America (DGA) at its annual Directors Guild of America Honors to be held this year in New York City on Sunday, Nov. 21. The Guild describes the events as "an extraordinary evening celebrating individuals, institutions and organizations that have supported the arts and filmmaking, especially in the United States." The AFS will be in good company as theevening will also recognize Martin Scorsese asan outstanding filmmaker, ThomasO'Donnell Sr. (president of Local 817, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, servicing the motion picture industry), and a national figure yet to be announced, who has supported the arts and/or assisted in passing legislation that supports creative rights...

The Austin Film Society, along with aGLIFF (Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival) hosts legendary filmmaker John Waters for a special evening of conversation at the Highland 10 Theatres, 8pm,on Thursday, Sept. 2. See this week's "Screens" section for info about acquiring tickets...

Tim Russ is not a Vulcan, but he plays one on TV. The St. Edward's alum, who plays Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager, is one of the creative talents (he co-produced, co-wrote, and co-stars) behind the movie East of Hope Streetthat opens at the Village Theatre this Friday...

For a really good time, visit http://www.auschron.com/film. That's the address of the newly revamped, redesigned, and overhauled Austin Chronicle Movie Guide. It's still an ongoing work-in-progress, but we're real proud of the project and its content and are always looking for user feedback. Thanks should also go to our talented and frighteningly committed Web wranglers Matt Williams and Karen Rheudasil. Yay!