“Film is one of the three universal languages, the other two: mathematics and music.” Frank Capra
Legendary Film Maker
Ben Nance
The Signal Staff
With more than 40 North American film premieres, 55 award-winning indie films on display and more than 450 filmmakers from around the world attending, the 2010 Houston International Film Fest, aka WorldFest, has a little slice of cinematic magic for everyone.
“Truth be Tolled” is the story about the intricacies of Texas legislature and the controversial conversion of Texas freeways into revenue-generating toll roads.
WorldFest 2010 will take over the Flagship AMC Studio 30 Theatre on Dunvale, April 9-18.
In addition to the more than 100 short films on display, WorldFest 2010 will feature six film-industry seminars that include advice on what critics look for in indie films, tips for attracting investors and a WorldFest 2010 Indie Filmmakers Forum. This event gives amateur filmmakers direct access to award-winning film directors who share their secrets on how to complete and market a film. Continue Reading
Take a walk on the wild side captures a whole new meaning when visiting the Allison Hunter: Zoosphere installation. This new virtual zoo can be seen at the DiverseWorks art space in Houston.
Hunter introduces viewers to a new and innovative way of looking at wild animals in their zoo habitats by using a site-specific, immersive video to enhance the experience. This audio-visual installation draws audiences into a subdivided exhibit hall lit only by the video projections of the life-size zoo animals that have been digitally manipulated to be free from their background habitats.
This zoo offers no designated paths or fenced-in enclosures. It allows viewers an opportunity to roam around and meet the animals that unexpectedly appear and disappear throughout the art space. To further enhance this experience, Hunter infuses the exhibit with high definition recordings of natural animal sounds: trumpeting elephants, birds in flight, herding zebras and barking sea lions can all be heard in this technological experience. Continue Reading
Chili, live music and charity mixed together in perfect harmony at Houston’s Traders Village Marketplace Nov. 21. When the General Go Texan Committee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo held its 6th Annual Houston Championship Chili Cook-off.
The event showcased 67 chili and bean cooking teams from all over Texas competing for top prize in four categories: Best Chili, Best Beans, People’s Choice and Hospitality.
Most of the teams were comprised of members from various committees formed to support the Houston Rodeo. Continue Reading
Houston has seen its fair share of conferences and expositions running the gamut of all interests from all walks of life: the bridal expo, home and garden show, the Nutcracker Market, etc.
For the first time ever, guys will have a place to go and do what they do best: be guys.
The Guy Expo came to the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston Nov. 6 – Nov. 9.
Dogs are a man’s best friend, and this year’s Nutcracker Market used that very theme to welcome the coming holiday season. Every year, for the past 29 years, the Houston Ballet has put on the Nutcracker Market to raise funds for their endeavors.
Gaylon Gullquist, market chairman of the 2009 Nutcracker Market, originated the idea for this year’s dog theme, calling it “Puttin’ on the Dog,” and was inspired when she discovered the artistry of Jim Tweedy, a Louisiana-based artist.
More than 300 national and international merchants participated in the four-day event, which last year alone brought in more than $2.5 million and 74,000 shoppers. This is truly a shopper’s paradise, as vendors offer a whole array of different items ranging from kid’s tents to frogs with slotted backs that make realistic frog noises when a stick is rubbed against them. Continue Reading
The 29th annual Nutcracker at Houston’s Reliant Center. Each year the Nutcracker Market kicks off the holiday season with tons of shopping, food and events for all to enjoy.
The Reliant Astrodome, aka the 8th Wonder of the World, as it stands today.
Matt Griesmyer
The Signal Staff
It was the dream of Roy Hofheinz, former mayor of Houston, to bring major league baseball to town. Hofheinz’s dream was realized in 1964 with the completion of one of the largest construction projects the city had ever seen.
The size of the structure is only exceeded by the history surrounding it. The first home run in the building was hit by Mickey Mantle. Mohammed Ali fought within its domed structure. Houstonians old enough to remember still talk about the college basketball game of the century between the University of Houston Cougars and the UCLA Bruins.
The stadium has such magnificent architecture that it is hearalded as the eighth wonder of the world, this is the Astrodome. Continue Reading
The Guy Expo hits the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston November 6-8. It’s all about guys and it’s all in one spot. We’ll have beer and chicken wings at the Hooters November-fest beer garden. We’ll have Fox Sports Houston, fiery foods, home improvement gear, pro sports teams and a tricked-out garage. Not to mention contests, prizes and autographed sports memorabilia.
Houston is the second city to host the event; it debuted in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It caters to the guy’s guy and there’s nothing wimpy or soft spoken about it. It aims to be fun, loud, entertaining and slightly irresponsible. Want proof? The Almost-Darwin Award goes to the guy with the best story about the way he almost died. Continue Reading
With the Houston skyline as a backdrop, the 13th annual Bayou City Art Festival Downtown took place Oct. 10-11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., along the streets of Bagby, Walker and McKinney.
The outdoor art gallery is a family-friendly atmosphere that Art Colony Association, Inc. produces every year. The festival showcased more than 300 artists in 19 different media formats including photography, painting, furniture, glass and textiles.
“Bayou City Art Festival Downtown has earned national and international recognition,” said Susan Farb Morris, of Susan Farb Public Relations. “This year, the festival was ranked the number three art festival in the U.S. by AmericanStyle Magazine readers and ranked number 10 in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine. In addition, the festival has garnered gold, silver and bronze Pinnacle awards from the International Festivals & Events Association as well as top awards from the statewide Texas Festivals & Events Association. This festival broke all records for artists’ applications with 850 artists from around the U.S. and Canada vying for 300 spots in the juried festival.” Continue Reading
