FRI 10/16: Film Free-for-All at The Hammer

I attended the Hammer's previous installment of Open Projector night with a friend, and found the no-holds-barred democratic process to be delightful fun. It's an open forum to scream praise or criticism of each film amid the darkened crowd! Free entrance, a cash bar and free popcorn also contribute to the allure. I recommend being brave and entering your film (10min or less), or just heading down to enjoy the rowdy crowd, films and Emcee Seth Morris (San Franciscan comedian and Artistic Director of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater LA). Submissions accepted from 7 to 7:30pm. Accepted media formats: VHS, DVD, Mini DV & Mini HDV, Super 8mm, 8mm, and 16mm film. Parking is available under the museum for $3 after 6:00p.m.

Sat 6/7: CINÉMOCA

The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA is hosting the first of six Saturdays of outdoor screenings, music, and gallery tours tomorrow Sat 6/7, 7-11pm. Check out the current shows: Lawrence Weiner: AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE and Allan Kaprow—Art as Life, hear a set by Henry Rollins, and bring your blanket to enjoy the evening on the grass. Beer, wine, and snacks will be available for purchase. The Screening of Underground Forces, featuring rare footage of west coast punk and New Wave bands and a healthy sampling of the artists, musicians, and fans that populated California’s underground scene in the late-1970s and early ‘80s, starts at 9pm. The screening is free with museum admission ($10). Unfortunately, outside food and drink are not permitted.

Fri 5/30: Free Friday Night @ the Bowers

Tonight is free admission beginning at 4pm at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. The museum's China and art exhibits will remain open until 8pm and you can catch the 6:30 screening of the documentary film The First Emperor for free. Based on the latest research and including location photography at key sites in China, the film sheds new light on the achievements, ambitions, and legacy of the enigmatic First Emperor of China--an emperor who wished to reign for all eternity. Run time is 40 min.

Thurs 5/29: Eat the Document @ the Skirball

The Skirball Cultural Center presents a screening Bob Dylan's rare Eat the Document Thurs 5/29 at 8pm, as part of Bob Dylan's American Journey, 1956-66 (which runs through 6/08). Mr. Dylan directed this unreleased documentary of his 1966 European tour with The Hawks. The film will be hosted by music documentarian Penelope Spheeris (The Decline of Western Civilization and my fav Wayne's World), who will provide unique insight into the film and how it captures Dylan and the frenzy that followed him. Suitable for adult audiences. Tickets are $10 General, $8 Members.

Thurs 5/15 Bande à Part @ UCI

Jean-Luc Godard's 1964 film, Bande à Part (Band of Outsiders), is screening at UC Irvine tonight at 7pm. Unfortunately, I don't know where on the UCI campus, but I hope to find out via some gentle inquiry with campus security. This film, among other Godard gems, has inspired numerous filmmakers, most visibly Quentin Tarantino. Tickets are $3-$5, and perhaps most importantly, the image above links to Godard's official Myspace.

4/24-5/01 Newport Beach Film Festival

The 9th annual Newport Beach Film Festival opened last night with the highly publicized Sherman's Way at Edward's Big Newport and a celeb-attended gala. The festival runs weeknights and weekend days through Thurs 5/01, and is jam packed with features and shorts, and will even showcase a few US premieres. I'm particularly enthralled by the looks of Good Dick, starring Jason Ritter and Marianna Palka, playing at 8pm tonight at Regency Lido Theater.

Mon 3/31-4/2 Wes Anderson double-feature

The New Beverly Cinema, LA's premier revival movie theater, is hosting a 3-night-only double-feature of Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums and The Darjeeling Limited. And the best part is that tickets are only $7. The Darjeeling starts at 7:30, followed by the Tenenbaums at 9:20. I, for one, hope to see overenthusiastic fans costumed as Anderson characters in attendance. Location: 7165 West Beverly Blvd.Los Angeles, 90036, (323) 938-4038.

Fri 3/7-Sat 3/8 Whittier Film Festival

The inaugural 2-day Whittier Film Festival kicks off on Fri 3/7. It features films on Fri night and all day Sat, including Jack Turner and the Reluctant Vampire, Bella, Journey to India, The Craftsman, Santa Teresa, Save Me, and Smooch. Prices are extremely reasonable: 1 screening-$5, 3 screenings-$12, festival pass (all screenings and opening reception/party)-$25. The awards ceremony and afterparty are Sat 3/8 at 7pm at Sage Restaurant, and tickets are only $20 and include dinner. Check out http://www.whittierfilm.org for more details and film schedule.

Persepolis

Persepolis is playing at Westpark 8 in Irvine and Mann Rancho Niguel in Laguna Niguel at least until next Thurs (they don't know the schedule beyond that). One half of The Heathers raved about this film and the other half is dying to see it. http://www.fandango.com/persepolis_110434/movietimes for show times.