With a national election looming, 2012 is a major political year. Director/co-producer Kevin J. Williams and his wife/co-producer Tamara are tapping into that zeitgeist with their independent documentary Fear of a Black Republican. The film explores why there are so few black Republicans and features interviews with such luminaries as former chair of the Republican National Committee Michael Steele, scholar Cornel West and commentators Tavis Smiley and Michelle Malkin. The film will screen locally on Saturday, July 7, starting at 7 p.m. at the African American Performing Arts Center (310 San Pedro NE, in Expo New Mexico). The married filmmakers will be on hand for a post-film Q & A. Admission is “pay what you can.”
Reel World: Drive-In Theater Drive-In Theater
This Saturday, July 7, Alibi’s Group Hug will shine a spotlight on the second annual Rockabilly Blow Out at Launchpad (see Music to Your Ears on page 36 for more concert info). To get people in the mood, KiMo Theatre is hosting its second annual Hot Rod Hop earlier in the day. Classic hot rod owners are encouraged to bring their rides Downtown for the full day of festivities. Limited free parking is available in front of the KiMo along Route 66 starting at 2 p.m. Show off your heap or just come check out the four-wheeled beauties on display. At 6 p.m., the KiMo will open its doors for a special screening of the 1958 film Hot Rod Gang, featuring the music of Gene Vincent. They’ll also be showing a hot-rod-related short or two before the feature. Tickets are a mere $7 or $5 for seniors and kids. Get ’em in advance at kimotickets.com.
Reel World: Psycho Sci-Fi Psycho Sci-Fi
Actors, there’s a casting call this Saturday, July 14, for an independent “psychological sci-fi” film called Ademus . Shooting will take place in and around Albuquerque from Aug. 3 through Aug. 5 and from Sept. 24 through Oct. 5. Producers are on the hunt for at least two lead actors, a male and a female, age 20 to 30. Pay is $75 per day. Accommodations and two meals per day will be provided. Auditions take place in Albuquerque, but they’re by appointment only. If you’re interested, send a head shot, résumé and contact info to briansarinova@aol.com
Reel World: Online Premiere Online Premiere
Late last month, the producers of the New Mexico lensed, micro-budgeted drama Desert Rain posted the entire film to YouTube. It’s is broken up into seven sections and is accompanied by running commentary from director Steve Loff and actor Daniel Van Hart. Shot in 2009, Desert Rain concentrates on a desperate young couple trying to reach Los Angeles while on the run from a crooked record producer and the police. In the week or so that it’s been online, Part 1 has already racked up nearly 1,000 views. To check it out yourself, go to youtube.com/user/desertrainthemovie. To learn more about the film and its filmmakers, head to desertrainmovie.com.
