Aurora Picture Show, Houston's non-profit media arts center, presents their inaugural Rush Process Festival of Handcrafted Animation. Organized by Houston filmmaker Dave Merson Hess, this unique festival is dedicated to the self-expression achieved through DIY and handcrafted animation, setting itself apart from the commonly-used digital techniques often seen the industry today. 

Festival-goers will enjoy a variety of handcrafted films, from documentary to narrative styles and stop-motion to paper-cutout techniques. The name “Rush Process” comes from a common joke among animation artists, referring ironically to the long and painstaking process involved in creating animation by hand.

On August 26, the program will feature the top films from their festival competition, selected by a team of expert judges. Following the screening, awards will be announced for Best Narrative, Best Documentary, Best Youth and Audience Favorite.

On August 27, the second day of the festival will be dedicated to excellent examples of contemporary handcrafted animation. These films come from American and international artists, including Karen Aqua, a frequent contributor to Sesame Street prior to her death in 2011.

Aug 26–27. Free for Aurora Picture Show members, $10 per day for the public or 2-day pass for $15. 2442 Bartlett St. 713-868-2101. aurorapictureshow.org