The Houston Cinema Arts Festival (HCAF) is back! With cutting-edge films, live multi-media performances and interactive exhibits, it's no wonder the HCAF is now in its 14th year. From November 10th - 17th, HCAF will be taking place at venues throughout the Houston area, as well as offering a virtual short film program that folks can enjoy at home. 

If you love film, art, and culture, then you'll absolutely love this festival. It's a gateway to inspiration and will mark your life in unforgettable ways. With so many different films and events to choose from, navigating a festival can be a challenge. Here are some highlights from the line-up and tips to help make it simple.

The Inspection (2022)

Opening Night

Kick off the festival Thursday, November 10 with The Inspection at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston Brown Auditorium. Writer/Director Elegance Bratton’s follow-up to HCAF’s 2020 selection Pier Kids is a thematic continuation, exploring queer identity and belonging in the face of systemic hostility and rejection from family and society. In his words, the film is an autobiographical tale of a young man, Ellis French, who joins the Marine Corps to win back his mother’s love after he is turned out onto the streets for being gay. Featuring an all-star cast of incredible performers including Jeremy Pope in a breakout performance, Gabrielle Union, Bokeem Woodbine, Raúl Castillo, and Aaron Dominguez The Inspection is a moving tale of self-acceptance against all odds.

The Centerpiece Selections 

 All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (2022) 

On Friday, November 11 catch All the Beauty and the Bloodshed directed by Laura Poitras at Museum of Fine Arts Houston Brown Auditorium. Art and tragedy are only part of the picture in the career of photographer Nan Goldin and her fight against a driving force of the opioid epidemic, the Sackler family and their pharmaceutical empire. Oscar-winning filmmaker Laura Poitras (CITIZENFOUR) follows the rollercoaster tribulations which have come to define Goldin, her work, and passion to help bring about the downfall of the Sacklers.

Women Talking (2022)

Then on Sunday catch Women Talking directed by Sarah Polley, and join us for a Q&A with HCAF Honoree, celebrated actress Judith Ivey. Sarah Polley’s adaptation of Miriam Toews' novel is a scathing critique of the patriarchy and engrossing test of faith. As the sexual abuses committed by the men of an isolated religious community come to light, the women face a reckoning that will put their responsibilities to their faith – and each other –  to the test. The film features an ensemble cast, including Oscar Winner Frances McDormand, Oscar Nominee Rooney Mara, and HCAF Honoree Judith Ivey. 

Pale Blue Dot (2022)

CineSpace

CineSpace is back like never before! On Sunday November 13th, the 8th annual international short film competition in partnership with NASA will be held at The Orange Show Center For Visionary Arts. This FREE family friendly event will feature numerous fun activities that include NASA’s exhibit trailer, Houston Public Library inflatable planetarium, Houston Media Source Filmmaking Workshop, food trucks and more!

With Peter Bradley (2022)

Closing Night

You don’t want to miss this historic work in progress screening of With Peter Bradley followed by a talk with Adger Cowans and filmmaker Alex Rappaport. With Peter Bradley crafts an indelible intimate portrait of the Color Field artist Peter Bradley’s life, work, and drive to create in this new documentary executive produced by longtime friend—and world renowned artist—Adger Cowans. In honor of Bradley’s landmark exhibition, The DeLUXE Show held in 1971 at the DeLUXE Theater in Houston's Fifth Ward, HCAF is showcasing works from the artist to coincide with the premiere.

How To Attend

An All-Access Pass is $225, a Virtual Short Film Pass is $20, and Individual Ticket prices vary. Students get 50% Pass purchases. To get the student discount please email a photo of your school ID to [email protected] with the subject line [Student Pass]. 

Pass holders will be admitted for early arrival priority seating 30 minutes prior to the published screening time. Single ticket holders will be admitted 15 minutes prior to the screening. At 10 minutes prior to the screening, all unoccupied seats will be released and sold as rush tickets on a first come, first serve basis.

There are other ways to get involved with festival as well. They’re seeking Volunteers, Ambassadors, and Press. Apply here https://linktr.ee/cinemahtx. 

For the schedule of programs and individual ticket information, visit https://hcaf2022.eventive.org.