The sixth edition of the South Texas Underground Film Festival will bring short and feature films from across the globe to the Coastal Bend.
Co-founder Robert Perez showcases many films from Australia, Finland, Mexico and other countries, making it diverse and proving the phrase “underground film festival” doesn’t mean showing weird films.
“We try to show film that aren’t made within the Hollywood system and these are do-it-yourself type films from all around the world that are trying to get exposure,” Perez said.
More than 2,000 films were submitted to the festival. They were down to almost 100 films to be shown during the five-day event. These include many genres from animation, horror, international documentaries and more including a showcase of short films put together by the Houston Film Commission.
Perez said they have also teamed up with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s media production showing their films and offering more variety to this festival.
This festival is also screening three feature films from Corpus Christi natives who will be in attendance.
“This is the first time we’re able to show three feature films from Corpus Christi natives,” Perez said. He added that although some of these actors and filmmakers aren’t living locally, it’s an accomplishment to showcase these films from Corpus Christi natives including Del Mar College alumnus Christopher Ambriz, who is screening the closing night film at the Alamo Drafthouse.
One of Perez’s favorite parts of the festival is meeting the international filmmakers who come to Corpus Christi.
“It’s fun to be able to be their host in Corpus Christi because they fall in love with the city,” he said.
Perez said he also enjoys sharing films and giving the audience something to talk about with their friends.
The South Texas Underground Film Festival begins Jan. 24 at Wolfe Recital Hall at Del Mar College. The next day offers a horror movie showcase at the House of Rock. The festival continues the next two days at Del Mar College and caps off with Ambriz’s film screening Jan. 28 at the Alamo Drafthouse. Tickets are currently sold out but Perez said they are working to get a bigger venue to screen the film in another theater.
For questions about availability for Sunday night or more information about the festival, contact Perez at 361-429-1390.
