Join us this August for the 2nd Annual Architecture Center Houston Film festival as we investigate the effect of architecture and urban planning on culture and cinema’s perception of urban life. We will look at truths and myths about 20th Century American public housing, the growth of urban living centers, the interaction of parkour and free running in urban settings, and life in the suburbs.

Each evening the featured film will be preceded by a juried collection of short films by students and amateur film-makers.

Free beer, sodas, and snacks are provided compliments of our in-kind sponsors Saint Arnold's and Whole Foods.

Thursday August 16, 2011 $15

The Pruitt-Igoe Myth 83 Minutes, 2011

The Pruitt-Igoe Myth explores the social, economic and legislative issues that led to the decline of conventional public housing in America, and the city centers in which they resided, while tracing the personal and poignant narratives of several of the residents of the notorious Pruitt-Igoe public housing complex in St. Louis. (via www.pruitt-igoe.com)

A panel discussion will follow the feature film courtesy of HoustonMOD. 

(Panelist will be announced at a later date)

Friday Double Feature, August 17 at 7pm $20

My Playground 50 Minutes, 2010

The film explores the way Parkour and Freerunning are changing the perception of urban space and how the space is changing the traceurs and freerunners. Award winning architect and founder of BIG Architects, Bjarke Ingels, is fascinated by the way Team JiYo convey architecture and takes the team to his buildings, to explore and unfold their skills, traveling from Denmark to Japan, United States, United Kingdom, and China. (via release.kasparworks.com)

Radiant City 90 Minutes, 2006 

While experts in the field lay out problems and solutions to urban sprawl, family members, through humor and self-revelation, reflect on their decisions to join the exodus and describe how they are coping where, some would argue, no one should be forced to live. (via www.burnsfilm.com)

Saturday, August 18 at 7pm $15

Urbanized 85 Minutes, 2011

Over half the world’s population now lives in urban areas, and 75% will call a city home by 2050. While some cities are experiencing explosive growth, others are shrinking. The challenges of balancing housing, mobility, public space, civic engagement, economic development, and environmental policy are fast becoming universal concerns, yet much of the dialogue on these issues is disconnected from the public domain. (via www.urbanizedfilm.com/about)

Film Festival admission is free to ArCH and AIA Houston Members.

Admission to The Pruitt-Igoe Myth is free to HoustonMOD members

Memberships and tickets may be purchased online or at the door.

Membership and ticket proceeds support the Architecture Center Houston Foundation.