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Houston cinema scenesters make a splash with red carpet bash

The Houston Cinema Arts Society once again made a social and cinematic splash as it opened its annual film festival at the Museum of Fine Arts with a special screening of Waves, the stunning latest film from director Trey Edward Shults.

The Houston-raised director was on hand with the city’s cinephiles ready to celebrate the beginning of five days and night of some of the most innovative and award-winning films focused on visual, performing, and literary arts.

After festival filmmakers and special guests took a red carpet walk, the party began early with a prescreening reception in the MFAH Pre-Columbian Gallery, where party-goers dined on scrumptious bites from City Kitchen.

The evening was only getting started as later guests headed down to the MFAH’s Brown Auditorium to join the sold out audience for a dive into the emotional harrowing and hopeful Waves. After a welcome from HCAS Board Member Maureen McNamara, new festival artistic director Jessica Green gave the audience some preview highlights of this year’s lineup and its two special themes: the Yeehaw Agenda (variations on the cowboy focused films), as well as a 50th anniversary celebration of Apollo 11. But soon, all eyes were on Waves for the next two hours.

After Houston’s first look at a film likely to be named often during awards season, Schultz sat down for an in-depth talk with actor, superstar rapper, and Houstonian Bun B, who also happens to be a Cinema Arts Society board member. Praising the film as “mind-blowing,” Bun B asked Schultz to discuss his personal inspirations for Waves as well as the deep collaborations he had with the cast, especially young up and coming star, Kelvin Harrison Jr., when creating the film.

Later in Cullinan Hall, a live set from DJ and ethnomusicologist Flash Gordon Parks kept the party hopping into the late night. A recorded version of with his “Space Cowboy” mix will be a pre-screening treat throughout the festival.

Seen on the red carpet were Michael Robinson, Tchernavia Sessum, Brandon Weinbrenner and Mitchell Greco, Carmen Contreras, Cybil Saenz, Rick Ferguson, Mark and Nancy Wozny, Lisa E. Harris, Kelly Richardson, Cecilia Mejia, Marian Luntz, Alyssa Knoles, Peter Lucas, Trish Rigdon, Camilo Gonzalez, Mary Lampe, Jane Clinger, David Regos, and Thomas Ybarra.

Liza Diaz, Alyssa Knoles, and Albee Diaz.

HCAF 2019 Opening Night: Liza Diaz, Alyssa Knoles, Albee Diaz

Photo by Alex Montoya

Liza Diaz, Alyssa Knoles, and Albee Diaz.

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College Bound

A Princeton moment steals the spotlight at Houston nonprofit's luncheon

Photo by Hung L. Truong

Diana Villatoro Sorto.

Ambition is contagious.

Photo by Hung L. Truong

Diana Villatoro Sorto.

And that was the ethos when Emerge supporters gathered at River Oaks Country Club for the organization’s annual Build the Village Luncheon, a polished midday affair centered on a simple but powerful idea: Investing in Houston’s next generation of leaders.

More than 400 guests filled the room for the program, including Emerge scholars, for a celebration of the organization’s mission to help high-achieving students from low-income communities gain admission to and graduate from the country’s top colleges.

Serving as co-chairs were Kate Dearing Fowler and Kate Schilling Kelm, who welcomed guests to a lively gathering. The luncheon honored Mia Mends, chief executive officer of Cushman and Wakefield Services and former Emerge board chair, recognizing her years of leadership, mentorship, and steadfast commitment to expanding opportunities for the organization’s scholars.

One of the afternoon’s most electric moments arrived when Klein Collins High School senior Diana Villatoro Sorto stepped to the podium and announced that she will attend Princeton University this fall. The declaration sparked an immediate roar of applause across the ballroom, the kind that ripples through a crowd and lingers for longer than expected.

The program also spotlighted Emerge alumna Marlee Morgan, whose story of resilience and academic success is an example of the organization’s long-term commitment to supporting scholars well beyond the college admissions process. Emerge’s work doesn’t end with an acceptance letter. It extends into helping students navigate college and launch meaningful careers.

The crowd’s enthusiasm translated into tangible support. Attendees raised more than $760,000.

On the scene were Paula and Reginald DesRoches, Farid Virani, Liz DeMontrond, Jack Blanton, Ann Stern, Elisa Villanueva Beard, and Ruth Lopez Turley, and many others.