Sundance Film Festival USA

Outlaws in Love: Ain't Them Bodies Saints makes Texas debut at Sundance Film Festival USA

The Sundance Film Festival USA's second outing in Houston was a Texas affair — with a little help from Louisiana.

Organizers of the Sundance Film Festival in Utah decided to spread the film wealth across the nation, choosing Houston and nine cities for a one-night screening of movies directly from the January festival.

Ain't Them Bodies Saints seemed the perfect choice for Houston since the impressionistic drama about an outlaw (Casey Affleck) who escapes from prison and sets out to reunite with his wife (Rooney Mara) and daughter he has never met is set in small-town Texas and comes from Dallas-based director David Lowery, who also wrote the movie, and Toby Halbrooks, who produced the movie with James M. Johnston.

Although the film is set in Texas, they filmed most of it in Shreveport, since Louisiana offers lucrative tax breaks to filmmakers who make movies there.

(The trio founded the Sailor Bear production company in Dallas. Variety recently named Halbrooks and Johnston to its 10 Producers to Watch list and praised Lowery in its 10 Directors to Watch.)

Lowery and Halbrooks were on hand at the Sundance Cinemas to participate in a question-and-answer session with the capacity audience, which I moderated.

The movie came together "amazingly fast," which doesn't always happen, Halbrooks explained.

Lowery had worked on the film at the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, an immersive, five-day writers’ workshop, last winter while Halbrooks and Johnston completed a producing fellowship at Sundance.

"Then last February we went to Los Angeles and found the actors and financing. The challenges were which financiers to pick and who you work with. They responded," Halbrooks said.

They met with Mara on the day after she received a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her role in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. She instantly liked the script and agreed to be in the low-budget movie.

One catch

But there was one catch. Although set in Texas, most of the movie was made in Shreveport since Louisiana offers lucrative tax breaks to filmmakers.

"It was a challenge to try find a place that wasn't Texas, because were all disappointed about (not filming there). We scoured Louisiana because that was our option. Either that or Canada, which didn't seem very exciting to anybody," Lowery said.

"It's a weird title but it sticks in your head in a nice way. Rooney was the one who pointed out the fact that if you say it with a Southern accent they get it right away."

"If any legislators are l istening, we would love to make all of our movies in Texas entirely, but for the time being we were able to raise money by going to Louisiana," Halbrooks said.

To give the movie more of a Texas feel, they filmed in the tiny central Texas city of Meridian, as well as Austin and Dallas.

"It was really hot — we shot in July and August — but the challenges are always keeping your head straight for the amount of days shooting and think about the end product," Lowery said. "Because it's really hard to see the forest for the trees when you are in the middle of shooting and you work for 14 hours steady and everyone is really working hard. You just try to trust yourself."

After his last movie, St. Nick, an impressionistic story of two young siblings who run away from home and try to survive on their own, Lowery set out to write a fast-moving action western. But once he started writing Ain't Them Bodies Saints, "it stopped being an action movie very quickly," he recalled.

"The idea was to do something in the vein of the classic American movies that I loved from the '60s and '70s — Bonnie and Clyde and Badlands were certainly among them but also films like Two-Lane Blacktop — awesome old movies that feel like they were part of the American culture of that era. So I just started writing."

Best Cinematography Award

The film won the Best Cinematography Award at Sundance. Those who want to get an idea of cinematographer Bradford Young's work can check out Untitled (Structures) at the Menil Collection through May 13. Young and Leslie Hewiitt collaborated on the project film installation featuring civil rights photography.

Lowery came up with the unusual title for his movie after hearing an old country-western song. Although the lyrics of the song didn't fit his vision, the title had "as ease of use that works," he said.

"It's a weird title but it sticks in your head in a nice way. Rooney was the one who pointed out the fact that if you say it with a Southern accent they get it right away."

The film was warmly received at Sundance and IFC Films purchased it after protracted two-day negotiations, with plans to release it in theaters and video on demand in late summer or early fall.

During Sundance Festival USA's one-stop night in Houston, the familiar 2013 logo from the Sundance Film Festival appeared on screen. In lower part of photo, CultureMap editor-in-chief Clifford Pugh, right, interviews director David Lowery, center, and producer Toby Halbrooks talk about the film.

Sundance Film Festival, Ain't Them Bodies, Toby Hallbrooks, David Lowery, Clifford Pugh, February 2013

Photo by Tom Adams

During Sundance Festival USA's one-stop night in Houston, the familiar 2013 logo from the Sundance Film Festival appeared on screen. In lower part of photo, CultureMap editor-in-chief Clifford Pugh, right, interviews director David Lowery, center, and producer Toby Halbrooks talk about the film.

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weekend event planner

These are the top 18 things to do in Houston during Christmas weekend

Photo courtesy of Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

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Welcome to a super-sized edition of CultureMap’s weekend event planner!

Yes, this lineup includes all the post-Christmas happenings going on in Houston – kid flicks at the MFAH, a bourbon-and-boots pop-up, a Beatles cover band show, a holiday burlesque revue, the most dragtastic Sunday brunch in town, etc. But we also threw in a couple events going down on Christmas Day, including some parties where you can see hometown gal Beyoncé Knowles-Carter perform during halftime of the Texans-Ravens game. Don't miss our guides to restaurants open on Christmas, bars that are decorated for the holiday, and all the light displays happening around town.

As Queen Bey would say, let’s get in formation:

Wednesday, December 25

SirDavis American Whisky presents Texans vs. Ravens Watch Parties
As Houston gets ready for the Texans vs. Ravens game — and much-anticipated halftime performance by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter — on Christmas Day, we’ve got watch parties hosted by her brand, SirDavis American Whisky, at six bars and restaurants. Tipsy Lounge, Urban Social, and Rockhouse will have events featuring SirDavis drink specials, photo booths, and a special viewing of the halftime show. The celebrations will also continue post-game at 5015 Bar and The Address, both opening at 6 pm. 3 pm (2 pm Rockhouse).

Houston Christmas Village
After you’re done getting your Christmas Day on with the fam, you can still celebrate the holidays at certain destinations in the city. A great place to start is Houston Christmas Village, which will feature light displays, performances, and flavors that will transport people to international destinations like China, Mexico, India, and Africa. Experiencing the warmth and wonder of their holiday traditions like never before. Through Monday, January 6. 5 pm.

Thursday, December 26

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Little Kid Flicks and Big Kid Flicks
Celebrate Winter Break at the MFAH with family-friendly film offerings from the touring edition of the New York International Children’s Film Festival. Join more than 100 arts organizations across the country by attending lively collections of short animation, live action, and documentary films reflecting NYICFF’s commitment to storytelling and diversity that are sure to spark meaningful conversations. Little Kid Flicks is designed for ages 5 to 10, while Big Kid Flicksis designed for ages 8 and up. 11:30 am and 2 pm.

Alley Theatre presents A Christmas Carol
You can’t have a Christmas season without A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of a miser literally getting a wake-up call from ghosts who teach him about the true meaning of Christmas.The Alley’s hit new adaptation features colorful Victorian costumes, special effects, magic, dancing, and just the right blend of Christmas carols. It is a dazzling Christmas feast with the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his miraculous transformation. 7 pm (1:30 and 7 pm Friday and Saturday; 1:30 pm Sunday).

The Continental Club presents Beetle Thursday
Anyone around here celebrate Boxing Day? Originated in the United Kingdom and celebrated in several Commonwealth nations, it’s an occasion to donate gifts to people in need. (It’s also the Brits’ version of Black Friday, when you can shop for post-holiday deals.) The Continental Club will be saluting the day by bringing in Beetle, Houston’s all-Beatles cover band, to perform classic tunes from the Fab Four all evening long. 7 pm.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert
Trans-Siberian Orchestra comes to Houston as part of their The Lost Christmas Eve tour. The group has released seven albums in their career, most recently Letters from the Labyrinth in 2015. But Lost, released way back in 2004, remains their most-recognized opus. Since then, they’ve done two decades of tours, selling 20 million tickets and surpassing more than $20 million in charity donations. Houstonians will have two chances to see them perform the day after Christmas. 3 and 7:30 pm.

Friday, December 27

Echoes presents “A Houston Night for Palestine”
Echoes will host “A Houston Night for Palestine,” an inspiring evening of film, music, art, and culture benefiting the family of the five surfers featured in the 2015 documentary Gaza Surf Club. The event kicks off with DJ sets by Ice House Radio both inside and outside, setting the tone for the night. Then, enjoy a special screening of Gaza, followed by an insightful Q&A with GSC member Ibrahim N. Arafat. After that, there will be live performances featuring Kam Franklin, Marrshun, Kye Loh, and Clarence James. 5 pm.

The Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra presents Night in Italy
The Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra (ECHO Orchestra) presents Night in Italy, a nearly New Year’s Eve experience to celebrate the holidays in style. Guests are invited to begin the evening with Italian wine, appetizers, and pastries, accompanied by Italian music both classical and modern by pianist Mary Peterson. The concert will feature performances by tenor Ruben Erazo, soprano McKenzie Garey, and flautist Katherine Rivas Fuentas. 7:30 pm.

Shen Yun
Shen Yun's unique artistic vision expands the theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, deeply moving journey. Featuring one of the world’s most ancient and richest dance systems — classical Chinese dance — along with dynamic animated backdrops and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom. Through Tuesday, January 28. 7:30 pm. (2 and 7 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

Stages presents Panto Pinocchio
Pinocchio, a sentient AI boy, navigates a town obsessed with viral TikTok dances. When Pinocchio embarks on a quest to discover his true essence, he encounters a world of digital mischief and adventure. Will he unlock the secrets to his identity? Or will the conniving villain Miss Treats disrupt the festivities and thwart Pinocchio’s journey? This panto is packed with high-tech hijinks, side-splitting jokes, and enough singing and dancing to reboot even the most jaded of operating systems. Through January 5. 7 pm (2 pm Sunday).

Saturday, December 28

a’Bouzy presents Bourbon, Bubbles and Boots
Champagne-fueled French restaurant a’Bouzy will have an event this weekend that's certain to get people in a warm but rowdy spirit. Republic Boots will be down there for an afternoon pop-up shop, bringing a whole bunch of footwear for folks to peruse. Texas-based Milam & Green Whiskey will serve cocktails. We bet someone in your group will shout “Bottoms up and giddy up!” at some point during the day. 11 am.

Poppy Tart Productions presents Let It Show - Holiday Burlesque
Things will be getting snowy and sinful over at downtown nightclub Henke & Pillot this weekend. Poppy Tart Productions sleighs in Let It Show, a holiday burlesque show curated to put people in a festive mood. This event will feature an atmosphere of burlesque where art, dance, tease, glamour, and humor make the most delicious holiday cocktail. Performers from Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Austin will be featured. 6:30 and 9:30 pm.

Bayou Music Center presents Sheng Wang
Comedian/actor/writer/proud Houstonian Sheng Wang is back in town for a homecoming show at Bayou Music Center. Wang’s first Netflix special, Sweet & Juicy, was released in September 2022. He was a featured stand-up comedian on HBO’s 2 Dope Queens special and also wrote for the ABC show Fresh Off the Boat. 7 pm.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Would you like to spend the holiday season solving a murder? You can always get your sleuth on at the Dinner Detective. Guests will tackle a challenging crime while they feast on dinner. The criminal is lurking somewhere in the room, and guests may find themselves as a prime suspect before they know it. Each admission includes a full dinner, murder mystery entertainment, wait staff gratuity, prize package for Top Sleuth, and more. 6 pm.

Sunday, December 29

Rich’s presents Sunday Service Drag Brunch
Every Sunday, drag contestant (and The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula contestant) Blackberri hosts Rich’s Sunday Service Drag Brunch, featuring a rotating weekly cast. You can watch these performers slay while filling your belly with such delicious dishes as shrimp & grits and chicken & waffles (with such drink choices as mimosas and Bloody Marys, of course). DJ Aracely Manterola provides the brunch beats and DJ Johnny Moreno creates a vibe on the patio before, during, and after each brunch show. 11 am, 1 and 3 pm.

Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Lancaster Hotel
Today is the last day to get holiday afternoon tea at The Lancaster Hotel, located in the heart of Houston’s theater district. Served on Saturdays and Sundays, the tea includes a delectable array of tea sandwiches, decadent cranberry scones, seasonal patisseries, and a selection of exquisite teas from around the world. Guests also receive a complimentary tea tin with the hotel’s specialty holiday spiced black tea. Noon and 2:30 pm.

The River Oaks Theatre presents The Thin Man
You know what’s a good holiday movie no one talks about? The 1934 Pre-Code comedy The Thin Man. Based on Dashiell Hammett’s influential detective novel, the movie stars screen legends William Powell and Myrna Loy as jet-setting, crime-solving couple Nick and Nora Charles. They spend the holiday season in New York City, drinking cocktails and investigating the disappearance/murder of a wealthy man. Although Nick and Nora went on to have several more big-screen adventures, the original is still a blast. 1 pm.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
What better way to close out this holiday weekend than checking out The Nutcracker – Eastern-European style – at Sugar Land’s Smart Financial Centre. Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will highlight an international cast and Ukrainian principal artists performing at the peak of classical European ballet. Audiences will be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, and hand-crafted sets and costumes. 3 pm.

Photo courtesy of Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will be in Sugar Land this weekend.

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