Feathers & Fur
Co-presented with Market Square Park and the Houston Humane Society
Saturday, April 16, 4-9:30PM (screening at 8PM)
Location: Market Square Park, 301 Milam
FREE
Animals have played a central role in some of the best family films of all time. Join Aurora Picture Show for a special series of short films from artists, such as William Wegman and Bill Plympton, about your favorite lovable creatures. This dog and family evening of flicks about kitties, pooches, and all other pets will take place under the stars at Market Square Park. Activities for Fido will begin at 4PM with booths and demonstrations to train your dog for the next Westminster competition. A musical performance at sunset will take us to dark when the pets come out to play on the big screen.
Showcasing short films from a diverse group of artists, the screening will feature filmmakers such as Bill Plympton and William Wegman. Director Bill Plympton is an American animator who recognized for his short films about dogs, including the Oscar-nominated Guard Dog. Aurora will screen two films from his collection, including Guide Dog (a sequel to the Oscar nominated short) and Hot Dog (the second sequel). In addition to works by Plympton, Aurora will host a selection of short works from William Wegman, a pioneer in the fields of moving image, performance, best known for his works with Weimaraner dogs. The selection of Wegman works will include Milk/Floor, Dog Duet, Spelling Lesson, and Growl.
In addition to booths and demonstrations, the Houston Humane Society will have pets available for adoption from Diamond in the Ruff dogs, as well as trainers on-site to give tips to owners. Diamond in the Ruff dogs are long-time residents who have graduated from a 4-week basic obedience training program, making them the perfect dog for adoption. Each dog will be spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, current on shots, tested for heartworms, and will receive 30 days of free pet insurance.
Schedule of events include:
4-7 p.m. – Pet adoptions and pet training tips with Diamonds in the Ruff
4-7 p.m. – Pet vendor booths and demonstrations
5-8 p.m. – Free photos for people and pooches
7-8 p.m. – DJ mr. Castillo spins family friendly tunes
8-9:30 p.m. – Aurora Picture Show short film screening
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for this free night of films. On-street parking is available during the day at street parking meters, which are free after 6 p.m. Parking is also available for only $5 at Market Square Garage anytime (300 Milam).
No outside adult beverages or glass is allowed, but beer and wine are available from Market Square Park’s Niko Niko’s Café. In addition, all dogs must be on a leash and under control except in dog runs.
Special thanks to Houston Downtown Management District and CultureMap for their support of this program.
The Downtown District has been a major player in most of the public/private projects that have transformed downtown over the last decade, including the redevelopment of Market Square Park—a true neighborhood park and the bustling center of downtown Houston’s Historic District.
The following films will be screening at this event:
Canary Beat, Jürgen Haas
A canary trading beats with its reflection.
Guide Dog, Bill Plympton
A sequel to the Oscar nominated short “Guard Dog”. This time our hero dog helps blind people with typical disastrous results.
William Wegman selection of short videos
William Wegman is a pioneer in the fields of moving image, performance, and photography. Since the 70's he has charmed us with his signature Weimaraners and his deadpan humor when he began taking photographs of Man Ray, his first Weimaraner.
Milk/Floor
Dog Duet
Spelling Lesson
Growl
Valentine for Perfect Strangers, Ben Coonley
A romantic e-card from Otto, a feral cat seeking love from a stranger on the Internet. Otto edits himself into clips from the 1980’s sitcom Perfect Strangers and asks strangers on YouTube to return the favor.
Puppy’s Super Delicious Valentine’s Biscuits, Annie Poon
Puppy is going to bake something sweet for Valentine’s Day.
Top Dog, Adriana Slater
Who will earn the title of Iron Dog? In Vail, Colorado, during the 2010 Teva Mountain Games, a competition for dogs took place. Top Dog follows three teams vying for the title of Iron Dog: a rescue dog and two pure breeds. Who will be Top Dog? Can the Top Dog be a rescue from a shelter? Who will go to the World competition?
The Cow Who Wanted to be a Hamburger, Bill Plymton
A children's fable about the power of advertising, the meaning of life and ultimately the test of a mother's love.
A Dog Goes From Here to There, Carl Knickerbocker
A colorful, quirky concoction of canine transportation which ultimately asks the question "how do you go from here to there?
Pigeon Impossible, Lucas Martell
Rookie secret agent Walter finds trouble when a curious pigeon gets inside his nuclear briefcase.
Hot Dog, Bill Plympton
The 2nd sequel to the Oscar-nominated short "Guard Dog". This time, our intrepid "hero" dog goes to work for the fire department, and chaos, as always, ensues...
