Local film festival highlights independent moviemaking

“dawn,” a new film by Ya'Ke Smith, will be presented on Aug. 3 after a look at SA Film's history. “dawn,” a new film by Ya'Ke Smith, will be presented on Aug. 3 after a look at SA Film's history. Photo: Courtesy Photo Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close Local film festival highlights independent moviemaking 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — This year's San Antonio Film Festival marks a milestone.

It's the 20th edition of the showcase featuring works of filmmakers from around the world.

Adam Rocha, the festival's founder and executive director, credits the festival's longevity to its volunteers and faithful supporters who stuck with the festival during its early years when organizers were trying to get it established despite an admittedly juvenile approach to doing things.

“It has been a long road to where we are now,” he said, adding the festival has become a brand that sells itself, often going by the moniker SA Film. Long gone is the word “underground” from its title, the lowrider awards presented to winners and Rocha's fight to get filmmakers' attention.

“People come out of the woodwork” as the festival nears, Rocha said, explaining the last-minute additions to the festival's lineup, which has become a common occurrence in recent years. Among this year's late additions are celebrity appearances, including by former MLB player Jose Canseco, actor Peter Coyote and actor/director Daniel Baldwin. The three are scheduled to attend screenings of their respective films.

This year's festival opens Monday, July 28 and runs through Aug. 3. Screenings and other events take place at three venues: City Base Cinema, Pearl Stable and Josephine Theatre.

Among local filmmakers screening their work at SA Film is Mark Cantu, a Harlandale graduate whose second feature film, “Now Hiring” screens at 8:45 p.m. July 30 at City Base Cinema. The film, written and directed by Cantu, tells the story of Joe Martin, a down-on-his-luck Everyman who responds to an ad seeking superheroes. Thinking he will be performing at children's birthday parties, he soon realizes he's among a team of real superheroes that must combat evil in the city.

“Now Hiring,” filmed in San Antonio last year, marks the first time Cantu will screen at SA Film. His experience making the film will be the subject of one of the festival's panels. Cantu and his film's cast and crew will talk about getting the film from script to screen.

Other local filmmakers who have a history with SA Film will gather on its final day to participate in a short film showcase called “20 Years on SA Film.” They'll talk about their craft and how the opportunity to screen at SA Film influenced their film careers. The event includes San Antonio filmmakers Sam Lerma, Dora Peña, Bryan Ramirez and Ya'Ke Smith, who'll premiere his latest work, “dawn,” following the showcase.

Another festival event that's a look back at the past is the Aug. 1 screening of the 1982 hit “E.T.” One of its stars, Peter Coyote, will be at the screening.

The iconic film had a big influence on Rocha, who has taught filmmaking at San Antonio public schools for more than 10 years. “It's why I do movies,” he said, crediting the film with sparking his love of cinema, which led to his founding of SA Film.

More Information Catch it! San Antonio Film Festival When: July 28-Aug. 3; times vary Where: Most screenings take place at City Base Cinema, 2623 SE Military Drive; other events at Pearl Stable, 303 Pearl Parkway, and Josephine Theatre, 339 W. Josephine St. How much: $149.99 seven-day badge; $8-$15 individual screenings; $20 awards brunch For more: safilm.com/2014-schedule; 210-885-5888 Festival highlights Screenings “Bottled Up: The Battle Over Dublin Dr Pepper” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 29 at Pearl Stable. Free community screening presented by Texas Public Radio. “Jose Canseco: The Truth Hurts” at 7 p.m. July 30 at City Base Cinema. Former MLB player set to attend. High School Shorts Program featuring works by student filmmakers from San Antonio and across the country at 3 p.m. Aug. 2 at City Base Cinema. Documentary feature winner at 5 p.m. Aug. 3 at City Base Cinema. Narrative and documentary short films at 10 p.m. Aug. 3. “The Wisdom to Know the Difference” at 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at City Base Cinema. Film's director and star Daniel Baldwin set to attend. Workshops Panels on topics such as selling films to distributors, laws of filmmaking, shooting films in Texas, writing for film and getting your work from script to the screen take place Aug. 1-3. Times vary. Brunch Awards Ceremony The winners of this year's festival awards will be honored at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 3 at Pearl Stable.

“This is a part of me,” he said. “There is always so much we can do to promote film in San Antonio.”

mrenteria@express-news.net