happening now: OUTsider Film and Arts Festival

A lot of festivals take place in Austin—so many, it's nearly impossible to keep track of them all. Case in point: OUTsider was off my radar until just this past week, despite the fact that it will be taking place almost entirely on Manor Road, which is practically my backyard. But coming late to the party is better than not showing up at all, and thankfully, it’s not too late to get in on the action. The festival starts today (Feb. 18) and runs through Feb. 22.

The OUTsider Film and Arts Festival is not the only LGBTQIA festival in town, but it does purport to be the first of its kind in sheer scope, presenting a mix of film, theater, performance art, music, writing, and visual art. Many of these events will be taking place at the Salvage Vanguard Theater, located at 2803 E. Manor. Highlights include a performance by feminist activist/artist Narcissister, taking place this evening at 7:30, and a retrospective on trans artist Zackary Drucker, which takes place on Saturday at 8:45 (both at Salvage Vanguard). Drucker is one of the most important trans artists working today, having put on acclaimed exhibits at the Whitney in New York, the Steve Turner Contemporary in Los Angeles, and other locations.

More information on the festival and tickets can be found at the festival’s website, and an interview with Artistic Director Curran Nault can be found here (via Slackerwood).

—Sean Redmond

Image appears courtesy of OUTsider Festival.