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RESfest founder Jonathan Wells has launched a new film fest

My college classmate Jonathan Wells has always had a good feel for what’s new and captivating in the video arts. Back in the day, he had a local cable access program that showcased indie rock videos, local art, and other cool stuff of interest in the visual arts. A few years later, he founded the RESfest, the roaming digital film fest that has long been a must-attend on my social calendar.

This morning, I received a note that he’d moved on from the RESfest to start a new film festival, Swerve, with West Coast flavor. They’re open for submissions through August 8, so get crackin’!

    I’m excited to let you know about a brand new festival that I’m directing and that is being produced by my new company Flux. After ten years at the helm of RESFEST, it was time for a change.

    Inspired by art, film, music and action sports, Swerve Festival celebrates west coast creativity and culture. The festival is a brand new initiative of FUEL TV and will include screenings of independent feature and short films, music videos and live music performances. A Swerve art show of original art installations is being organized by Beautiful Losers co-curator Aaron Rose. Todd St. John and Gary Benzel of HunterGatherer have designed the festival logo and are creating the visual identity of the festival.

    I’d like to invite you to get involved. Submit a film, music or art project or just join us for the last weekend in September in Los Angeles.

    Swerve Festival
    September 28-30, 2007
    Barnsdall Art Park, Los Angeles

    We are seeking innovative films and videos from around the world for the film programs.
    Entry Deadline: August 8, 2007 (postmark deadline)

    For more information visit:
    www.swervefestival.com

    Please join the festival mailing list on the Swerve site if you’d like to receive programming updates.

    best,
    Jonathan
    —
    Jonathan Wells

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PHOTOS: New DeYoung Museum

Although the museum doesn’t officially open until October 15, the cafe and bookstore have been open for a few weeks to give the curious (and the impatient members) a chance to take a look around. Although most of the artworks inside retain their packing shrouds, the Goldsworthy rock installation in the entrance to the museum is in use, and the Richter photo mural in the lobby is viewable.

The parts of the museum that are currently open were teaming with people this afternoon. Word has started to get out that there’s finally a good place to make a pitstop in the midst of a stroll through Golden Gate Park. The cafe prices are in line with the former cafe, but the light-filled space, with its glass lollipop shaped lights and tinker toys structure chairs, are worlds beyond the former museum cafe.

I was pleased to find the Izze’s pomagranite as an alternative to soda, but vexed that their only ice tea was bottled or from the soda fountain. And although our chocolate mousse cake was inexplicably dry, I would go back again for food because the sandwiches on airy artisan bread looked so tasty…

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PHOTOS: Artwork SF Fundraiser

In August, I was a photographer for the Artwork SF cafe show closing night fundraiser. I used a Canon Digital Rebel to snap photos of the performers (including several Speakeasily Burlesque dancers) and of the attendees checking out the artwork. You may see these photos on the Artwork SF website, or in their promotional materials for next year’s show.

Here are a few highlights.