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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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Fat Cat Film Festival
To the editor: In response to Kristian Lin’s recent article (“Back From The Celluloid Grave,” July 26) on the alleged rebirth of the Fort Worth Film Festival, I would like to point out that film festivals are primarily about showcasing independent films, period. The organizers of these events must have an understanding and knowledge of independent film. Before morphing into the Lone Star Film Society, the FWFF board members made the decision to expand the board by adding some members from Fort Worth’s roster of wealthy families for the sole purpose of bringing in support funding.
Instead of funding, they created a bloated, disorganized group with little or no knowledge of independent films, filmmaking, or organizing film festivals. Repeated suggestions to outsource the festival to experienced professionals were ignored, and as a result, a “herd of cats” mentality prevailed where nothing was accomplished toward providing Fort Worth with a revived annual film event.
If I sound frustrated by this, I am. As a quasi-co-founder of the FWFF and past president of the LSFS, I found it incredibly difficult to see the opportunities wasted. I suppose creating events that involve dragging aging movie stars out of Hollywood nursing homes and flying them in on private jets for nostalgic screenings (“Singin’ in the Rain”) is OK as long as a festival is still the society’s core event each year. We can see classic movies in our home theaters, but we need a film festival to enjoy and celebrate each year’s new crop of independent films and filmmakers. I certainly applaud their recent efforts and hope to see a festival on Fort Worth’s calendar soon.
Dave Stovall
Fort Worth
Hummer Bummer
To the editor: There is nothing I appreciate more than your coverage of local environmental issues. However, I was rather disappointed when I saw you were giving away a Hummer as part of a promotion for “Best of 2006.” I have watched your publication tackle issues of public transportation and hold the state environmental agency’s feet to the fire. Recently, you pointed out that “Katrina was a billboard for global warming.”
Is it not hypocritical to fight for clean air with one hand and toss Hummer keys with the other? I know it’s just one car and that industrial pollution does far more damage than any car ever could. However, if more people in North Texas simply stopped driving, some of those ozone warnings would go away. It is obvious you aren’t going to get many of my fellow Texans to vote by giving away bus passes, but I’m sure that the Weekly staff is clever enough to come up with a reasonable alternative. Frank Kent doesn’t sell Hummers exclusively; maybe next time you should ask if they have a Honda hybrid somewhere in the back. Until then, keep up the good work making life better for us little people.
William Lincoln
Fort Worth
Clean Writing on Dirty Air
To the editor: I have adult onset asthma as well as loads of allergies, and my granddaughter has a heart condition. For us and for all the other sufferers, as well as those who will become ill, I thank you. (“Lost In The Ozone,” Sept. 6). This story by Betty Brink is even better than the fabulous one she did on Allan Saxe.
I sat in on the Mayors Conference for Climate Protection, which was held at the School of Urban and Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Arlington, and I think Laura Miller and Bob Cluck are really trying to make a difference, but it’s an uphill battle.
Sue Stevens Durbec
Arlington
To the editor: Fantastic story on the Midlothian kilns, ozone, and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. It was a very complicated story, and you told it well. As a freelance writer I know that is not easy to do. It was well organized and a pleasure to read, even if the story it told was not pleasant to contemplate.
Brian Builta
Arlington
To the editor: Yet another gutsy story going where the Fort Worth Star-Telegram fears to tread. Your story about cement plant polluters was a breath of journalistic fresh air.
Chuck Noteboom
NOTEBOOM — The Law Firm
Hurst
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