Pomegranate Film Festival

The Pomegranate Film Festival might have a funny name, but its 15 or so participating filmmakers are serious about their craft. “It’s films that are produced and directed by, and starring, Houston-area teenagers,” says Jason Kishell, coordinator for the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston’s Teen Council. “You have the whole gamut — we have some comedies, some dramas, and this year we even have a horror movie. We also have conceptual films, what you would call art films.”

One of the comedies being shown is Stanley, by 17-year-old Lamar High School senior Rachel Globe. “It’s about a guy who has had a lifelong struggle with not being able to make any kind of decision,” says Globe. “He can’t even pick out what he wants to eat in the morning, so it’s kind of crippling. Then one day he gets a new coworker, and his coworker helps him get over the fears.” The spark for Stanley was a personal experience. “I was standing in front of a vending machine one day and I couldn’t decide what I wanted to eat,” Globe laughs. “It just popped into my mind — it would be interesting if somebody had this fear their whole life.”

As with most of the other filmmakers, this is Globe’s first film festival experience. She’s confident people will like her movie, but there is one little thing nagging at her. “It’s on a school night,” she worries, “but I’m hoping people can come out anyway.” Nothing like an early curfew to mess up your directorial debut. 7 p.m. CAMH’s front lawn, 5216 Montrose. For information, call 713-284-8250 or visit www.camh.org. Free.
Thu., Jan. 17, 7 p.m., 2008