Willie Varela was largely unknown in his hometown. The best way to get to know the late El Paso experimental filmmaker is through his work. Our second tribute to Varela features 11 of his films, from 1976 to 2004, and runs nearly 100 minutes. They include evocative, ambient shorts, such as 1982’s “Recuerdos de flores muertas” (Super 8mm) and “Ambien Series VIII Houston” (2002, video) and pieces from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s to 2004 that include a trip to Mexico with major influence Stan Brakhage, (“Stan & Jane Brakhage,” 1981, Super 8), a reading by poet James Broughton (1985, Super 8), and a family birthday celebration (“The Birthday Party,” 2004, video). Also programmed: “Ghost Town”; “I Raise My Arm, I Am Responsible”; “Moondance”; “March 1979”; “The Extraordinary Day”; and “White Sands.” — Doug Pullen
Warning: Contains some flashing images; some images may be disturbing.
