Documentary chronicles resurgence of Ku Klux Klan in coastal Texas town
As athletes from across the nation finish the race from San Marcos to the Gulf, in the "world’s toughest canoe race," Cinema Club reveals the closing film of the annual Lost River Film Fest this coming October — a new documentary spotlighting deadly racial tensions that flared up 40 years ago in the tiny coastal town at the end of that trek.
"SEADRIFT" compellingly chronicles the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan there in 1979, when rising hostilities against Vietnamese refugees, accused of overfishing, resulted in arson that destroyed their homes and boats.
"SEADRIFT" — awash in gorgeous cinematography, recounting a horrific recent history as well as an uplifting tale of community reconciliation — premiered at Slamdance Film Festival in January and won Best Historical Film at Dallas International Film Festival in April.
Director Tim Tsai will fly in from California for the special screening, alongside Seadrift residents also in attendance, the evening of Sunday, Oct. 20 — capping a four-day run of diverse programming.
The Price Center plays principal host to Lost River Film Fest, with film viewings also underway across town, including at the Sacred Springs Powwow, the San Marcos Public Library and Texas State University.
SEADRIFT also tops off a track of films focusing on immigration and criminal-justice issues during the final two days of the festival, sponsored by Mano Amiga.
Altogether, Lost River Film Fest runs from Oct. 17-20, featuring dozens of new, independent films; a BMX spectacle called “Wheelz & Reelz;” live music; cinematically-themed burlesque from Dark Matter Productions; performances by Borderlands Texas Poetry Review; and much more.
The "SEADRIFT" screening is kindly sponsored by local arts champion Kevin Huffaker; the festival, on the whole, is made possible via the generosity of the San Marcos Arts Commission, Main Street, Grande, Planet K, Texas Film Commission, Dos Gatos Kolache Bakery, Pie Society, Texas State’s College of Fine Arts & Communication, Topo Chico, and UPS Store #4281, among others.
Additional sponsors are sought to underwrite the film fest, which has attracted more than 1,000 attendees each of the past two years.
Tickets for Lost River Film Festival are available at SanMarcosCinemaClub@gmail.com or by phone at 239-986-9101.
