Short attention span? Meet your match this Saturday, December 13, when the Phoenix Indieclub rolls its first short film festival. The local branch of the international independent filmmakers club is set to screen selections from seven Arizona filmmakers; fare ranges from war drama to documentary to claymation. Hatched last year, the Valley chapter already boasts more than 130 members, according to Nicol Eilers, Phoenix Indieclub group leader. "The members consist of filmmakers, writers, actors, cinematographers and other production personnel who love to work in independent film in Arizona," she explains. The still-growing group meets monthly, Eilers adds, for "networking, workshops and showcasing local filmmakers' productions."
The shorts hit the screen at 3:30 p.m. at Scottsdale's Civic Center Library Auditorium, 3839 North Drinkwater. Admission is $5 at the door. For more information, call 480-375-0018.- Jill Koch
Gettin' Figgy With It
It's all about pudding and stars at Dodge
Wed 12/17
"Christmas Pudding," shock-rocker Alice Cooper's third annual comedy and musical extravaganza, looks to be an intriguing affair, bringing together not only Cooper (who just received his star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame), but fellow freaks Billy Bob Thornton and Weird Al Yankovic, plus local personalities such as KTAR's Pat McMahon and KDKB's Tim & Mark, as well as Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers.
Set for Wednesday, December 17, at the Dodge Theatre, 400 West Washington, the holiday treat benefits the nonprofit Solid Rock Foundation. Tickets are $20, $30, $50 and $85; $100 VIP tickets include a pre-show celebrity reception. Call 480-784-4444 or see www.ticketmaster.com to order. - Brendan Joel Kelley
A Touch of Gas
Students take a shine to neon
Sat 12/13
It's hard to walk a city block anywhere in America without encountering neon lights in some shape or form. And while their rainbow hues have become a mainstay in American culture, they've ascended to an art form for a select local few.Led by Jim White, professor of neon art at ASU, the university's Neon Workshop has provided a forum for those interested in bringing their artistic endeavors to light. If glass tubes and neon gas are all a fertile imagination needs to create great art, the visuals are certain to be compelling when White's Fall 2003 Workshop presents its latest works. "Neon Babylon" opens Saturday, December 13, and continues through January 7 at reZurrection Gallery, 601 West University in Tempe. For details call 480-377-9080 or visit www.rezurrectiongallery.net.- Craig Wallach
