Who: Documentary Alliance, a Houston nonprofit dedicated to promoting the production of documentary film in Houston along with Chairs; Kelli Kickerillo, Leslie Bennett, and Tim Moloney

What: A fundraising Gala supporting the completion of the historical documentary film, Before the Curtain Rises. View the trailer in QuickTime (opens a new window) or Windows Media.

Where: The River Oaks Theatre, Houston's last operating Interstate theater.

When: Thursday, April 6th, 2006

7:00 PM Red Carpet Entrance
7:30-7:50 PM Film Preview
7:50 PM Panel Discussion about the future of film exhibition moderated by Variety's Joe Leydon
8:30 PM Backstage Party

Why: Your support will preserve the rapidly disappearing history of Interstate Theatres, Texas's most storied motion picture theatre empire, encourage re-use of these beautiful movie palaces, and frame the debate about the future of theatrical exhibition in the film industry.

Because PBS does not pay for submitted programing, and in fact requires that programs be publicly supported, independent producers must raise production funds through grants and donations. Documentary Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is supporting the production of Before the Curtain Rises, and all monies netted during this event go toward the production of the film.