Like a band of Wilburys, five Magnum photographers and one writer have set out on a road trip to capture American in its various states. Tackling issues related to border politics, teens, and water, the group is traveling from Texas to Cali (last stop Oakland), in an effort to break away from Magnum's all-seeing global vision to document our region of the world in a more personal and experimental manner. more ›

Tonight, the Harry Ransom Center presents a lecture given in conjunction with their current exhibition, Making Movies, which takes us behind the scenes of the film business, focusing on the artistic collaboration that is unique to the medium. Patrick Keating, a professor from Trinity University and author of the book "Hollywood Lighting from the Silent Era to Film Noir" will be talking about famed director David O. Selznick's approach to lighting and cinematography in such films as Gone With The Wind and Indiscretion of an American Wife. more ›

For those hoping to avoid all of the pre-festival activities around downtown and looking for a dose of heady science (and really, who isn't?), UT Austin is hosting a special lecture by American mathematician Jeffrey Weeks, entitled 'The Shape of Space." more ›

Playwright and filmmaker David Mamet will appear at UT's Hogg Auditorium on Monday, February 4th for a discussion of his work with the Austin Chronicle's Robert Faires. The event is the first of several appearances by Mamet at UT in conjunction with the acquisition of his archives by the Harry Ransom Center. more ›