Slab Cinema Screening Films Made in San Antonio as Part of Tricentennial Celebrations

As part of the Tricentennial Celebration of San Antonio, Texas Public Radio, the City of San Antonio’s Department of Art & Culture, and Slab Cinema have joined forces to bring films made in San Antonio back to the big screen to celebrate the cultural and film history of the city.

Screened at or very close to the original shooting location, each screening will open with a short introduction discussing the film’s history and San Antonio’s role in its making.

Wings, the first movie in the series, is being screened at Fort Sam Houston’s Quadrangle on March 17. (For the record, while all of the screenings are free, Wings is being shown on base, so you’ll need to pre-register here in order to get clearance.) Wings is a romantic war drama made in 1927 about two men who are in love with the same woman, who both become pilots in World War I.

The second showing in the series will be of Miss Congeniality at the Arneson River Theater on March 20. Like all of the locations, seating is first-come, first-serve. Starring Sandra Bullock and made in 2000, Miss Congeniality is about an FBI agent who must go undercover in a beauty pageant to prevent an attack on the event. One of the scenes was actually filmed at the outdoor theater, but there's another scene in front of the Alamo and plenty of B-roll from around town.

Up next is Viva Max! on April 7 at Hemisfair Park. Released in 1969, Viva Max! is the comedic story of General Maximillian Rodrigues and his plan to reoccupy the Alamo, unbeknownst to the troops who follow him.

On May 2, catch The Sugarland Express at South Park Plaza. A crime drama directed by none other than Steven Spielberg, The Sugarland Express is the story of a woman who breaks her husband out of prison with the intention of kidnapping their son to bring their family back together.

On May 9, the Central Library will screen Selena. Of course, you’ve probably already seen it, but it’s SO worth seeing again. Don’t forget your tissues at home. If you haven't seen it, Selena is the story of Texas-born Tejano star Selena Quintanilla, from her humble beginnings to her booming career up until her death. Catch her speaking at Central Library, singing in front of the Alamo and driving down Somerset Road in this flick.

Last in the six-film series is Go Down, Death at Sunset Station on May 21. Go Down, Death is a drama about a bar owner who’s attempts to discredit a local preacher with a defamatory photo. When his mother interferes, things go very wrong.

As noted, all of the movies are free to attend, and begin at dusk. Be sure to bring chairs or blankets to make your experience as comfortable and fun as possible.

Whether you come out for one or all, help San Antonio celebrate its rich film history and support Texas Public Radio and its partners by coming out to enjoy these movies. There's no better time than the Tricentennial.

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