AFF 2014: Sunday Film and Panel Picks

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wild stillSunday is the last full day of the Austin Film Festival (there are no more conference panels after today, but plenty of late afternoon and evening film screenings run through Thursday). Remember to check the website to keep up with schedule changes, and take a look at a few top picks. 

Sunday Panel Picks:

A Conversation with Luke Wilson -- The Dallas-born actor has starred in over 50 film and television projects and has several upcoming releases, including Satellite Beach, which he co-directed, wrote and stars in. Today he sits down with moderator John Merriman to discuss his career and answer questions. (Sunday, Oct. 26, 11:30 am - 12:45 pm, Driskill Hotel Ballroom)

A Conversation with Susannah Grant -- Susannah Grant has an impressive list of writing credits, including Erin Brockovich, Pocahontas, Ever After and In Her Shoes. Come learn about her career and bring your smartest question. (Sunday, Oct. 26, 11:30 am - 12:45 pm, Driskill Hotel Maximilian Room)

A Live Script Reading of Flarsky, written by Dan Sterling -- Live script readings are a fun AFF tradition, and this one will feature actors Mike Birbiglia, Jason Ritter, Austin Nichols and Sunny Mabrey taking on a romantic comedy about a down-on-his luck guy pursuing a powerful politician. (Sunday, Oct. 26, 12 pm - 2:30 pm, State Theatre)

Sunday Film Picks:

Whit Stillman Presents Excerpts from The Cosmopolitans -- In films like Metropolitan and The Last Days of Disco, director Whit Stillman explores the lives of young city dwellers who are entertainingly self-involved. He now has a new Amazon series that explores similar topics and themes, this time amongst a group of Americans living in Paris. (Sunday, Oct. 26, 1 pm, Alamo Drafthouse Village)

Wild -- Fans of Cheryl Strayed's memoir will be lining up to see how Jean-Marc Vallee transfers the story to the screen. Reese Witherspoon in the starring role has been stirring up positive buzz, and the fact that the script is written by Strayed and Nick Hornby makes this a solid film choice for Sunday night. (Sunday, Oct. 26, 7:30 pm, Paramount Theatre)

Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero -- Rumor has it this is one of the funniest movies at the fest, so if you've overdosed on Dark Matters and need a laugh, this one is recommended (especially if you like comedy that satirizes American ideals). The director, writers and several cast members will be in attendance. (Sunday, Oct. 26, 9 pm, IMAX Theatre)

Bonus Picks: Producer's Badgeholders can attend the annual Hair of the Dog Brunch at 10 am, and if you're in the mood for a classic, try a retrospective screening of Network presented by Jenny Lumet (who has proven herself to be a smart and engaging panelist).