Filmmakers Robert Rodriguez and Elizabeth Avellán to discuss The Faculty, Texas filmmaking at the Bullock Museum

OCTOBER 7, 2019 (AUSTIN, TX) — Filmmakers Robert Rodriguez and Elizabeth Avellán will join the Bullock Texas State History Museum this Thursday, October 10 at 7 pm for a screening of The Faculty followed by a discussion and Q&A. The film screens as part of the Museum's Texas Focus Film Series, presenting films filmed by, for, and about Texans.

The Faculty, directed by Rodriguez and produced by Avellán, has become a cult classic since its release in 1998. The sci-fi horror film follows a group of students who suspect their teachers are aliens after a series of bizarre occurrences. The film was shot in Austin and other Texas cities and stars Josh Hartnett, Jordana Brewster, Elijah Wood, Jon Stewart and Salma Hayek.

"The Faculty feels like a fun time capsule from the 90s. Rodriguez and Avellán created a film that boosted film-making in Austin and epitomized an era, from its soundtrack to its glamour-grunge style," said Rachel Manning, Film Programs Manager at the Bullock Museum. 

Now in its fourth season, the Bullock Museum's Texas Focus Film Series explores the Texas narrative through Texas-based talent, relevant storytelling, and the expansive Texas backdrop. This season, the series focuses on films shot in Austin and includes screenings of Andrew Bujalski's Support the Girls, Joel and Ethan Coen's Blood Simple, Richard Linklater's Slacker, and others. Prior to each screening at 7 pm, guests are invited to a reception with complimentary coffee and treats starting at 6 pm.

Rodriguez, a native Texan and University of Texas at Austin graduate, began his filmmaking career with El Mariachi, which was produced by Avellán and won the coveted Audience Award at the 1993 Sundance Film Festival. He has written, produced, directed and edited numerous successful films, including Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn, The Faculty, the Spy Kids franchise, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Frank Miller’s Sin City, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3D, Grindhouse, Machete, and Sin City 2: A Dame To Kill For. 

Avellán, originally from Caracas, Venezuela, moved to Houston with her family when she was 13 and later graduated from Rice University. In 2000, she and Rodriguez founded the Austin-based production company Troublemaker Studios. In addition to producing films that have collectively grossed more than a billion dollars, she has played a primary role in developing Austin as a thriving film community.

For more information about the Bullock Museum or the Texas Focus Film Series, visit TheStoryofTexas.com.

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Promotional support for the Texas Focus Film Series is provided by the Texas Film Commission.

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​​The Bullock Texas State History Museum, a division of the State Preservation Board and an accredited institution of the American Alliance of Museums, creates experiences that educate, engage, and encourage a deeper understanding of Texas. With dynamic, award-winning exhibitions that illuminate Texas history, people, and culture, educational programming for all ages, and an IMAX® theater with a screen the size of Texas, the Museum collaborates with more than 700 museums, libraries, archives, organizations, and individuals across the world to bring the Story of Texas to life. For more information, visit www.TheStoryofTexas.com or call (866)369-7108.

The Bullock Texas State History Museum is a division of the Texas State Preservation Board. Additional support for educational programming provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.