Texas Focus: Computer Chess
Texas Spirit Theater | NR | 92 min. | Comedy
March 8, 2018 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Join the Bullock Museum for a screening and conversation about the Austin-based comedy Computer Chess.
Computer Chess is a 1980s-set story centered around a man vs. machine chess tournament.
Event Details
Written and directed by Austin-based filmmaker Andrew Bujalski, Computer Chess is a nerd-drenched spoof about chess software programmers who compete to create the most advanced chess program. Created in 2013, the film uses a black and white, retro production design backdrop.
A cinematic exploration of the Texas narrative, the Museum's Texas Focus Film Series highlights stories by, for, and about Texans. This evening's program is shown in conjunction with our special exhibition, Pong to Pokémon: The Evolution of Electronic Gaming, and includes a film screening and Q&A with filmmaker Andrew Bujalski and actor Wiley Wiggins. Come early at 6pm for a welcome reception with cash bar
Please note: Entrance for this screening will be at the IMAX lobby doors.
Your ticket purchase supports the Bullock Museum's exhibitions and educational programming.
Rating: NR
Suggested age: 18+
Starring: Wiley Wiggins, Patrick Riester, Myles Paige, Robin Schwartz, Tishuan Scott
Writer: Andrew Bujalski
Directors: Andrew Bujalski
Runtime: 92 min.
Genre: Comedy
Release year: 2013
"...close to perfect." - Amy Taubin, Film Comment
“An extraordinarily inventive and richly textured period piece.” - Richard Brody, The New Yorker
"An endearingly nutty, proudly analog tribute to the ultra-nerdy innovators of yesteryear." - Justin Chang, Variety
"...a funny, low-key look at nerd culture..." - Hugh Hart, Wired
Computer Chess won the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film prize at the Sundance Film Festival and the Special Citation Award at the San Francisco Film Critics Circle. Additionally, it was nominated at SXSW, Indiewire for the Audience Award at Sundance and more.
Computer Chess was shot in Austin, Texas and premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. It was shot with analog videocameras, Sony AVC-3260 and Bolex 16RX.
Austin-based filmmaker, Andrew Bujalski has written and directed the films Funny Ha Ha, Mutual Appreciation and Beeswax, all of which have appeared on New York Times critics' "Top Ten of the Year" lists. Funny Ha Ha was also identified by A.O. Scott as one of the Ten Most Influential Films of the '00s. Between duties to his own projects, Andrew has also worked as a screenwriter-for-hire and a teacher of film production at Boston University and the University of Texas. The Boston Globe describes him as "unerringly polite and somewhat disheveled."
Austin-based filmmaker, Andrew Bujalski has written and directed the films Funny Ha Ha, Mutual Appreciation and Beeswax, all of which have appeared on New York Times critics' "Top Ten of the Year" lists. Funny Ha Ha was also identified by A.O. Scott as one of the Ten Most Influential Films of the '00s. Between duties to his own projects, Andrew has also worked as a screenwriter-for-hire and a teacher of film production at Boston University and the University of Texas. The Boston Globe describes him as "unerringly polite and somewhat disheveled."
Wiley Wiggins starred in director Richard Linklater's seminal films Dazed and Confused and Waking Life, as well as Dia Sokol’s Sorry, Thanks. He currently operates an independent videogame design studio with Computer Chess co-star James Curry, where the two are creating the forthcoming iPad game Thunderbeam. Wiley currently resides in Austin, TX.
The Texas Spirit Theater located on the Bullock Museum's second floor is one of the most beautiful film experiences in Austin and features multi-sensory special effects such as lightning, rain, and other surprises.
Museum Members enjoy free unlimited IMAX® documentary films, discounts on feature film tickets, free exhibition admission, discounts in the Museum Store, and more. Learn More.
Learn about ticket prices, refund policies, and parking (free after 5 pm). For evening programs, please enter through the Bullock Museum IMAX Theatre.
