Alamo Blog

Skip Elsheimer, the creator of the fantastic AV Geeks film collection, is touring the Alamo Drafthouse theatres with his famous collection for a pair of new curated shows that will amuse and enliven you.  Don't know who Skip is?

Formerly a mild-mannered computer technician, Skip Elsheimer now spends his time and money collecting, archiving and presenting old 16mm educational films. What started as a hobby 15 years ago has blossomed into a magnificent obsession, and the collection has grown to over 23,000 films gathered from school auctions, thrift stores, closets and dumpsters. Skip presents themed film shows, tours occasionally, runs a burgeoning stock footage clearinghouse and lives the life he loves. He is one of our heroes.

If you’ve never seen an AV Geeks show before, that’s okay. Expect a program of several amazing, funny and interesting vintage short films in spectacular speckled, scratched 16mm. It’s a damn blast and, well, it’s kinda educational.

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This month, Skip's touring his show ALCOHOL IS DYNAMITE!: Vintage 16mm films about the great social lubricant - both pro and con.  Films include:

Curious Habits of Man (1972) - A puzzling film where a Canadian party overlaps with a nature documentary.

A Case for Beer (early 1970s) - A guide for convenience store owners on how to cash in on beer profits while looking out for under-aged customers.

Alcohol is Dynamite (1958) - Tragedy-monger Sid Davis demonstrates to teenagers the slippery slope of alcohol and its ability to destroy lives.

8/22 at 7pm: Alamo Drafthouse Park North (San Antonio, TX) 8/23 at 7pm: Alamo Drafthouse Lake Creek (Austin, TX) 8/24 at 7pm: Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar (Austin, TX) 8/27 at 7pm: Alamo Drafthouse Mason (Katy, TX)

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And on Thursday August 26 at the Highball in Austin Texas, as a very special extra show, Skip is bringing his show, YOUR PROM DATE, featuring vintage 16mm films about the joy and melodrama that is the school dance! Films include:

As Others See Us – The Dairy Council shows us how to behave when at a social event.

Getting Closer – Will young Greg make it to the dance tonight or will his shyness keep him at home with his lizard?

It’s a Thought – A junior high girl imagines what it would be like to be a popular kid at the school dance.

8/26 at 7pm: The Highball (Austin, TX)