Even after the sketch comedy gem The State was grounded prematurely (and where’s that DVD already?) it hasn’t stopped Michael Showalter or Ian Black from bounding into many more comedic projects in the ensuing years....

The following films played Saturday, March 10th as part of the SXSW Film Festival: Campaign - This Japanese doc follows the travails of a "parachute" candidate for the Kawasaki city council. He's called that because he moved to the city specifically to run for office through his allegiance to the powerful LDP party. Japan is as big a character as the candidate, as the candid shots of life there offer revealing snippets of the......

SXSW Film Festival recently released their lineup of feature films to be screened this year. Check out the full roster after the jump. LONE STAR STATES Forfeit Directed by Andrew Shea, written by John Rafter Lee. Featuring: Billy Burke, Sherry Stringfield, Gregory Itzin, Wayne Knight. An ex-con tries to manage his way back into society, reunite with his high school sweetheart, and commit one more crime. (World Premiere) Inside the Circle Directed by Marcy......

The fellas from "The State" (Michael Showalter, David Wain & Michael Ian Black) joined the screenwriting duo who brought you Wedding Crashers (Steve Faber & Bob Fisher) and Jake Kadan (The TV Set, "Freaks & Geeks") Saturday to discuss writing R-rated comedies. Once it was established in the first few minutes that any more than 8 "shits" and 2 "fucks" would get you an "R" rating, the panel seemed headed for an untimely death. But,......

FRIDAY [20] dance • Requiem at Intel Shell (8pm, $20-$30) party/gay • Q Monthly Magazine release party at Oilcan Harry's (5-9pm) art • Chris Campbell: Surface/Depth Reception at Gallery 3 at the Co-Op (5-7pm) art • "The Stones": Art of Ronnie Wood Reception at ART on 5th (6-8pm) drag/party/various • International Drag King Extravaganza 8 at Venues Around Austin music • Oakley Hall, Brothers & Sisters, Li'l Cap'n Travis, Pink Nasty at Emo's music......

“I feel good today, Silent Bob. We're gonna make some money! And then you know what we're going to do? We're going to go to that party and get some pussy! I'm gonna fuck this bitch, that bitch...I'LL FUCK ANYTHING THAT MOVES!”** That’s certainly one way to write a rated-R comedy. Of course, there are others. Last week we told you that Kevin Smith will be at the Austin Film Festival in support of......

MONDAY [16] film • Matador at Arbor (1:10pm & 6:50pm) ® film • Law of Desire at Arbor (4:10pm & 9:30pm) ® film • Strangers with Candy at Alamo Downtown (7pm) film • Notre Musique at Texas Union (7:30pm) ® film • The Goonies at Rounders Pizzeria (8pm, Free) film • Slums of Beverly Hills at Café Mundi (8pm, Free) film • Dr. Strangelove at The Space (8pm, Free) ® film • Super Troopers......

Beyond screening over 100 excellent films, the Austin Film Festival also offers over 60 panels and roundtable discussions, led by more than 100 industry professionals. This year the panels will focus on ‘telling your story by any means necessary.' The panelists will give an informative look into how they sold their scripts, got distribution deals, had their pilots picked up, etc. If you are (or want to be) a writer, producer or director, you......

Tonight, Comedy Central will broadcast Stella for the first time. But for those of you who are big fans of The State, you've probably seen a video or two of Michael Showalter, David Wain and Michael Ian Black - the trio who comprise Stella - on the internet. We got our grubby hands on a promotional copy of the episode that will air this evening. Full disclosure: We've been looking forward to this premiere......