When We Were Live
Told entirely through rediscovered and restored public access footage, When We Were Live revives the unforgettable characters who turned an Austin community TV station into a world-famous stage for self-expression.
Carmen Banana, a banana-themed drag queen whose glittery satire became a lifeline during the AIDS crisis; Livia, a PhD student whose late-night sex talk show challenged taboos; and Gilberto, a young Chicano activist who turned his camera on the KKK and the destruction of his neighborhood. Different as they were, all three found freedom in the chaos of live television — a place where anyone with courage and a story could be seen and heard. Through these rediscovered moments, we watch characters evolve alongside Austin itself, each reflecting the sweeping changes of technology, culture, and an era coming to an end.
Filmmakers in attendance - Q&A to follow!
Carmen Banana, a banana-themed drag queen whose glittery satire became a lifeline during the AIDS crisis; Livia, a PhD student whose late-night sex talk show challenged taboos; and Gilberto, a young Chicano activist who turned his camera on the KKK and the destruction of his neighborhood. Different as they were, all three found freedom in the chaos of live television — a place where anyone with courage and a story could be seen and heard. Through these rediscovered moments, we watch characters evolve alongside Austin itself, each reflecting the sweeping changes of technology, culture, and an era coming to an end.
Filmmakers in attendance - Q&A to follow!
Where is it happening?
Bishop Arts Theatre Center, 215 S Tyler St, Dallas, TX 75208-4934, United States
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherOak Cliff Film Festival
