SXSW Film Resonates Powerfully In East Austin

EAST AUSTIN, TX — There are scores of films being screened during SXSW — 44 films from first-time filmmakers, 86 world premieres, 11 North American premieres, and 5 U.S. premieres. But none will resonate more powerfully for East Austin residents than "They Live Here Now."

The feature-length film is a hybrid documentary, mixing real-life scenarios found at the emergency shelter "Casa Marianella" as told by two composite characters representing real-life clients. The East Austin shelter at 821 Gunter St. provides refuge for people needing to escape violence, particularly that associated with gangs.

For filmaker Jason Outenreath, that reality posed a tricky challenger: How to tell the story of the life-changing work done at Casa Marianella without compromising the safety and confidentiality of its beneficiaries. Thus, the composite character of a Mexican teenager whose brother was murdered by gang members who makes her way to safety at Casa Marianella, where she finds safety and support from its staff members.

"She gets intaken, and is introduced to the house," Casa Marianella Director Jennifer Long explained to Patch in a telephone interview. "All this is done against the backdrop of what we do."

Opened Jan. 6, 1986, the emergency has quietly gone about its life-saving work. A couples of miles east, a companion shelter offers safe haven to women and children escaping abuse, the address undisclosed to protect those taking refuge there. The goal is to help residents secure a job and make a smooth transition back in the world.

All told, 350 people a year are helped at both shelters. Long is gratified with the way the film depicts their stories, praising Outenreath for his creative way of showcasing the mission of Casa Marianella. She described the director as a former Peace Corps volunteer who had given of his time for the shelter before being inspired to produce the film.

"I think the best thing about it is that Jason was really sensitive to the clients," Long said. "He was very thoughtful and careful. Even though he has a fictional character and the film is scripted, people along the way tell their stories."

The stars of the movie are the staff members, who appear in the film not as composite characters but as themselves. Together, they help weave a powerful narrative about their workplace where they literally are helping to save lives.

“They Live Here, Now” will have its first SXSW screening on Sunday, March, 11, at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, 1120 S. Lamar Blvd., at 4:30 p.m. Reprises are scheduled on Monday at 5:45 p.m. at the Austin Film Society Cinema, 6406 N. Interstate 35, Suite 3100. and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Rollins Theater at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Dr.

>>> Photo courtesy of Casa Marianella