WASHINGTON – In between oohing and and aahing at the cherry blossom trees and watching Katniss kick tail in “Hunger Games,” there is plenty of time to get out and about town this weekend. Head to a film fest or watch scientists at work when you’re not busy enjoying the wonderful weather.
Learn all there is to know about animation at the AFI Theatre Friday at 7 p.m. Award-winning short film animator, cartoonist and illustrator Bill Plympton will speak after a screening of two new films: “Summer Bummer” and a restoration of the 1921 classic “The Flying House.” There will also be a sneak peek at an upcoming project by the “king of indie animation.” Tickets are $11.50 to $7. They can be bought online or by calling 301-495-6700.
Young filmmakers show off their prowess at the Pendragwn Youth Film Festival Saturday. Contestants hail from seven different countries and are all between the ages of 11 and 18. They will compete in four categories — documentary, narrative, music video and super short film. Audience members will have a chance to watch all 15 finalists and vote on their favorite one. Don’t miss red carpet arrivals at 1 p.m. The film fest will be held at the Atlas Performing Arts Center and is free to the public, but seating reservations are recommended. Call 202-546-0065 for more information.
Prepare yourself to be wowed Saturday at 1 p.m. during Gadgets, Gizmos, and Gee Whiz! Tech team members dive into an experimental think tank deep in the heart of National Geographic’s headquarters, where a mini video-shooting helicopter will capture underwater images produced by a “dangerously bright lighting contraption.” Tickets are $16. Buy online or call 202 857 7700.
On Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., head to Chinatown for a floating museum outside the Pepco Edison Place Gallery on 8th Street between H and G streets. The “mobile experiment” investigates collecting, valuing and displaying museum quality objects. Through discussions with D.C. communities such as Deanwood, Brentwood, Petworth and Anacostia, Floating Lab Collective picked personal objects of value to be displayed in a taco truck.
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