This week's independent cinema offerings include Les Blank at the Mardi Gras and the Brunet family at the movies.

This week we got more short films and documentaries—who knew Greater New Orleans had such a thriving short film scene? 

Surviving Father Time and Mother Nature

After over 100 years as a functioning cinema, the Prytania Theatre has aquired a captivating story all its own. This documentary follows how Rene Brunet and his son Robert reestablished the theatre in 1996 and modernized it again after Hurrican Katrina.

Friday - Saturday, 4:45pm, The Prytania Theatre 5339 Prytania St.

Always for Pleasure

In the late 1970s, filmmaker Les Blank came to New Orleans and created a treasure trove of local history. Featuring interviews with Irma Thomas, Professor Longhair, the late Allen Toussaint, and other New Orleans institutions, Always for Pleasure offers an unobtrusive look at distinctly New Orleans traditions at a specific moment in time.

Friday, 7:30pm, Indywood, 3400 St. Claude Ave. $5.

The Always For Pleasure Festival is helping short film lovers to get their fix with a showing of local shorts. Anyone can submit their film (max 10 minutes). For more information: https://m.facebook.com/events/1635039366745194/

Saturday, 8pm - 1am, 6621 St Claude Ave, Arabi LA. Free