If you live in the New York City area, you can go bug Ed Halter, the former director of the New York Underground Film Festival, when he speaks on a panel at the Alliance Francais this Friday Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Ask him questions in French.

The occasion is the two-day “The Best of Hors Pistes from Centre Pompidou.” I’m not sure what that means. That would be a question for Ed. But they will be screening experimental and avant-garde films from around the world. I’m posting the lineup below, but I’m not familiar with any of the films or names. Ed recommends the new film by Corinna Schnitt. If Ed’s involved in this event, it’s a guaranteed great night of film, both nights.

How do I know all this? It comes from Ed’s new blog thingee, My Life and Prophecies, which I have promptly blogrolled and bookmarked. You should do the same. It’s a very fun site. I particularly recommend his scans from the book Keen Teens. If you want a little bit more info on the screening, read Ed’s blog entry here. Below you’ll find the film lineup:

Oct. 5
7:00 p.m.
Once Upon a Time, dir. Corinna Schnitt
Ode Pavillonaire, dir. Frédéric Ramade
A panel discussion with French and American curators and directors will follow the screenings.

Oct. 6
7:00 p.m.:
Company of Mushrooms, dir. Tan Chui Mui
Hear me children-yet-to-be-born, dir. Sandy Amério
The Cost of Living, dir. Lloyd Newson
Sur Place, dir. Justine Triet