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June 11.2025
3 Minutes Read

The Enduring Legacy of The State: Connecting Through Comedy in Austin

Vibrant gathering in Austin community park, engaging discussion.

The Legacy of the State: A Comedy Revolution

It’s been a long time since the 1990s, but the impact of the comedy group known as The State is still fresh in the minds of many. With the premiere of the documentary Long Live the State at the Tribeca Festival, audiences were taken on a nostalgic journey, celebrating the ensemble’s unique contribution to comedy. This film showcases not only their work but also a rather fitting setting: Austin. The city, known for its vibrant arts scene, has now become part of the humorous tapestry woven by these iconic comedians.

A Unique Reunion in Austin

Eight of the original eleven members of The State reunited for a national tour that kicked off at the 2024 Moontower Comedy Festival. This first-ever nationwide tour was not just a reunion but a meaningful reunion born out of necessity due to strikes in the television and film industries. Many members, including household names like Michael Ian Black, Joe Lo Truglio, and Ken Marino, had been so busy pursuing personal projects that getting them all together seemed impossible—until now.

The Revelations of a Comedy Ensemble

Directed by Matthew Perniciaro, Long Live the State reveals the formation of The State at NYU in 1988. Initially starting as a group of freshmen improvising absurdist comedy, they catapulted themselves into the spotlight through sheer talent and dedication. The documentary uncovers how their pioneering spirit led them down an unexpected path, forever changing the landscape of television comedy.

Why This Documentary Matters

As the film highlights, The State is more than just a television series that aired on MTV. It’s about friendships, creativity, and passion—it symbolizes a profound connection that resonates even in today’s comedic landscape. The ensemble didn’t just experience fleeting fame; they formed a lasting bond that allowed them to support each other across various projects—some of which have become cult classics like Wet Hot American Summer and Reno 911!.

What’s Next for The State?

As they embark on this new chapter, the members of The State remain open to collaborating, which is significant considering they initially struggled after a poorly received special led to the group's disbandment in 1996. Each member continues with their careers, and it’s evident that while The State may have officially ended, the camaraderie thrives. Their love for comedy and collective experience continues to inspire upcoming generations.

Connecting with the Austin Community

This reunion not only sparks a conversation among comedy fans but also strengthens Austin's community connection. For families, students, and other residents who cherish local stories, the journey of The State offers an engaging glimpse into creative collaboration. The comedy world, bolstered by events such as the Moontower Comedy Festival, aligns with the lively culture that defines Austin today.

Create Your Own Connections

As the documentary invites viewers to explore The State’s legacy, it also serves as a reminder of how community and creativity intersect. Join local events, engage with fellow residents, and create your own stories. Just as The State has shown, collaborations can lead to lasting legacies – in comedy and beyond.

 

Explore more about Austin's vibrant events and lifestyle at Austin Chronicle

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07.28.2025

Discover Eros and Thanatos in Local Film: How Far Does the Dark Go?

Update Exploring the Dark: How Eros and Thanatos Intertwine in Local Cinema Austin filmmaker Bears Rebecca Fonté has made waves in the local film scene with her debut feature, How Far Does the Dark Go?, premiering at the Queer Screams Film Festival on August 2. Fonté, a familiar face at festivals for her role in programming and directing film initiatives, has crafted a sapphic horror tale that delves deep into the complexities of relationships overshadowed by the themes of love and mortality. Connection to the Austin Film Community Fonté’s journey in the Austin film community began with her involvement at the All Genders, Lifestyles and Identities Film Festival and Other Worlds Austin. By collaborating with actress Chloe Carroll, who stars in the film, they transformed an initial idea into a fully fleshed-out story. Their friendship blossomed amid the tapestry of Austin’s vibrant festival scene, emphasizing the city's role in shaping indie cinema. Thematic Depth: Power Dynamics in Relationships At the heart of How Far Does the Dark Go? lies the complex relationship between a vampire named Evienne and her mortal nurse, Grace, portrayed by Anna Hindman. This narrative explores the seduction and enslavement dynamic, placing the characters in a morally ambiguous light. Fonté noted that relationships often carry heavy layers of power dynamics, especially in queer narratives. Grace's struggles—stemming from poverty and addiction—bring an authentic emotional depth that resonates with many viewers. The Horror Genre: A New Lens on Queerness In the tradition of vampire lore, which has historically been represented through a male gaze, Fonté offers a fresh queer perspective by embedding emotional and romantic elements in a horror narrative. This invites Austin audiences to reflect on how horror can be used to illustrate profound societal issues. Fonté acknowledges the legacy of influential filmmakers like Jean Rollin, whose interpretations of erotic horror shifted paradigms. By referencing such works while crafting her narrative, Fonté bridges the gap between traditional horror and modern queer storytelling. Fostering Community Through Storytelling The film is not just about the undead but about how communities—and filmmakers—support one another. Events like the Queer Screams Film Festival cultivate an environment for diverse voices and perspectives, enhancing Austin's role as a cradle for innovative storytelling. Within this landscape, Fonté’s film breaks beyond standard horror tropes to foster discussions around identity, relationships, and survival. What This Means for Local Film Fonté's work encourages emerging filmmakers in Austin to explore challenging subjects and to tell stories that resonate on personal and universal levels. As Austin continues to grow as a filmmaking hub, stories like How Far Does the Dark Go? remind us of the importance of representation, especially in genres that often overlook diverse voices. As you anticipate its premiere, reflect on how stories shape our understanding of identity and community. Support local filmmakers and watch as they bring unique perspectives to life.

07.27.2025

Understanding Texas Mid-Decade Redistricting: Impact on Spring and Tomball Residents

Update Texas Heads into Redistricting: What It Means for You This summer, Texas drew national attention as the state legislature embarked on a significant mid-decade redistricting process—a periodic reshaping of political boundaries that decides how voters are represented. As states reevaluate their districts every ten years following the census, Texas's decision to redraw these districts just a few years later raises eyebrows, especially amid opposition from Democrats concerned about fairness and representation. Why Redistricting Matters to Local Communities Redistricting isn't just about political parties; it's about every citizen's representation in local government. For residents in Spring, Tomball, and Humble, the way these lines are drawn can impact everything from local funding for schools and parks to community events and infrastructure development. If you haven't been following this issue, now it’s a vital time to get involved—your community's voice could change the landscape of local governance. Pushback and Emotional Reactions from Residents The pushback from Democrats and others highlights the emotional stakes involved. People in communities like Tomball Texas are passionate about ensuring equitable representation, fearing that a poorly executed redistricting could dilute their vote and misrepresent their needs. Whether it’s a food truck event in downtown Tomball or a community gathering in Humble, the political map can determine who has a say in neighborhood happenings. Comparative Perspectives: How Other Texas Cities Are Responding Other cities across Texas are closely watching the developments in Austin. Different strategies have emerged in response to redistricting challenges, with community influencers and local leaders rallying their neighborhoods to demand transparency and fairness in how borders are drawn. This push for effective representation is inspiring neighboring communities, and it highlights the need for residents to engage with local governance critically. Future Implications: What’s at Stake? Looking ahead, the implications of this redistricting will reverberate well into the future. As new home communities spring up in Spring TX and developments take place in Tomball, the question becomes how these changing districts will affect local investments and community initiatives. Residents should stay informed and involved. Understanding this process means knowing how your local district can directly affect your life—jobs, school funding, and public services are all on the line. Actionable Steps to Stay Informed As engaged citizens of Spring, Tomball, and Humble, it’s important to educate yourself on redistricting. Attend town hall meetings, engage with local influencers, and participate in community discussions. Resources such as local news blogs and social media platforms can keep you informed of key changes and events related to this redistricting process. Most importantly, let your voice be heard—each opinion matters. Conclusion: Take Action for Your Community Whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer looking to get involved, your understanding of and participation in the redistricting process is crucial. Stay connected with community happenings and advocate for fair representation in the drawing of our political map. Together, we can ensure our neighborhoods remain vibrant and representative of everyone in the community.

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Austin's Thrilling Soccer Moment: Highlights from the MLS All-Star Game

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