“We knew them when…” You probably did not know Steven Spielberg back when… but you could. As part of its 25^th anniversary, IMAGE hosted an evening of short works by noted alumni of its annual Atlanta Film & Video Festival. Features included, “Amblin’,” a short work by student Spielberg, Spike Lee’s student short entitled “Joe’s Bed Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads” and “Better Late” a short film by Oscar documentarian, Jessica Yu.

The program was a prologue to a monthly series of screenings for IMAGE’s anniversary held June 8-16. Spielberg’s donation was nominated for a student Academy Award. The story centers on two young hitchhikers en route to California. Lee’s entry is a tale of murder and suspense in Brooklyn and Yu’s story centers on a middle aged man preparing for a date. Other scheduled programs include “Tender Fictions” by lesbian experimental filmmaker, Barbara Hammer who attended the feature on March 4 at the Hill Auditorium at the High Museum. The screening was sponsored by the Emory Office of Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered Life and the High Museum of Art. Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” played in April. “Ruby in Paradise” concluded the series in May. Florida filmmaker, Victor Nunez has been a longtime participant and supporter of the festival.