Bringing, film, art, and community together at Houston’s most iconic theaters.
This summer, 713 Magazine begins a new chapter with River Oaks Theatre, one of Houston’s most significant cultural institutions and one of the city’s most enduring homes for independent film, art house cinema, and creative dialogue.
Since opening in 1939, River Oaks Theatre has occupied a unique place within Houston’s cultural landscape. Generations of audiences have passed through its doors not only to watch films, but to experience work that challenged convention, introduced new perspectives, and expanded the possibilities of what cinema could be. In a city often defined by growth and constant change, River Oaks has remained a rare cultural landmark, connecting Houston’s past and present through film.
For decades, the theater has served as a destination for independent filmmakers, international cinema, documentaries, cult classics, and films that exist outside the traditional studio system. More than a movie theater, River Oaks has functioned as a gathering place for artists, students, musicians, designers, filmmakers, and curious audiences seeking something beyond entertainment. It is a space where culture is not simply consumed but discussed, debated, and shared.
As part of a new partnership, 713 Magazine will be curating select film programming at River Oaks Theatre, highlighting films whose impact extends beyond the screen and into the worlds of art, fashion, music, design, and contemporary culture. The initiative reflects a broader vision for 713 Magazine as we continue to evolve from a digital publication into a platform that creates meaningful cultural experiences within Houston and beyond.
We begin with Basquiat, Julian Schnabel’s 1996 film chronicling the life and work of Jean Michel Basquiat. Few artists have left a mark on contemporary culture as profound as Basquiat. His influence continues to resonate across fine art, fashion, music, design, and creative communities around the world. His story remains one of ambition, creativity, vulnerability, and the realities of navigating artistic success at a young age.
Selecting Basquiat as the first film in this series felt natural. The film exists at the intersection of many of the disciplines that define 713 Magazine itself. It is a story about art, but also about identity, community, creativity, and the cultural ecosystems that allow artists to emerge and thrive. It examines the relationship between underground culture and mainstream recognition, a conversation that remains just as relevant today as it was during Basquiat’s lifetime.
For us, this screening represents more than the presentation of a film. It represents the beginning of an ongoing effort to create spaces where Houston’s creative community can engage with important cultural works and the conversations that surround them. Through thoughtful programming and partnerships, we hope to contribute to the city’s cultural fabric while continuing to explore the people, ideas, and stories that shape contemporary culture.
We are honored to begin this journey alongside River Oaks Theatre and look forward to sharing more screenings in the months ahead.
See you this summer.
You can buy tickets to our first screening here: www.riveroakstheatre.com
