Deep Ellum is fighting the doldrums the only way it knows how. With murals. Eight authorized graffiti artists are vying for cash with new wall creations around the embattled east-of-downtown ‘hood. You’re invited to take a look-see before the 2nd annual awards are handed out Saturday at Prophet Bar. Here’s a profile of one of the artists, Sergio Garcia.

Judging begins at 6:15 tonight at the Angelika for the Video Association of Dallas‘ 7th Annual 24-Hour Video Race. This year’s theme was “twist of fate”; the prop was a key; the location was “anywhere a sport is played”; and the line of dialogue was “How much is (or what’s) this going to cost me?” 100 teams participated in five categories, and some of the videos are already up on YouTube. The winning entries will shown at the Dallas Video Festival in October and on KERA’s Frame of Mind. Screening schedule here.

The oldest art-house cinema in Dallas, Inwood Theater, just got cozier. Modeled on other Landmark properties, the main room downstairs is now a living room, complete with sofas, love seats and bar.