Hope you’re ready for AFI this week, because we sure are at Art&Seek.

To get you started, check out this report about AFI’s dedication to local filmmakers that aired today on KERA (90.1 FM) as well as this week’s Q&A with AFI Dallas senior programmer James Faust.

What’s coming up?

In just a little while, we’ll start a big ticket giveaway – vouchers that can be exchanged for tickets to many of the fests movies.

And Art&Seek is sponsoring not one, but TWO documentaries at the festival.  Stop by for the movie and meet reps from the films and the Art&Seek team:

Tattooed Under Fire: Director Nancy Shiesari set up her camera at River City Tattoos, near the Fort Hood Army base in Killeen.  Soldiers coming in share their experiences in Iraq, and how they relate to the body art they’re choosing.  (Friday at 4, Magnolia; April 2, 4:30, Magnolia)

Say My Name – Erykah Badu is among the artists interviewed for this look at women in hip-hop and R&B. That’s reason enough to be interested. But I especially like the way this film stretches back – Roxanne Shante, Monie Love – and forward – young MCs in the UK- to portray those who’ve contributed, and the ones who aspire to. (Sunday at 10:30 p.m.,  Magnolia; Monday, 5:30, NorthPark)

In addition, there will be radio reports, daily Web features and interviews with directors with Texas connections, picks from the rest of the fest, and, of course, lots of blogging.  So keep checking back, and don’t forget to tell us what you’re seeing/enjoying at the festival.