THE THIRD COAST captures the evolving promise and problems of Houston in 1981 emerging as America’s third most powerful urban center. The film pays special attention to the city’s rapid expansion – investigating not only what attracts so many people to the Bayou City but also its ongoing drawbacks, from a struggling mass transit system to alarming statistics about the use of deadly force by Houston police officers.
Of particular note is the premiere of fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld’s Chloe collection at Neiman Marcus (left), an open casting call for the movie Urban Cowboy starring John Travolta and an interview with the legendary oil producer Glen McCarthy (right) who reveals his unique opinions on the current oil business.
In 2021, The Houston Cinema Arts Festival hosted a 40th Anniversary event for THE THIRD COAST.
Click below to listen to an interview with directors Alan and Susan Raymond describing the making of THE THIRD COAST as told to Houston Cinema Arts Director, Jessica Green: