The documentary Blank City–which covers New York’s underground DIY cinema movement from 1977–1987–is playing in Houston at the Museum of Fine Arts. There is one showing daily, through 8.20.11.

Among those interviewed in the film are Steve Buscemi, Jim Jarmusch, John Waters, Amos Poe, Debbie Harry, Thurston Moore, Richard Kern, Lydia Lunch, and many more.

View the official trailer here.

Read the official synopsis of Blank City after the jump…

Blank City
A film by Céline Danhier

USA • 2010 • 94 MINS. • INSURGENT MEDIA

BLANK CITY tells the long-overdue tale of the motley crew of renegade filmmakers that emerged from an economically bankrupt and dangerous period of New York history that crossed over with the East Village Art Scene and thriving music scene. It’s a fascinating look at the way this misfit cinema used the deserted, bombed-out Lower East Side landscapes to craft daring works that would go on to profoundly influence Independent Film today. Unlike the much-celebrated punk music scene, this era’s thrilling and confrontational underground film movement has never before been chronicled. Directed by French newcomer Celine Danhier, BLANK CITY captures the idiosyncratic, explosive energy of the “No Wave Cinema” and “Cinema of Transgression” movements. Featured players include acclaimed directors Jim Jarmusch and John Waters, actor-writer-director Steve Buscemi, Blondie’s Debbie Harry, Hip Hop legend Fab 5 Freddy, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, artist James Nares, photographer Richard Kern as well as Amos Poe, Eric Mitchell, Susan Seidelman, Beth B, Scott B, Charlie Ahearn and Nick Zedd. Fittingly, the soundtrack includes: Patti Smith, Television, Richard Hell & The Voidoids, The Contortions, The Bush Tetras, Sonic Youth and many more.

Here’s The New York Times‘ review.

More information may be found at blankcityfilm.com.