Last night I was lecturing to a class at Washington University, and a student asked me if there was much of a local film scene in St. Louis. I said yes–and that it’s centered at Webster University. Most of the young local directors who are doing interesting work are students or graduates of Webster (like Brian Jun, whose Sundance-tested feature “Steel City” comes out on DVD May 6).

And of course, the Webster Film Series is a vital alternative to the multiplexes, as it scoops up some of the great indies that are overlooked by the Landmark chain (which runs the Tivoli and Plaza Frontenac).

Screening this weekend at Webster’s Moore Auditorium are two specialty programs of note. The touring Rural Route Film Festival, which unspools on Friday and Sunday at 8 p.m., is devoted to films about country life and the organic-food movement.

The 60 x 60 Project: Midwest Minutes, comprises 60 experimental video works by Zlatko Cosic paired with minute-long musical pieces by five dozen different composers. It will be presented at Webster on Saturday at 8 p.m. Cosic will also be on hand to demonstrate his mad skills at live video mixing alongside musician John Consiglio.

And finally, Saturday, May 3, is the date for Webster’s annual festival of student-produced films (many of which go on to compete in things like the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase and the St. Louis International Film Festival.)

For more information, call 314-968-7487.

Webster may not charge as much for tuition as Wash U. does, but it kicks Bear butt when it comes to the quality of their respective film programs.