If you missed it at the local National Film Challenge screening at the Warehouse Theater or at Artomatic 2004, the hilarious (and perhaps a bit prophetic) mockumentary "Felt: Tearing the Fabric of America" is now available online. The short piece, produced by local groups Cavegirl Productions and Defectiv Films, was fully made over the course of one weekend and was recently named "Best Mockumentary" by the NFC. "Felt" was also named one of the top 10 films in the competition, which featured 151 entries from 35 states and D.C. At the Warehouse Theater screening, "Felt" had DCist -- and most of the audience -- in tears. We were especially impressed by the puppetry in the film, easily rivaling any episode of "Crank Yankers."

Unfortunately, "Rio de la Muerte," another great local entry that was a runner up for "Best Film" in the competition, is not yet available online. With luck, it will be available on the NFC Top Ten DVD with "Felt" when it is released.

(Image of "Pastor Frank Phelps" from the official Felt website)