For fans of alternative cinema, the Ann Arbor Film Festival used to be the only major event in town. But since 2007, Hott Lava has mixed things up — literally. The experimental film event has a rhythm similar to a DJ night, moving from one short film to the next. Featured films range from avant-garde to trashy, contemporary to classic. Past incarnations have showcased the works of such pioneering filmmakers as Stan Brakhage, Scott Bartlett, Corey Michael Smithson, Martin Thoburn and Irving Klaw.

In addition to the big-screen happenings, Hott Lava also closes each event with a live performance from a musical guest, most notably electro-found sound experimenter (and former Ann Arborite) Benoît Pioulard and Dearborn-based space-drone Windy Weber (best known as half of the influential post-rock duo Windy & Carl and co-owner of the Stormy Records shop).

To get more of an idea about Hott Lava, check out the program from the June 26 State Theatre event.

The next Hott Lava will take place Friday, Sept. 11 at The Yellow Barn (416 W. Huron), with Brooklyn-based experimental ambient duo Mountains as the live guest.

Chrysta Cherrie is the entertainment producer/copy editor for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at chrystacherrie@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @chrystacherrie.