FILM: Filmmaker Ken Jacobs is making a rare Bay Area appearance to present Shocked by Existence, a series of his new works in digital video format, some of which feature animated stereographs of family and friends, as well as improvised performance, experimental narrative, personal documentary, and found footage. The screening will also include Jacobs' small-gauge “chamber works” -- his term for the 8mm and 16mm shorts he made in the '60s.

7:30 p.m. // California College of the Arts (1111 Eight St) // $5-10 (free for CCA students and faculty)

LIT: Cheap is no longer a bad word in today's economy. Author Lauren Weber will read from and discuss her new book In Cheap We Trust, which explores "today's recession-driven enthusiasm for frugal living" through humor, personal tales, and historical fact.

7 p.m. // Green Apple Books, Side Room (506 Clement St, 2nd fl) // free