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Dallas Film Announces Summer Drive-in Series Presented by Samsung

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : May 27, 2020
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Category: Movie Reviews

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Dallas Film Announces Summer Drive-in Series Presented by Samsung

The show will go on, “first come, first park”

DALLAS, May 21, 2020 – Here’s what Dallas Film won’t do… Dallas Film won’t stop curating and screening great movies for our thoughtful family of movie-goers. Current conditions have accelerated our desire for scheduled year-round programming across multi-venues. In creating new ways to share the magic of movies, we’ve launched virtual cinema and hosted the DIFF Online High School Shorts Series. Dallas Film is now proud to announce a new partnership with Samsung to bring movie-goers the DIFF Summer Drive-in Series presented by Samsung.

DIFF Summer Drive-in Series presented by Samsung will screen films outdoors, drive-in style at Four Corners Brewery, 1311 S. Ervay Street, Dallas, TX 75215. The series begins on Wednesday, June 3 with a special 35th anniversary screening of THE GOONIES. Gates open at 7:00 pm and the film begins at 8:30 pm. Be sure to arrive early for a special introduction from the film’s cast. 

No reservations required – first come, first park.  There is a suggested donation of $20 per car.

DIFF Summer Drive-in Series presented by Samsung

Schedule (dates and movies subject to change):

6/3       THE GOONIES (35th Anniversary)

6/24      JAWS (45th Anniversary)

7/29      RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

8/26      Movie to be announced

9/30      Movie to be announced

DIFF Summer Drive-in Series Know Before You Go:

-Volunteers will direct parking.

-We request that everyone stay in their car or in the bed of their truck to respect social distancing.

-No chairs, blankets or tents allowed outside of vehicles.

-No balls, frisbees or parking lot games permitted at this time.

-Outside food is permitted. Food trucks and vendors will not be onsite at this screening. 

-Alcohol is not allowed. 

-We ask that guests only use the inside restrooms for emergencies.

About Dallas Film  

Dallas Film (www.dallasfilm.org), established as Dallas Film Society in 2006, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to celebrate the past, present and future of film in our community. The organization provides leadership in screen education and the recognition and celebration of excellence in the art of film, television, and digital media. Through a variety of screenings and festivals, and  educational programs such as Veterans Institute for Film & Media (VIFM) and Mercury One High School Film Labs, Dallas Film raises awareness of the world’s most approachable and inclusive art form.

Dallas Film Hosts Kickoff Event for First-Ever North Texas Film Festival

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : July 3, 2019
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Category: Breaking News, Movie Reviews

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DALLAS, June 28, 2019 – Dallas Film, a nonprofit organization that exists to celebrate the past, present and future of film in our community, is pleased to announce a new film festival debuting this fall in Plano. The North Texas Film Festival (NTXFF) powered by Capital One will be held September 26 – 29, 2019, at the Cinemark West Plano and XD theatre (3800 Dallas Parkway, Plano, TX 75093). A kickoff event for the festival was held featuring a red carpet and a private screening of “Men in Black: International.”

“We are excited to serve a broader audience and expand the love of film to North Texas, which is centered upon the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the largest metropolitan area in Texas,” said Johnathan Brownlee, CEO & President of Dallas Film and Executive Director of North Texas Film Festival. “At the North Texas Film Festival, attendees can expect a lineup of more than 20 curated films including films related to sports, family, date night, Indian, veterans, horror, Best of DIFF (popular films from the 2019 Dallas International Film Festival), shorts, and Oscar contending films. There will be nightly red carpets, Q&As with filmmakers, an exclusive festival lounge, live music stage, theme nights.”

This will be the first film festival to represent North Texas and, since the North Texas economy is booming, the location makes perfect sense, say organizers of NTXFF. As home to several major corporate offices including Capital One, it’s a community full of opportunities and welcoming to people of all ages. North Texas is comprised of 150 cities with over 7.1 million residents in a 9,000-square-mile, 13-county region.

“Overall, North Texas is the fourth largest region in the United States and is the most diverse economy in Texas,” said Brownlee. “Our goal with this new festival is to spark meaningful engagement with film, have a full house for each screening, bring in incredible talent and filmmakers from around the world, expand the love of film in the North Texas region, and create a festival experience like no other for all who attend.”

Proceeds from NTXFF will benefit the Veterans Institute for Film and Media, a program that prepares veterans for careers in film and media production through education, mentorships, and job placements. For details about VIFM, visit www.vifm.us.

The Dallas Film Society to Honor Isabella Rossellini at The Art of Film

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : October 14, 2015
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Category: Special Events, Special Features

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DALLAS (TBD, 2015) – The Dallas Film Society is thrilled to honor Isabella Rossellini at the 6th annual The Art of Film gala on Friday, November 20, 2015. In an effort to celebrate talent within the film community, the prominent Dallas fundraising event has recognized some of the biggest names in film including Robert Duvall, John Lithgow, Val Kilmer, Lee Daniels, and Marisa Tomei. Proceeds from the evening are directed to the year-round programming of the Dallas Film Society, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, and more specifically the 10th annual Dallas International Film Festival and the 2016 DFS Summer Film Camp in 2015, presented by SMU – Division of Film & Media Arts.

The Art of Film offers an opportunity for film lovers to gather for an elegant dinner and enjoy a moderated conversation with the very talented Isabella Rossellini who has left her mark in film, television, theater, writing, and directing. The event will be hosted at The Space on Oak Lawn in Dallas. An exciting addition to this year’s event will be a display of at least 20 works of art by Andy Warhol, courtesy of Christie’s in partnership with The Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Andy Warhol worked across a wide range of media, including film, which makes The Art of Film an ideal occasion to also recognize his many talents. Ms. Rossellini has in fact even been a subject of Mr. Warhol’s talents. 

Rossellini made an unforgettable impression on Hollywood with her leading role in BLUE VELVET for which she received an Independent Spirit Award® for Best Female Lead. Rossellini also received a Golden Globe® nomination for her performance in the television film CRIME OF THE CENTURY, and an Emmy Award® nomination for her guest appearance in the television series CHICAGO HOPE. Her additional film credits include WILD AT HEART; DEATH BECOMES HER; BIG NIGHT; INFAMOUS; TWO LOVERS; and ENEMY.

Since 2009, Rossellini has written, directed, and starred in a series of 40 short films about animals titled GREEN PORNO which airs on the Sundance Channel. Following a positive reception and worldwide popularity, Rossellini embarked on an international tour of her hilarious one-woman show which she continues to perform around the world. Rossellini’s latest project is the theatrical performance of TRIBUTE TO INGRID BERGMAN. The show premiered in London on September 6, 2015 and has since been seen in New York, Paris, and Rome. The performance celebrates the centenary of Rossellini’s mother, Ingrid Bergman, and integrates her autobiography and correspondence. Rossellini can also be seen on the silver screen in David O. Russell’s JOY, set for release on December 25, 2015. Rossellini will appear opposite Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, and Bradley Cooper.

“Isabella Rossellini has established a remarkable acting career in Hollywood and on television and we look forward to celebrating her many accomplishments,” said James Faust, Artistic Director of the Dallas Film Society. “Ms. Rossellini will certainly provide guests with an entertaining evening and will do the Dallas Film Society a great honor when she accepts the Dallas Star Award.”

Emmy Award® winning journalist Gary Cogill will serve as guest moderator for the evening. Cogill is a highly sought after speaker in Texas and his extensive interviewing experience ensures the conversation will be filled with enjoyable and compelling dialogue.

The Art of Film is supported by Stacy Girard and Jerry Rasansky, on board as Event Chairs. “The Dallas Film Society has shown unwavering passion for the film and arts scene in Dallas,” said Stacy Girard, Executive Editor of D Home and D Weddings Magazines. “We have long admired the work of this organization and we’re thrilled to be a part of an event which attracts incredible talent such as Isabella Rossellini,” continued Jerry Rasansky, Dallas attorney and businessman. “We look forward to celebrating Isabella and her incredible career.”

This year’s Honorary Chairs are widely recognized Film Industry leaders Barbara and Stan Levenson. Their careers as Public Relations and Advertising trailblazers in Dallas span more than 45 years, many of which have been dedicated to the arts, community service, and support for education. Barbara and Stan’s passion for advancing the love film all over the southwest was evident in the promotion of thousands of films through their Agency, Levenson & Hill, partnering with studios from Hollywood to Dallas.

Individual tickets from $500 are available for purchase, and underwriting opportunities are available from $5,000. The Art of Film begins with red carpet arrivals at 6:30PM, the reception at 7:00PM, the conversation at 8:00PM and the seated dinner at 9:00PM. Additional information regarding The Art of Film can be found on Dallas Film Society’s website, www.dallasfilm.org. Contact the Dallas film society at info@dallasfilm.org or call 214.720.0555 for more information.

 

The Dallas Film Society Announces Dates for the 10th Annual Dallas International Film Festival

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : August 25, 2015
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DALLAS (August 24, 2015) – The Dallas Film Society has announced that the 10th annual Dallas International Film Festival will take place April 14 – April 24, 2016. The film society is now accepting submissions for the Festival. The early deadline is Friday, October 16, 2015, the regular deadline is Friday, December 4, 2015 and the late deadline is Friday, December 11, 2015.

DIFF is one of the fastest growing festivals in the world and has brought over 250,000 film lovers together to view over 1,680 films from more than 50 countries. DIFF has consistently featured the finest cinema has to offer, including 95 world premieres and 31 US premieres to date.

This past April, the festival successfully completed a marathon of 169 screenings with attendance surpassing 26,000. The 2016 festival will once again span 11 days and feature International Premiere screenings with red carpet entrances at theaters throughout the city, award presentations, filmmaker panels and other special events.

“We can’t wait to get started on selecting films to showcase at the 2016 DIFF and looking forward to highlighting another group of incredible and diverse talent from around the world,” said Sarah Harris, Dallas International Film Festival Senior Programmer. “We are so excited to celebrate a decade of sharing our love of film with the community and continuing to introduce Dallas to some of the finest work filmmaking has to offer.”

The festival welcomes submissions for all categories. Grand Jury Prizes will be presented for Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Short Film, Animated Short Film, Student Short Film and Texas Film Competition presented by Panavision. Audience Awards will be given for Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, and Best Short Film. Additional programming categories include World Cinema Latino Cinema Showcase, Deep Ellum Sounds (music documentaries), Family Films, and Midnight Specials.

This year, DIFF has added the Mavericks category to its programming strand, presented by the L.M. Kit Carson Storyfinders Foundation. Last year, DIFF honored the life and career of the late Texas writer, actor and producer L.M. Kit Carson by featuring his 1983 film BREATHLESS and posthumously awarding him with the Dallas Star Award, accepted by his son, Hunter Carson. This year, DIFF will continue to honor his legacy with the Mavericks screening program, which will feature four groundbreaking and cutting edge films that spotlight unique cinematic voices breaking the rules of filmmaking to advance the art form.

“I truly believe that the art of creating ‘maverick’ films is rarified air,” said Hunter Carson. “Films that introspectively look at the world in challenging ways deserve to be celebrated.”

In addition, one Maverick filmmaker will be the inaugural recipient of the L.M. Kit Carson Maverick Filmmaker Award at Dallas Film Society Honors.

Over the past nine years, DIFF has presented filmmakers with more than $740,000 in awards. This year, the winner of the Texas Film Competition presented by Panavision will receive a camera rental package valued at $30,000. Also, the Embrey Family Foundation will present The Silver Heart Award and a $10,000 cash prize to one inspirational filmmaker or film to honor their dedication for fighting injustices and/or creating social change for the improvement of humanity. Additionally, each recipient of a 2016 DIFF award will receive MOVIE MAGIC Budgeting and Scheduling software bundles from Entertainment Partners, which allows filmmakers to create and view production scheduling.

Submissions are open on WithoutABox and Film Freeway. For more information and to submit films, visit http://www.dallasfilm.org/submit-your-film-for-diff-2016/. Questions can be emailed to submissions@dallasfilm.org.

The 2015 Dallas International Film Festival Award Winners Are…

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 20, 2015
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The Dallas Film Society has announced the winners of the 9th Annual Dallas International Film Festival’s competition series. This year’s Festival, presented by AutoNation, features 169 films representing 32 countries, with a total of 18 premieres including 11 World Premieres, three North American Premieres and four US Premieres.

Grand Jury Awards and Special Jury Prizes were presented for the Narrative Feature Competition, Short Film Competition and Texas Feature Competition during Dallas Film Society Honors, co-presented by the Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation, Sheri Deterling, Geoff Hawkes and the Highland Dallas, at The Highland Dallas. Grand Jury Awards were also given for the Documentary Feature Competition, Animated Short Competition and Student Short Competition.

And the winners are…

Narrative Feature Competition Grand Jury Award

RADIATOR (United Kingdom)

Director: Tom Browne

Cast: Richard Johnson; Gemma Jones; Daniel Cerqueira

A dark, difficult comedy concerning the middle aged Daniel who returns home to help his elderly parents, Leonard and Maria who live in squalor, eccentrically.

 

Narrative Feature Competition Special Jury Prize, Ensemble Acting

ECHOES OF WAR (USA) – World premiere

Director: Kane Senes

Cast: James Badge Dale; Ethan Embry; William Forsythe; Maika Monroe

A Civil War veteran returns home to the quiet countryside, only to find himself embroiled in a conflict between his family and the brutish cattle rancher harassing them.

 

Narrative Feature Competition Special Jury Prize, Cinematography

SOME BEASTS (USA) – World Premiere

Director: Cameron Nelson

Cast: Frank Mosley; Lindsay Burdge; Heather Kafka

Living in an insular farming community, Sal Damon, a modern-day Thoreau, seeks solace from a past relationship in Appalachia. After his neighbor dies and he discovers a feral child living on the lam, he must reconcile his place in a world that lives outside of the law.

 

Documentary Feature Competition Grand Jury Award

BARGE (USA)

Director: Ben Powell

Dry land’s misfits find purpose and direction twenty-eight days at a time as the steady hands of a towboat due for the port of New Orleans. From a green deckhand following his father and grandmother into the family business, to a former convict working his way to First Mate, job by job; as long as the boat’s moving they’re making money.

 

Short Film Competition Grand Jury Award

THE CHICKEN (Germany/Croatia)

Director: Una Gunjak

The day-to-day life of a six-year-old girl growing up during unstable times in Sarajevo is shaken up when a chicken joins her family.

 

Short Film Competition Special Jury Prizes

THE FACE OF UKRAINE: CASTING OKSANA BAIUL (Australia)

Director: Kitty Green

Adorned in pink sequins, little girls from across a divided, war-torn Ukraine audition to play the role of gold medal-winning figure skater Oksana Baiul, whose tears of joy once united their troubled country.

 

ONE HITTA QUITTA (USA)

Director: Ya’Ke Smith

A boy, who has never had to suffer the consequences for his actions, becomes severely addicted to internet violence, leading him to act out in violent ways himself.

 

Student Short Film Competition Grand Jury Award

CAST IN INDIA (India/USA)

Director: Natasha Raheja

Iconic and ubiquitous, thousands of manhole covers dot the streets of New York City. Enlivening the everyday objects around us, this short film is a glimpse of the working lives of the men behind the manhole covers in New York City.

 

Animated Short Film Competition Award

WORLD OF TOMORROW (USA)

Director: Don Hertzfeldt

A little girl is taken on a mind-bending tour of her distant future.

 

Texas Film Competition Grand Jury Award

SACRIFICE (USA)

Director: Michael Cohn

Cast: Luke Kleintank; Dermot Mulroney; Melora Walters; Austin Abrams; Brandon Smith; Lewis Tan

HANK (Luke Kleintank) is a handsome, multi-talented high school student who has just led his football team to a stunning victory during the biggest game of the season. Eager scouts are circling and Hank’s blue-collar parents, (played by Dermot Mulroney and Melora Walters), are counting on their golden boy to win a scholarship to a good college so he can enjoy a brighter future, far away from their hardscrabble life in Texas. Their younger son, TIM (Austin Abrams) more of a loser than a winner, idolizes his older brother and persuades Hank and his friends, KAZ (Brandon Smith) and BENNY (Lewis Tan), to let him tag along on their celebratory hunting trip. It is a decision they soon regret. Tim’s immature behavior after an accidental shooting leads to a series of bad decisions, a second wave of tragedy, and a hasty cover-up. Hank finds himself at the center of a desperate and rapidly deteriorating situation that tests his moral compass and threatens to destroy his family…and his dream.

 

Texas Film Competition Special Jury Prize

THE LOVE INSIDE (USA) – World Premiere

Director: Andy Irvine; Mark Smoot

Cast: Zachary Knighton; Joey Kern; Kat Foster; Betsy Phillips; Bryon Brown; Ashley Spillers; Indigo Rael

When Vaughn invites his closest friends to a cabin in rural Texas to meet his fiancée, he expects a relaxing weekend reminiscing about the old days. But when a friend arrives with his ex-girlfriend, long repressed feelings are reawakened and his engagement is suddenly thrown into doubt in this subversive romantic comedy.

 

Silver Heart Award

FRAME BY FRAME (USA)

Director: Alexandria Bombach; Mo Scarpelli

After decades of war and an oppressive Taliban regime, four Afghan photojournalists face the realities of building a free press in a country left to stand on its own – reframing Afghanistan for the world and for themselves.

 

Narrative Feature Audience Award

THUNDER BROKE THE HEAVENS (USA) – World Premiere

Director: Tim Skousen

Cast: Alex Peters; Gavin Howe; Tanner Beard; Tom Nowicki; Hadley Eure

In a Hansel and Gretel-esque modern fairy tale, siblings Samantha (13) and William Paul (6) must survive on their own after a tragedy kills their family. They are placed in an abusive foster home, but when Samantha overhears that they are to be split up, they escape to live in a crumbling shack in the woods. Life is hard, but they receive help from a mysterious source. When supplies run out and William Paul falls ill, Samantha must find a way for them to survive – before it’s too late.

 

Documentary Feature Audience Award

BATKID BEGINS: THE WISH HEARD AROUND THE WORLD (USA)

Director: Dana Nachman

On one day, in one city, the world comes together to grant one 5 year old cancer patient his wish. BATKID BEGINS: THE WISH HEARD AROUND THE WORLD looks at the ‘why’ of this flash phenomenon. Why did the intense outpouring of spontaneous support for a child reverberate around the world and become one of the biggest ‘good news stories’ ever?

 

Short Film Audience Award

MELVILLE (USA)

Director: James Johnston

Marcus is dealing with some serious shit but he can’t seem to talk to anyone about it.

Dallas International Film Festival Announces First 10 Films for 2015!

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : February 16, 2015
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Category: Special Events, Special Features

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The Dallas Film Society announced the first 10 films chosen to screen at the 9th annual Dallas International Film Festival presented by AutoNation. The 2015 Festival, taking place April 9-19, will feature national and international films, as well homegrown selections. The Festival will also host the North American premiere of PLAYING IT COOL, a romantic comedy starring Chris Evans and Michelle Monaghan. Making its world premiere at this year’s Festival is the Civil War drama ECHOES OF WAR, starring James Badge Dale, Ethan Embry and William Forsythe.

The Dallas Film Society is proud to announce that director John Landis will receive the Dallas Star Award at DFS Honors on Friday, April 17 at the Highland Hotel in Dallas. The Dallas Star Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to modern cinema and the advancement of the art of film. The award presentation will be followed by a special screening of John Landis’s 1980 comedy classic THE BLUES BROTHERS on Saturday, April 18. John Landis has left a lasting impression on the film world as director of many iconic comedies such as NATIONAL LAMPOON’S ANIMAL HOUSE, ¡3 AMIGOS!, COMING TO AMERICA, TRADING PLACES, and INTO THE NIGHT. John Landis also wrote and directed AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON and the groundbreaking theatrical short MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER.

“Confirming our first 10 films is a major milestone in producing our festival,” said James Faust, Artistic Director of the Dallas Film Society. “We plan to screen around 170 films this year, and are well on our way to selecting the best cinema has to offer. We’re also elated to mark the 35th anniversary of THE BLUES BROTHERS by honoring legendary filmmaker John Landis.”

The Festival will also celebrate the incredible life and career of Texas writer, actor and producer L.M. Kit Carson by featuring his 1983 film BREATHLESS. Carson is recognized for writing the Palme d’Or winning PARIS, TEXAS, and also for inventing the first ‘mockumentary’ with his film DAVID HOLZMAN’S DIARY.

Here are the first 10 films announced so far…

 

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5 FLIGHTS UP

Director: Richard Loncraine

USA

Cast: Morgan Freeman; Diane Keaton; Cynthia Nixon

Synopsis: Over one crazy weekend, a long-time married couple discovers that finding a new apartment is not about winding down, but starting a new adventure.

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BEING EVEL

Director: Daniel Junge

USA

Synopsis: Millions know the man, but few know his story. In BEING EVEL, Academy Award® winning filmmaker Daniel Junge (SAVING FACE) and actor/producer Johnny Knoxville take a candid look at American daredevil and icon Robert “Evel” Knievel, while also reflecting on our voracious public appetite for heroes and spectacle.

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ECHOS OF WAR (World premiere)

Director: Kane Senes

USA

Cast: James Badge Dale; Ethan Embry; William Forsythe; Maika Monroe

Synopsis: A Civil War veteran returns home to the quiet countryside, only to find himself embroiled in a conflict between his family and the brutish cattle rancher harassing them.

Doat-hon-slide

HOLLOW

Director: Ham Tran

Vietnam

Cast: Kieu Chinh; Jayvee Mai The Hiep; Ngoc Hiep Nguyen

Synopsis: A young girl falls into a river and drowns. When her body is found in a remote village along the river, her uncle arrives to claim her body, only to find that she is very much alive. But when she returns to her family, unexplainable occurrences lead them to believe she is possessed.

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JASMINE

Director: Dax Phelan

USA

Cast: Jason Tobin; Byron Mann; Sarah Lian

Synopsis: JASMINE is a gripping and chilling psychological thriller about a man still struggling to come to terms with his grief nearly a year after his wife’s unsolved murder.

Fence

THE BLUES BROTHERS

Director: John Landis

USA

Cast: John Belushi; Dan Aykroyd; James Brown; Cab Calloway; Ray Charles; Aretha Franklin; John Lee Hooker

Synopsis: Jake Blues, just out from prison, puts together his old band to save the Catholic home where he and brother Elwood were raised.

the-look-of-silence

THE LOOK OF SILENCE

Director: Joshua Oppenheimer

Denmark/Finland/Indonesia/Norway/UK

Synopsis: In Joshua Oppenheimer’s companion piece to the Oscar® nominated THE ACT OF KILLING, a family of survivors of the 1965 Indonesian genocide discovers how their son was murdered and the identity of the men who killed him. The youngest brother is determined to break the spell of silence and fear under which the survivors live, and so confronts the men responsible for his brother’s murder – something unimaginable in a country where killers remain in power.

chris-evans-starring-playing-it-cool-released

PLAYING IT COOL (North American Premiere)

Director: Justin Reardon

USA

Cast: Chris Evans; Michelle Monaghan; Luke Wilson; Aubrey Plaza; Topher Grace; Anthony Mackie

Synopsis: It’s this generation’s SWINGERS meets (500) DAYS OF SUMMER. The story is fresh, quirky, and weirdly relatable as this young, slightly pretentious man falls for an unlikely girl, and will stop at nothing to get her even after realizing she’s already in a relationship.

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WELCOME TO LEITH

Director: Michael Beach Nichols; Christopher K. Walker

USA

Synopsis: A white supremacist attempts to take over a small town in North Dakota.

western

WESTERN

Director: Bill Ross; Turner Ross

USA/Mexico

Synopsis: For generations, all that distinguished Eagle Pass, Texas from Piedras Negras, Mexico was the Rio Grande. But when darkness descends upon these harmonious border towns, a cowboy and lawman face a new reality that threatens their way of life.

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Online ticket sales will be available for members only beginning Monday, March 16 at www.DallasFilm.org , with online ticket sales opening to the public on Thursday, March 19. The physical Prekindle Box Office at Mockingbird Station will open on Thursday, March 26.

The Dallas Film Society to Honor Academy Award® Winner Marisa Tomei at The Art of Film

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 13, 2014
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Previously Scheduled Guest of Honor, Toni Collette, Regretfully Unable to Attend Due to Scheduling Conflict

DALLAS (November 10, 2014) – The Dallas Film Society is thrilled to honor Marisa Tomei at the 5th annual The Art of Film gala on Friday, November 21, 2014. Tomei made an unforgettable impression on Hollywood with her breakthrough role as Mona Lisa Vito in MY COUSIN VINNY for which she received the Academy Award® for Best Supporting Actress. Her extensive range of film, television and theater credits includes Academy Award® nominated performances in IN THE BEDROOM and THE WRESTLER, and a Drama Desk Award® nomination for her role in the Broadway production TOP GIRLS.

Emmy® and Golden Globe® award-winning actress Toni Collette was previously scheduled as the guest of honor at The Art of Film. Collette has regretfully withdrawn from this year’s event due to an unforeseen and unavoidable change in her overseas filming schedule. “We wish Toni all the best and look forward to honoring her at a future time,” stated James Faust, Artistic Director of the Dallas Film Society.

The Art of Film is an annual fundraising event during which Dallas film lovers gather to celebrate talent within the film community. Guests at this year’s gala will enjoy a moderated conversation with the very gifted Marisa Tomei followed by an elegant dinner at the Perot Museum of Nature & Science. The premiere Dallas fundraiser has honored some of the biggest names in film including Robert Duvall, Lee Daniels, John Lithgow and Val Kilmer. Proceeds from the evening are directed to the year-round programming of the Dallas Film Society, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, and more specifically the 2015 Dallas International Film Festival, presented by AutoNation and the 2015 DFS Summer Camp, presented by SMU – Division of Film & Media Arts.

On the silver screen, Tomei has tackled a wide variety of roles including performances in PARENTAL GUIDANCE; CRAZY STUPID LOVE; THE IDES OF MARCH; THE LINCOLN LAWYER; ANGER MANAGEMENT; CYRUS; BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD; WHAT WOMEN WANT; SLUMS OF BEVERLY HILLS; HAPPY ACCIDENTS; WELCOME TO SARAJEVO; UNHOOK THE STARS; FOUR ROOMS; THE PAPER; and CHAPLIN. A veteran of the theater, Tomei and the cast of THE REALISTIC JONSES won the 2014 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance earlier this year. Additional theater credits include MARIE AND BRUCE; OH, THE HUMANITY AND OTHER GOOD INTENTIONS; BEIRUT; DESIGN FOR LIVING; WE WON’T PAY! WE WON’T PAY!; WAITING FOR LEFTY; ROCKET TO THE MOON; DEMONOLOGY; SLAVS!; THE COMEDY OF ERRORS; THE ROSE TATTOO; and WHAT THE BUTLER SAW. Tomei is a founding member of the Naked Angels Theater Company in New York. Tomei can currently be seen in LOVE IS STRANGE, which premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Tomei also recently wrapped production on a number of upcoming feature films – Marc Lawrence’s THE REWRITE, Judd Apatow’s TRAINWRECK, and Lionsgate’s SPARE PARTS. Marisa made her directorial debut with a short film based on the Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn’s book Half the Sky. Tomei continues to bridge the gap between rich, dramatic performances and smart, comedic turns. Whether working with large studios or independent houses, she consistently brings her independent spirit to every project with which she is involved.

Elvis Mitchell, former NY Times and Fort Worth Star-Telegram Film Critic and newly appointed Artistic Director of the L.A. Film Festival, will serve as guest moderator for the evening. The conversation between Mitchell and Tomei will certainly be filled with compelling and engaging dialogue. “Marisa has established one of the longest and most impactful careers in Hollywood,” said Faust. “We look forward to honoring her accomplishments by presenting her with the Dallas Star Award.”

The Art of Film is supported by Pam and Mark Denesuk, on board as Event Chairs, and Barbara and Steve Durham as Honorary Chairs. “The Dallas Film Society has really raised the profile of the film and arts scene in Dallas,” states Mark Denesuk, Founder and Managing Principle of Commerce House and The Art of Film 2014 Event Chair along with his wife Pam. “The world of film has been a passion of ours for many years, and we’re grateful to be a part of an annual event which attracts great talents like Marisa Tomei. We look forward to uniting with other film lovers from around the Metroplex to celebrate great filmmaking and empower future filmmakers through camps, high school programs, and the Dallas International Film Festival.”

Individual tickets from $500 are available for purchase, and underwriting opportunities are available from $5,000-$40,000. The Art of Film begins with red carpet arrivals at 6:30PM, the reception at 7:00PM, the conversation at 8:00PM and the seated dinner at 9:00PM. Additional information regarding The Art of Film can be found on Dallas Film Society’s website, www.dallasfilm.org. Contact Jennifer Dworkin atjdworkin@dallasfilm.org or call 214.720.0555 for more information.

THE ART OF FILM SPONSORS:

PRODUCER LEVEL SPONSORS:  Barbara & Steve Durham/Durham Family Foundation

DIRECTOR LEVEL SPONSORS: Pam & Mark Denesuk/Commerce House; Earth Day Texas; Cindy & Phillip Eichenholz; Ruth O. Mutch

WRITER LEVEL SPONSORS: Cinemark Theaters; Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau; Dallas Film Commission; Embrey Family Foundation; Kara & Randall Goss/U.S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc.; Jan Miller & Jeff Rich; Deborah & Jim Nugent; Stephanie & Michael Seay; Deborah & Don Stokes; Jackson Walker

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT: ABCO; BUYLEDS; Dallas by Chocolate; Deep Eddy; El Creative; Great One Cookie Company; J.R. Ewing Bourbon; The Joule Hotel Dallas; The Levenson Group; Line 39 Wines; Post Asylum; Pure Evil Music & Sound Design; Tesla

PRINT PRESS SPONSOR: PaperCity

ADDITIONAL PRESS: My Sweet Charity

The 9th Annual Dallas International Film Festival Announces 2015 Dates

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : September 25, 2014
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Category: Coming Soon, Special Events

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Now Accepting Submissions for the 11 Day Festival

DALLAS (September 23, 2014) – The Dallas Film Society has announced that the 9th annual Dallas International Film Festival will take place April 9-19, 2015. The film society is now accepting submissions. The early deadline is Friday, October 17, 2014, the regular deadline is Friday, December 5, 2014 and the late deadline is Friday, December 12, 2014.

The Dallas International Film Festival is one of the fastest growing festivals in the world and has brought over 190,000 film lovers together to view over 1,520 films from more than 50 countries. Named one of MovieMaker magazine’s “25 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” the festival has consistently featured the finest cinema has to offer, including 84 world premieres and 27 U.S. premieres.

This past April, the festival successfully completed a marathon of more than 165 screenings with attendance surpassing 33,000. The 2015 festival will once again span 11 days and feature International Premiere screenings with red carpet entrances at theaters throughout the city, award presentations, filmmaker panels and other special events.

“We are proud to be known as the filmmaker’s festival and consider it an honor to host such incredible and diverse talent from around the world,” said Sarah Harris, Dallas International Film Festival Senior Programmer. “We look forward to sharing our love of film with the community and introducing Dallasites to some of finest work filmmaking has to offer.”

The festival welcomes submissions for all categories. Grand Jury Prizes will be presented for Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Short Film, Animated Short Film, Student Short Film and Texas Film Competition presented by Panavision. Audience Awards will be given for Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, and Best Short Film. Additional programming categories include World Cinema, Latino Cinema Showcase, International Spotlight: Germany, Deep Ellum Sounds (music documentaries), Family Films and Midnight Specials.

Over the past eight years, the Dallas International Film Festival has presented filmmakers with over $690,000 in awards. This year, the winner of the Texas Film Competition presented by Panavision will receive a camera rental package valued at $30,000. Also, the Embrey Family Foundation will present The Silver Heart Award and a $10,000 cash prize to one inspirational filmmaker or film to honor their dedication for fighting injustices and/or creating social change for the improvement of humanity. Additionally, each recipient of a 2015 Dallas International Film Festival award will receive MOVIE MAGIC Budgeting and Scheduling software bundles from Entertainment Partners, which allows filmmakers to create and view production scheduling.

For more information and a link to submit films via WithoutABox.com, visit http://www.dallasfilm.org/submit-your-film-for-diff-2015/. Questions can be emailed to submissions@dallasfilm.org.

Special Events: Dallas Film Society Honors Toni Collette

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : September 9, 2014
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Category: Breaking News, Special Events

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THE ART OF FILM CELEBRATES ITS 5TH YEAR AS DALLAS FILM SOCIETY HONORS EMMY® AND GOLDEN GLOBE® AWARD-WINNER TONI COLLETTE

 The Art of Film set for Friday, November 21, 2014 with Event and Honorary Chairs Established

DALLAS, TX, September 5, 2014 — The Dallas Film Society is thrilled to honor Emmy® and Golden Globe® award-winning actress Toni Collette at The Art of Film in its 5th year on Friday, November 21, 2014. Geared toward celebrating talent within the film community, the premiere Dallas fundraiser has honored some of the biggest names in film including Robert Duvall, Lee Daniels, John Lithgow and Val Kilmer. Proceeds from the evening are directed to the year-round programming of the Dallas Film Society, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, and more specifically the 2015 Dallas International Film Festival, presented by AutoNation and the 2015 DFS Summer Film Camp, presented by SMU – Division of Film & Media Arts.

The Art of Film offers an opportunity for 300 film lovers to gather for an elegant dinner and to enjoy a moderated conversation with and honor the very talented Toni Collette who has a vast array of credits from film, television and Broadway. Collette made an indelible impression on Hollywood with her beautiful portrayal as the hopeless and desperate ‘Muriel Heslop’ in P.J. Hogan’s 1994 film, MURIEL’S WEDDING and has since starred in a variety of intriguingly diverse roles throughout the last two decades. Ms. Collette’s credits include THE WAY, WAY BACK, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, DINNER WITH FRIENDS, THE MAGIC PUDDING, HOTEL SPLENDIDE, THE JAMES GANG, THE CLOCKWATCHERS, THE PALLBEARER, LILIAN’S STORY, ABOUT A BOY, THE HOURS, and THE SIXTH SENSE.

Born and raised in Australia, Collette was a student at Australia’s prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). In addition to her undeniable talent on-screen, Collette has had the opportunity to demonstrate her talents on Broadway’s stage. In 2000, she starred in the highly anticipated revival of THE WILD PARTY alongside Mandy Patinkin and Eartha Kitt. In the role of ‘Queenie,’ Collette displayed her extraordinary range as both actress and singer. Additional stage credits include performances for the Velvoir Street Theater and the Sydney Theater Company.

Elvis Mitchell, former NY Times and Fort Worth Star-Telegram Film Critic and newly appointed Artistic Director of the L.A. Film Festival, will serve as guest moderator for the evening that will certainly be filled with wonderful dialogue between Mitchell and Ms. Collette. James Faust, Artistic Director of the Dallas Film Society, exclaims, “Toni Collette has built one of the most versatile acting careers in all of Hollywood. Instantly recognizable and always stellar, Ms. Collette will do the Dallas Film Society a great honor when she accepts the Dallas Star Award.”

The Art of Film, set to take place at Dallas’ remarkable Perot Museum of Nature & Science, is supported by Pam and Mark Denesuk, on board as Event Chairs and Barbara and Steve Durham as Honorary Chairs. “The Dallas Film Society is an instrumental part of the thriving arts scene in Dallas and film festivals have been a passion project of ours for many years,” states Mark Denesuk, Founder and Managing Principal of Commerce House and The Art of Film 2014 Event Chair along with his wife Pam. “We’re eager to play a part in the signature benefit event for the Dallas Film Society that allows filmmakers to be recognized for their great works and empowers the next generation of filmmakers through camps, high school programs, and the Dallas International Film Festival.”

“I look forward to The Art of Film each year and 2014 is going to be stellar with the assistance in planning and leadership from the Denesuk’s and Durham’s,” said Dallas Film Society CEO and President Lee Papert. “These couples not only possess the skills to ensure another great year for The Art of Film, but their commitment to community involvement and philanthropy speaks volumes as dedicated corporate citizens.”

Individual tickets from $500 are available for purchase, and underwriting opportunities are available from $5,000-$40,000. The Art of Film begins with red carpet arrivals and reception at 6:30PM, the conversation at 7:30PM and the seated dinner at 8:30PM. Additional information regarding The Art of Film can be found on the Dallas Film Society’s website, www.dallasfilm.org. Contact Jennifer Dworkin at jdworkin@dallasfilm.org or call 214.720.0555 for more information.

The First Ten Films for the 2014 Dallas International Film Festival have been Announced!

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : March 4, 2014
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Category: Coming Soon, Special Features

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THE DALLAS FILM SOCIETY ANNOUNCES THE FIRST TEN FILMS FOR

THE 2014 DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

AutoNation Returns as Presenting Sponsor

And Lascaux Films Presents Debut of Audience Awards

DALLAS, TX, March 3, 2014 —The Dallas Film Society announced today the first 10 films chosen to screen at the 8th edition of theDallas International Film Festival, presented by AutoNation April 3 – 13, 2014. Also announced is the debut of Audience Awardssponsored by Lascaux Films.

“Approximately 150 films from all over the world will be screened during the 11-day Festival and selecting the first ten films is like completing the first mile in a marathon,” said James Faust, artistic director, Dallas Film Society.  It’s exhilarating and exhausting selecting the best among the thousands of outstanding entries we receive and announcing the entire line-up is the moment I reach the finish line and the fun of the festival begins!”

“We are incredibly grateful for all DIFF sponsors.  The return of AutoNation further substantiates their commitment to community and we are very excited to welcome them back as the Presenting Sponsor in 2014,” added Lee Papert, president and CEO of the Dallas Film Society.  “As a true filmmaker’s festival, we are so happy to offer the Audience Awards this year.  The debut of Audience Awards, offering a cash prize of $5000 in the categories of Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature and Short Film, made possible by Lascaux Films, provides filmmakers a level of recognition that confirms their film resonated with the audience.”

“AutoNation is thrilled to return as the Presenting Sponsor for 2014 DIFF,” said Wendi Madden Inglis, Regional Marketing Director for AutoNation.  “At AutoNation, we consider our customers to be our top priority and supporting the arts is a way we can give back to the communities in which they live.  DIFF brings great films to the Dallas area and it is our pleasure as a company to assist in such an important Film Festival.”

The DIFF 2014 films will not only represent works from America, and Texas in particular, but also films from Poland and Hong Kong and classics from years gone-by — truly an international and timeless offering.

 

WORDS AND PICTURES  

 

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Fred Schepisi

Cast: Keegan Connor Tracy, Clive Owen, Juliette Binoche

SYNOPSIS: An art instructor and an English teacher form a rivalry that ends up with a competition at their school in which students decide whether words or pictures are more important.

 

JOE   

                         

(USA)

DIRECTOR: David Gordon Green

Cast: Nicholas Cage, Tye Sheridan, Ronnie Gene Blevins

SYNOPSIS: An ex-con, who is the unlikeliest of role models, meets a 15-year-old boy and is faced with the choice of redemption or ruin.

 

HELLION 

                

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Kat Candler

Cast: Aaron Paul, Juliette Lewis, Josh Wiggins

SYNOPSIS: When motocross and heavy metal obsessed, thirteen-year-old, Jacob’s increasing delinquent behavior forces CPS to place his little brother, Wes, with his aunt, Jacob and his emotionally absent father, Hollis, must finally take responsibility for their actions and for each other in order to bring Wes home.

 

QUEENS & COWBOYS: A STRAIGHT YEAR ON THE GAY RODEO 

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Matt Livadary

SYNOPSIS: QUEENS & COWBOYS: A STRAIGHT YEAR ON THE GAY RODEO chronicles a complete season of the International Gay Rodeo Association. Roping and riding across North America for the past 30 years, the IGRA’s courageous cowboys and cowgirls brave challenges both in and out of the arena on their quest to qualify for the World Finals at the end of the season. And along the way, they’ll bust every stereotype in the book.

 

RICH HILL  

                                                                                                 

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Tracy Droz Tragos and Andrew Droz Palermo

SYNOPSIS: RICH HILL intimately chronicles the turbulent lives of three boys living in an impoverished Midwestern town and the fragile family bonds that sustain them.

 

ABOVE ALL ELSE  

(USA)

DIRECTOR: John Feige

SYNOPSIS: One man will risk it all to stop the tar sands of the Keystone XL oil pipeline from crossing his land. Shot in the forests, pastures, and living rooms of rural East Texas, ABOVE ALL ELSE follows David Daniel as he rallies neighbors and environmental activists to join him in a final act of brinkmanship: a tree-top blockade of the controversial pipeline. What begins as a stand against corporate bullying becomes a rallying cry for climate protesters nationwide.

 

IDA

                                                                                                        

(Poland)

DIRECTOR: Pawel Pawlikowski

SYNOPSIS: Anna, a young novitiate nun in 1960s Poland, is on the verge of taking her vows when she discovers a dark family secret dating back to the years of the Nazi occupation.

 

FIRESTORM (NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE)  

                                        

(China/Hong Kong)

DIRECTOR: Alan Yuen

Cast: Andy Lau

SYNOPSIS: A storm is heading to the city of Hong Kong, and with it comes another occurrence so destructive, it vows to bring down everything it touches. A crew of seasoned criminals led by the notorious Nam (Hu Jun), armed with high-powered weapons, pulls off another smooth and violent armored car heist in broad daylight in a crowded street. Whoever tries to get in their way, they will show no mercy. This puts the police force to shame and humiliation.

 

BELIEVE ME (WORLD PREMIERE)  

                                                      

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Will Bakke

Cast: Nick Offerman, Johanna Braddy, Christopher McDonald

SYNOPSIS: Desperate, broke, and out of ideas, four college seniors start a fake Christian charity to embezzle money for tuition

 

PARIS, TEXAS (1984) 30th Anniversary Screening reuniting cast and crew at the Historic Texas Theatre. 

(West Germany/USA/France/UK)

DIRECTOR: Wim Wenders

Cast: Harry Dean Stanton, Nastassja Kinski, Dean Stockwell

SYNOPSIS: A man wanders out of the desert after a four year absence. His brother finds him, and together they return to L.A. to reunite the man with his young son. Soon after, he and the boy set out to locate the mother of the child, who left shortly after the man disappeared.

Passes and Tickets

DIFF passes are on sale at the online Prekindle box office at www.DallasFilm.org and range from $125 for a Festival Lounge Pass to $750 for an all-access Star Pass, which includes:

  • All-access pass to all screenings
  • One invitation to the Opening Night Screening & Gala on April 3, 2014, subject to availability.
  • Admission for one person to all Centerpiece screenings and parties during the Festival
  • Access for one person to the Festival Lounge. (Must be 21 or over to enter the Festival Lounge or to consume alcohol.)
  • Admission for one person to all regular film screenings and panel discussions
  • Dallas International Film Festival swag bag full of unforgettable merchandise

Starting March 17, individual tickets and passes can be purchased at the Prekindle Main Box Office in Mockingbird station, and online atwww.DallasFilm.org.