With the Dallas International Film Festival in the wings, it was time to gather the troops at Mason Bar Tuesday evening and get the news out about plans for the Dallas Film Society‘s biggie event.
DFS Artistic Director James Faust sounded like a spokesperson for international relations as he reeled off just a sampling of the 120+ films from 27 countries that will be screened during the 10-day festival starting April 12.
- A “centerpiece” film from Korea called “My Way” will be shown on Tuesday, April 17, with a post-screening party at the Crow Museum.
- Bringing things back to the North Texas neighborhood, a documentary, “American Parking Lot,” will hone in on tailgating at Dallas Cowboys games.
- To tie in with April 21-22 Earth Day Dallas, a variety of films focusing on the environment will be sponsored by Whole Foods.
The festival’s films will be on screens at the Angelika (Mockingbird Station), Magnolia, NorthPark, Texas Theatre and Dallas Museum of Art.
In the people department, the 2012 DIFF is dedicated to Tandy and Lee Roy Mitchell, founder of Cinemark Theaters.
Other folks being honored include:
- 2012 DIFF Shining Star Award — Actress Gabourey Sidibe from “Precious”
- 2012 DIFF Dallas Star Award — Costume designer Bernie Pollack
- 2012 Texas Avery Award presented by Reel FX — Walt Disney feature animator Glen Keane
Next up was DFS Chairman of the Board Lynn McBee, who insisted on all the DFS staff joining her including DFS President Lee Papert, who said with a smile that he was looking forward to his first DIFF.
Then James was back with mic in hand to mention that films would be shown marking special anniversaries like:
- 60th anniversary of “Singing in the Rain”
- 30th anniversary of “E.T. The Extraterrestrial”
- 25th anniversary of “ROBOCOP”
- 20th anniversary of “Aladdin”
- 15th anniversary of “LA Confidential,” part of Chris Vognar’s “Screening Room” presented by Stella Artois.
While Gina and Scott Ginsburg had to rush off in their very cool Audi before all the announcements were made, Anne and Steve Stodghill were front and center. The Stodghills reported that they had just bought a new house with plans to move in this summer. With the renovations to the new place and her freshman year as a Cattle Baroness, Anne has decided to cut down on some of her activities, but you’ll still see her at the DIFF. . . Claire Emanuelson was still all smiles over her best bud Dee Dee Lee making the Ten Best Dressed list earlier in the day.
Husband Dwight was probably just as happy that Claire was no longer eligible for the list after having been on it for three years. Behind most best-dressed ladies are very supportive husbands. . . And speaking of the best-dressed newbies, DFS Lynn McBee had just joined the club Tuesday morning. . . Melina McKinnon and Michael Cain looked like proud parents, having been a part of the DIFF since its infancy.
Be prepared. More news will be coming in the days ahead about films, people and activities. Best thought would be to check out the schedule and get passes now.
BTW, the DIFF website has all the answers for your questions and it’s a snap to maneuver, so no excuses for missing some amazing films.