News Article | 2/27/2007

A fan’s dream: The Dallas International Film Festival

We’ll look at them, they’ll look at us, and we’ll all look at the big screen.

The AFI-Dallas International Film Festival March 22-April 1 will bring together filmmakers from around the world with film fans to talk the art of moviemaking.

The first of what organizers want to make an annual event will feature a something-for-everyone lineup of about 90 full-length films and 60 shorts. “We’re trying to bring product that people haven’t seen before,” says programming director James Faust – art films and family films, documentaries and midnight horror films.

With screenings and parties at the Majestic, Angelika Dallas, Magnolia, AMC NorthPark and Inwood theaters, there’ll be ample opportunity for star spotting. Sydney Pollack and Lauren Bacall (recipient of a Dallas Star award) are confirmed for opening night. Other tantalizing possibilities include Parker Posey, William Baldwin, Marcia Gay Harden, Vanessa Williams, Joe Pantoliano, Maura Tierney, Ricki Lake and others.

Faust says AFI organizers look forward to introducing Dallas to international filmmakers, and also introducing the filmmakers to Dallas. “They’re going to experience something they’ve always thought of as big hats and big hair.”

Tickets (average price $8.50) on sale March 2 at AFIDallas.com; AFI box office, 1155 Broom St., opens March 16