The Dallas International Film Festival Kicks Off at the Majestic Theater

       There’s a plethora of press and a limited amount of space by the red carpet. How the hell can you get an interview? The incessant wind is blowing throughout the downtown area. Every woman wearing a skirt is giving their best Marilyn Monroe impression from the Seven Year Itch (1955) At 6:00 o’clock, the talent made their way through the red carpet. In order to snag a one-on-one interview, you have to be aggressive. Reporters, photographers and cameramen are literally stepping over one another. I felt more cramped than riding the NYC subway on a Monday morning. I enjoyed hearing the filmmakers and actors comments, but honestly, I really wanted to get into The Majestic Theater, which is an iconic venue in Dallas.



Claude Dal Farra - Producer of Liberal Arts

  Before the film began, the President and CEO of the Dallas Film Society welcomed the dignitaries of the festival. The first guest speaker was the Mayor of Dallas, Mike Rawlings. The Mayor gave your typical—I’m a supporter of the arts—speech, but for a politician, I was surprised to hear about his knowledge of European, auteur directors, such as Antonioni, Fellini and Godard. The next honoree was the Chairman of Board of Cinemark theaters, Lee Roy and Tandy Mitchell. There was a mini documentary on the start and growth of the ever-present stadium seating chain, which Cinemark practically revolutionized.      

       Afterwards, one of the producers of Liberal Arts (opening gala screening), Claude Dal Farra, gave a speech, articulating his role in the filmmaking process with his all-too-charming French accent. However, the spotlight of Opening Night was James Faust, the artistic director of the festival. The audience cheered as he made his way to the podium. Faust’s hard work and dedication in the film society has made the Dallas International Film Festival a more glamorous and receptive venue.