DIFF Opening Night 2013

It's that time again, the Dallas International Film Festival will be kicking off tonight with the annual Opening Night event!

Opening Night, hosted by AutoNation Volkswagon dealers, will start tonight, at 6 pm, with a star-studded pink carpet by Mary Kay, Inc., featuring Festival filmmakers, celebrities, and Dallas notables.

This year five different films will be screened to represent the overall scope of this years festival and give all you filmgoers the opportunity to see your film of choice! Following the showings passholders are invited to attend DIFF's Opening Night Gala with hors d'ouevres from Nick & Sam's Grill and drinks from the sponsors, Stella Artois, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, and Deep Eddy Vodka.

 Films will screen between 7:30 and 8:00pm. Individual tickets for Opening Night can be purchased online here and are $95 each.

If you can't make it tonight...don't worry, you have until April 14th to see one of this year's carefully chosen films at Dallas' newest theatre, LOOK Cinemas, which offers a full bar and table-side service from Nick & Sam's Grill.

Opening Night film choices:

8 1/2

In this classic by Italian director Federico Fellini, Guido Anselmi (Marcello Mastroianni) is a renowned director who struggles to reconcile his artistic and personal demons. While Guido is supposed to be making a science fiction movie, he instead becomes lost in a visually stunning reverie of memories, dreams, and fantasies of the women in his life. 8½ is Fellini’s self-reflective jewel of the post-war European art cinema.

The Crash Reel

A top pick for the 2010 Winter Olympics, pro snowboarder Kevin Pearce suffered an accident while training that left him with a traumatic brain injury. In THE CRASH REEL, Oscar-nominated documentarian Lucy Walker follows Kevin’s quick-rising career, recovery and rehabilitation in a thought-provoking and dynamic look at those who push the boundaries in extreme sports.

Java Heat

As a key witness to a terrorist bombing, teaching assistant Jake Travers is placed under the watchful eye of an Indonesian policeman named Hashim. In true buddy cop movie form, neither see eye-to-eye, but the one thing standing in their way is cunning thief and crime boss, Malik (Mickey Rourke) who’s deadset on carrying out his master plan.

Kon-Tiki

In 1947, ethnographer Thor Heyerdahl embarked on a dangerous voyage across the Pacific on a small balsa wood raft. Without funding or even the ability to swim, Heyerdahl was fueled by his own desire to prove his scientific theories. With breath-taking cinematography, KON-TIKI is of those rare movies that restores our sense of wonder.

Still Mine

In rural New Brunswick, retired farmer Craig (James Cromwell) is building a new house for his ill wife Irene (Geneviéve Bujold). When a government inspector stalls their plans, a standoff between modernity and heritage ensues. At its heart, STILL MINE is also a story of enduring love between a couple in their twilight years whose deep roots help them weather the storm of change together.

 LOOK Cinemas

5409 Beltline Road

 Dallas, TX 75254

972.991.5665

 Posted by Andrea Butler, Marketing Intern.

Asian Film Festival of Dallas Starts Tonight!

It's here, it's here! The 11th Annual Asian Film Festival of Dallas begins TODAY, July 12th through Thursday, July 19th at the Landmark's Magnolia Theatre.  Presented by returning sponsors McDonald's and Well Go USA Entertainment, the AFFD is your chance to see some of the most incredible films in all genres from some pretty amazing Asian and Asian-American filmmakers. 

The festival kicks off tonight with the Texas premiere of Ace Attorney from fabled director Takashi Miike. Director of Programming Steve Norwood said it is "filled with mystery, comedy and lots of fantastic hair!" Although the Opening Night Film is SOLD OUT, you can catch this crime drama again on July 19th. Throughout the week-long festival, enjoy more than 50 films, attend receptions, Q&A sessions, premieres, parties, and meet many of the filmmakers themselves. 

This year's non-competition highlights features many exclusive North American Premieres. Here's a glimpse of what the AFFD has in store for you:

Although this is just a tiny peek of what is to come, you can view all of the films and trailors as well as their show times on the schedule that's on the festival's website. And if the SOLD OUT Opening Night Film, Ace Attorney, is any indication, you will want to buy your tickets ASAP if you haven't already. 

Here's a quick low down on the different tickets you can buy:

• Special Event Ticket Price: $12.50 (includes screening and special event admission)
• Student Shorts Showcase: $5
• Regular Ticket Price: $10 at box office and $9 online
• Students with valid ID and Seniors over 65: $7 available at the box office only
• Special Offer: Pack of 4 vouchers for $32 (valid for all films except the Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing and can be purchased here

Although the early bird passes have now ended, you can still purchase VIP passes for $159 ($139 for AFFD members) and be a part of the fun. 

Besides all of the great films to watch, there will be some other fun events throughout the week for you to attend, including AFFD karaoke (count me in!), Centerpiece Reception, Filmaker Reception at Malai, Filmmaker Reception at Stoneleigh, and of course the Opening and Closing Night Parties. 

To add to the excitement, the AFFD announced their 2012 partnership with the Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa. The luxury hotel will play host to the filmmakers arriving from all over the world and will also be the location (the ultra-fab penthouse to be exact) of tonight's opening reception party. P.s.- I heard tonight's event is going to be the biggest party the AFFD has ever attempted so be sure to RSVP at rsvp@redidagency.com!  Furthermore, score an exclusive offer from the Stoneleigh Hotel for the film festival's fans and guests. Enjoy up to 25% off the best available rate at the luxe hotel. Call 214-871-7111 to book a room!

The AFFD has been sharing the vision of hundreds of Asian and Asian-American filmmakers and documentarians for over ten years. This is your chance to experience other lives and cultures without leaving your seat. Hope to see you there!

West Village

3699 McKinney Ave

Dallas, TX 75204

Posted by Meredith Williams, Marketing Intern