Dallas International Film Festival...Mayor Leppert & wife Laura honorary chairs!

Adrien Brody big hit @ Dallas Film Festival last spring!

Sick Puppies stars of Rock Prophecies

(Documentary on photographer Robert K. Knight)

The Dallas Film Society (DFS) zipped off a press release to me this week to announce that Mayor Tom Leppert and (wife) Laura Leppert have been named Honorary Chairs for the Dallas International Film Festival (2010).

Mayor Leppert and his wife have wholeheatedly backed the prestigious film festival since its inception in 2007 - which proved to be valuable to the inaugural edition  - and a professionally-run fest sure to gather steam in coming years (with much to contribute to the industry as well).

Leppert joined Governor Rick Perry, Peter Bogdanovich, Ross Perot, Jr. and others at last year's Texas Day celebration of film at upscale Victory Park which served as a culmination of the 2009 event (which moi also attended and reported on daily).

Except for Peter Bogdanovich, who turned out to be a suffering arrogant son-of-a-bit**, the jaunt out to the desert proved to be a very rewarding and fruitful one.

Post:  04/10/09

Adrien Brody, Janine Taylor & Lou Gossett, Jr. @ glittering red carpet AFI  Dallas gala!

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallasadrien-brody-lou-gossett-jr.html

Post:  04/13/09

The Hurt Locker

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/03/afi-dallasjeremy-renner-appears-for.html

Post: 10/02/09

Rock Prophecies (& Sick Puppies)

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/10/robert-k-knightrock-photographer-doc.html

Post::  04/18/09

Henry Selick interrview with Julian Ayrs (Coraline)
(Red Carpet)

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallas-henry-selick-interview.html

Post:  04/14/09

Peter Bogdanovich screening a bust (an arrogant son-of-a-bit**)

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallasbogdanovich-directors-cut-of.html

Post:  04/13/09

AFI headaches
(overbooked seats, John Wildman PR ego- tripper & loser staff, etc.)

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallasoverbooked-seats-mistreatment.html

Post:  04/07/09

Dazzling red carpet gala for Cove, Valentino, Burning Plain & Pearl

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallasthe-cove-burning-plain.html



Valentino a documentary on legendary fashion designer!

Post:  04/14/09

HCG Art Gallery after-part (Dragon) a glittering social event for AFI Dallas

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/hcgspotlight-on-dragon-st-art-gallery.html

Post:  04/06/09

Rock Slyde a spoof on Detective genre!

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallasrock-slyde-spoof-on-film-noir.html



Mayor Leppert noted before signing off:

"It’s wonderful to be part of an event that puts forward the best of this great city to a host of international filmmakers and literally brings a world of film and the top film artists to this community.”

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

The Dallas Film Society is pleased to announce their new Membership program.

DFS members will receive an array of benefits and privileges created to maximize the experience with The Dallas Film Society and its many year-round programs and events.

Benefits include invitations to exclusive events, invitations to Premiere Screenings and other Dallas Film Society events.

Your support enables DFS to succeed in creating unique film experiences, from hosting emerging talent and great cinema masters and their work to producing educational discussions, panels, and networking events.

Individual Memberships start at only $40.

Bai Ling in Dim Sum Funeral

Jeremy Renner in The Hurt Locker

http://www.julianayrs.com

AFI Dallas...The Cove, The Burning Plain, Valentino & Pearl are films to keep eye on! Festival a rousing success...

The Cove, an informative tale on wild-life preservation from a TV producer turned activist, is one of a handful of films I missed at AFI Dallas due to scheduling conflicts.

Many film buffs faced the same dilemma as they struggled over festival choices and ended up - like moi - tossing a coin!

All kidding aside, of the 180 or so AFI offerings this year, there were a few stand-outs worth catching at the local movie house or renting at the DVD outlet nearest you when they're released sometime in the near future.

Here is a run-down (and a synopsis) of a few of 'em.

The Burning Plain

In this intense drama, director Guillermo Arriago explores the past and present and the curious way both affect several people separated by time and space.

"It's all about a journey to redemption," according to the producers.

Starring Kim Basinger and Charlize Theron.

Valentino: The Last Emperor

An intimate peak into the scintillating world of legendary fashion designer Valentino.

The filmmaker insightfully pulls back the veil and artfully spotlights the icon and a celebrated career that spanned the decades - and in the process - impacted the rag trade immeasurably.

Tattooed Under Fire

Director Nancy Schiesari was passionate about her project when I spoke to her one day on-the-fly in the AFI lounge at Victory Park.

"Tattooed" is an in-depth look at military personnel and their penchant for body art.

"The tattoo is a language that soldiers use to bond and communicate with each other."

Ultimately, the life-changing filmmaking foray, amounts to a provocative, poignant, and highly personal look at the human and cultural cost of war, she alleges in the final analysis.

Pearl

The inspiring tale of a young Chickasaw woman with a passion for flying and mentor Wiley Post who helped the young dreamer accomplish her lofty goal to become an aviator.

Directed by King Hollis (The Accident)

Whatever it Takes

Director Christopher Wong focused his revealing lens on a remarkable man who runs a center for Science and Mathematics for underprivileged black youths in the Bronx.
(Documentary)

Push Button House

A delightful peak at an environmental wonder crafted by creative genius Adam Kalkin.

With a visionary eye towards the future, a packing crate is transformed into a sleek, modern pre-fabricated home.

Directed by Ryan Silbert & Robert Profusek

The Cove

Director Lois Psihoyos throws the spotlight on Richard O'Barry, the creator of the original "Flipper" TV Series.

In this riveting expose, the activist uncovers the ills that befall animals held in captivity against their will.

Zombie Girl: The Movie

A 12-year-old's journey into the topsy-turvy world of film production not only entertains, but ends up being instructive to young filmmakers in the throes of crafting their first project .

Directed by Aaron Marshall, Justin Johson, and Erik Mauck.

Hollywood Beats

In the wake of the success of Slumdog Millionaire, a dreamer's musings - which unfold in an uplifting manner in Bollywood

In a nutshell, it is a tale about a down-on-his-luck dancer who sees his fortunes change due to a chance encounter.

A celebration of the indomitable human spirit.

Director/Screenwriter: Mehul Shaw
Executive Producer: Kathryn Taylor
(Patron of the Arts)

As they say at MGM:

That's all for now, folks!

http://www.thetattler.biz