The Dallas International Film festival takes over the city again beginning next week, with a flurry of galas, parties, red carpet madness and of course, incredible films. We welcome filmmakers, actors and appreciators to our fair city for over a week of movie-watching mayhem.

With over 200 films premiering at the festival, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here’s a tip: head to the Gala openings for some of the biggest films expecting the most awards. Since 2007 the Gala films have been a a showcase for new great films from new directors, Steven Sawalich (MUSIC WITHIN), Alejandro Monteverde (BELLA), Derek Borte (THE JONES), Edgar Wright (HOT FUZZ) and Rian Johnson (THE BROTHERS BLOOM). They’ve also celebrated the latest from established greats like David Lynch (INLAND EMPIRE), Kathryn Bigelow (THE HURT LOCKER), and Barry Levinson (WHAT JUST HAPPENED).

The Opening Night Screening and Gala will take place Thursday, March 31 at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Winspear Opera House. Film screenings will take place all week long at The Magnolia Theater, the Angelika, AMC Northpark and Highland Park Village.  We can also look forward to some fascinating panels featuring award winning filmmakers answering the “Why?”, “What?” and “How?” questions you’ve been struggling over.

To purchase tickets or passes, get the low down on the films and venues or find out all about the juicy red carpet details, visit dallasfilm.org.

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