Festival News

Iconic stars, big premieres on tap for 2024 USA Film Festival in Dallas

The 54th annual USA Film Festival, taking place at Angelika Film Center in Dallas from April 17-26, will feature 24 separate programs, including tributes to iconic actors and filmmakers, new feature films, and short film showcases.

Headlining the festival are a trio of salutes, each of which will feature the honoree making an in-person appearance.

A Salute to Martin Sheen on April 20, in conjunction with a screening of Terrence Malick's Badlands (1973). Following the screening will be an on-stage conversation with Sheen hosted by actor/writer Stephen Tobolowsky.
A Salute to Billy Dee Williams on April 26, in conjunction with a screening of Lady Sings the Blues (1972). Following the screening will be an on-stage conversation with Williams about his life and career. Audience members will also receive a free copy of Williams' autobiography, What Have We Here?
A Salute to Dean Pitchford on April 18, in conjunction with a 40th anniversary screening of Footloose (1984). Songwriter/screenwriter Pitchford crafted the story and music that became a beloved film (and theater) classic. Pitchford will be in attendance to introduce the film and discuss the making of the enduring musical.

Other notable appearances will include actor John Magaro, recently seen starring in Past Lives, returning to the festival to present Shane Atkinson’s dark comedic crime drama, LaRoy, Texas; actor Bruce Vilanch, director/editor/producer Marc Saltarelli, and producer Stephen Israel, presenting the documentary Studio One Forever; and writer/director Marcos Efron, actress Leven Rambin, actor Shane West, and producer Stephen Israel, presenting the doomsday thriller Last Night on Earth.

“We are so pleased to be able to once again celebrate Dallas Arts Month with our annual Spring Festival,” USAFF Managing Director Ann Alexander said in a statement. “We are honored to bring a number of distinguished Master Artists to our stage with repertory screenings -- including Martin Sheen, Billy Dee Williams, and Dean Pitchford -- and celebrate so many talented filmmakers with new works.”

Among the featured programs will be Thelma, a playful subversion of the action genre, starring June Squibb in her first leading film role of her 70+ year career; Who Is Stan Smith?, a documentary about tennis legend, humanitarian, and shoe designer, Stan Smith; the new animated feature film, Slide; and five separate short film programs with varying focuses.

To view the full schedule of events, go to usafilmfestival.com.

The majority of the programs in the festival will be free admission thanks to the festival's sponsors; all others are $10 per screening. Advance tickets for all programs will begin on Friday, April 5 at Eventbrite.com.

Any unsold/unreserved tickets will be made available at the Angelika Film Center upstairs Sales Desk beginning one hour prior to each showtime.

Billy Dee Williams in Lady Sings the Blues

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Billy Dee Williams will receive a tribute in conjunction with a screening of Lady Sings the Blues.

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RIP Joe

Texas country music singer-songwriter Joe Ely dies at 78

Joe Ely/Facebook

Joe Ely was a major figure in Texas' progressive country scene.

Joe Ely, the legendary songwriter, singer, and storyteller whose career spanned more than five decades, has died from complications related to Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and pneumonia. He was 78.

According to a statement posted to his Facebook page, Ely died at his home in Taos, New Mexico, with his wife Sharon, and daughter Marie, at his side.

Born February 9, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, Ely was raised in Lubbock and became a central figure among a generation of influential West Texas musicians. He later settled in Austin, helping shape the city’s reputation as a hub for live music.

"Joe Ely performed American roots music with the fervor of a true believer who knew music could transport souls," said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

In the 1970s, Ely signed with MCA Records, launching a career that included decades of recording and touring around the world. His work and performances left a lasting impact on the music scene and influenced a wide range of artists, including the Clash and Bruce Springsteen, according to Rolling Stone.

"His distinctive musical style could only have emerged from Texas, with its southwestern blend of honky-tonk, rock & roll, roadhouse blues, western swing, and conjunto. He began his career in the Flatlanders, with fellow Lubbock natives Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, and he would mix their songs with his through 50 years of critically acclaimed recordings."

Read the full story at KVUE.com.

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