Film Lovers Unite

Dallas International Film Festival reveals star-laden lineup for 2024

The 18th Dallas International Film Festival will take place from April 25-May 2 at Violet Crown Cinema in West Village Uptown, featuring screenings of more than 100 films, Q&A sessions, and panels with filmmakers and actors, and special events.

The full lineup features a mix of feature films boasting big-name stars and filmmakers alongside documentaries and lesser-knowns making their way in the movie industry

Headlining the festival will be the world premiere of the documentary Dude Perfect: A Very Long Shot, part of ESPN Films’ “30 for 30” series, which will be the opening night film on Thursday, April 25 at Majestic Theatre. The film charts the history of the Frisco-based trick shot group and where they will go in the future.

Closing on the festival on May 2 will be A24’s Sing Sing, starring recent first-time Oscar nominee Colman Domingo. Based on the real-life program Rehabilitation Through the Arts, the film features a cast that includes formerly incarcerated actors and alumni of the program.

Other notable films being screened include The Dead Don't Hurt, a Western from writer/director Viggo Mortensen starring Vicky Krieps and Mortensen; Ezra, a comedy/thriller starring Bobby Cannavale and Robert DeNiro; I Saw the TV Glow, a horror starring rising star Justice Smith; The Idea of You, a romcom starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine; and Print It Black, a documentary about how journalists in Uvalde, Texas responded to the school shooting at Robb Elementary.

“We always try to ensure the festival features important and interesting stories, and this year’s schedule abounds with the kind of films that remind us why we love watching movies,” said James Faust, DIFF Artistic Director, in a statement. "I could say this every year, but this program might be my favorite ever.”

Photo courtesy of Dude Perfect

Dude Perfect: A Very Long Shot will be the opening night film at the 2024 Dallas International Film Festival.

Festival passes, which range from $100-$500, are now on sale at dallasfilm.org/diff; individual tickets will go on sale at a later date.

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Fair Park News

Dallas to terminate agreement with management of Fair Park

Photo courtesy of Fair Park First

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The City of Dallas has issued a notice of termination to Fair Park First, the nonprofit entity that has been managing Fair Park under a long-term agreement. According to a release, the termination is effective in 90 days.

The action also brings to a close the subcontracting relationship between Fair Park First and OVG360, which has provided venue and facilities management services and has overseen daily operations at Fair Park since 2019.

City leaders said the move is needed because the organizational structure under the existing contract is flawed and lacks a direct relationship between OVG360 and the city.

“Fair Park is a vital part of our city’s cultural and historic identity,” said Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. “This decision reflects our commitment to ensuring sound stewardship and transparent management of this beloved public asset."

Since assuming management in January 2019, Fair Park First has been responsible for overseeing the park's year-round programming, facility operations, and maintenance.

As the city transitions to a new management structure, Dallas Park and Recreation staff will step in to ensure continuity of operations for park tenants, campus partners, and upcoming events.

Dallas Park and Recreation Department director John D. Jenkins said in a statement that the termination gives the city a chance for a reset.

“This step enables us to reset our approach to Fair Park management and is in the best interest of Fair Park, patrons, and the taxpayers of Dallas,” Jenkins said.

Their goal is to develop a new plan that is "financially sustainable, vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive … so that Dallas residents will be able to enjoy the park year-round," Jenkins said.

"The new plan will involve Dallas Park and Recreation managing the daily operations and maintenance, partnering with a non-profit to deliver third party funding opportunities, continuing the relationship with existing campus partners and bringing in new companies with expertise with producing large and small events and programs."

During the transition, Dallas Park and Recreation staff will be onsite at Fair Park to provide a transition of operations for the park’s existing campus partners, vendors, and events.

Dallas Park and Recreation will honor all existing contracts for upcoming park events.

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