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PRESS RELEASE

THE 2010 DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

ANNOUNCES AMBER HEARD AS THE FIRST RECIPIENT OF THE
DALLAS SHINING STAR AWARD

FILMMAKER PANELS PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE KAREN BLACK,

GARRY BROWN, DOUG JONES, JEFF LIPSKY, STEPHEN
NEMETH, NEVILLE PAGE

LOU DIAMOND PHILLIPS STARRER “TRANSPARENCY” ADDED

TO DALLAS IFF LINEUP

DALLAS, TX, April 6, 2010 – DALLAS International Film Festival (April 8 - 18)
announced Amber Heard as the first recipient of the DALLAS Shining Star
Award. The lineups for the DALLAS IFF Talk/Show panels and Film Industry
Speakeasy panels with stars, filmmakers and industry veterans such as Karen
Black, Garry Brown, Doug Jones, Jeff Lipsky, Stephen Nemeth and Neville Page
were also announced along with the addition of Raul Inglis’ TRANSPARENCY
starring Lou Diamond Phillips.

Heard will receive the DALLAS Shining Star Award prior to the screening of her
film THE JONESES on Saturday, April 10 at The Angelika Film Center. The
award was created with an eye toward celebrating actors, filmmakers and film
artists who have delivered exceptional performances or works on film in their
brief careers as well as exhibiting the potential for greater achievements to come.

Heard will be seen in two films screening at DALLAS IFF: Derrick Borte’s THE
JONESES and Matthew Leutwyler’s THE RIVER WHY. Last year, she starred in
Nelson McCormick’s remake of THE STEPFATHER with Penn Badgely and
made a memorable cameo in Ruben Fleischer’s hit horror-comedy
ZOMBIELAND opposite Jesse Eisenberg. The prolific actress broke out in 2008
starring in David Gordon Green’s PINEAPPLE EXPRESS and Jeff Wadlow’s
NEVER BACK DOWN. Prior films include Nick Cassavetes’ ALPHA DOG, Niki
Caro’s NORTH COUNTRY and Peter Berg’s and Josh Pate’s FRIDAY NIGHT
LIGHTS. Upcoming projects include Bruce Robinson’s THE RUM DIARY with
Johnny Depp, John Carpenter’s THE WARD, and Marcos Efron’s AND SOON
THE DARKNESS, which she co-produced. Heard is currently at work on Patrick
Lussier’s DRIVE ANGRY opposite Nicolas Cage.

“We couldn’t have found a better person to receive the inaugural DALLAS
Shining Star Award,” said DALLAS IFF Artistic Director James Faust. “Amber has
put together an incredible string of films in a few short years, and is obviously just
getting warmed up. We know that we’ll be able to proudly say we were among
the first to officially recognize what was on the horizon for Amber Heard.”

DALLAS IFF also announced the 2010 slate of Talk/Show filmmaker panels
presented by The Studios at Las Colinas held at the Nasher Sculpture Center
and Film Industry Speakeasy panels presented by the Texas Film Commission at
the patio at Central 214 in the Hotel Palomar.

Free to the public, the panel participants are a diverse collection of film legends,
veterans and personalities including noted actors like Karen Black (FIVE EASY
PIECES, AIRPORT 1975) and Doug Jones (HELLBOY, PAN’S LABRYNTH);
special “creatures” effects master Neville Page (AVATAR, STAR TREK);
producers Stephen Nemeth (CLIMATE REFUGEES, FIELDS OF FUEL) and
Garry Brown (“Prison Break”); and film distribution legend and film director Jeff
Lipsky (SenArt Entertainment, FLANNEL PAJAMAS).

Justin Muller, Head of The Studios at Las Colinas said, “DALLAS IFF has built a
reputation for putting together an amazing slate of film discussions on hot-button
issues and film industry talks that go beyond the typical ‘How to make movies?’
approach. The Studios at Las Colinas shares an enthusiasm for that innovative
and exciting approach to education and moviemaking and we are pleased to
support this series of panels.”

Another late add to the DALLAS IFF slate of films is Raul Inglis’
TRANSPARENCY. The action thriller follows the events after an ATF bust
uncovers more than the agents bargained on. The film stars Lou Diamond
Phillips, Estella Warren and Deborah Kara Unger. Phillips will appear at DALLAS
IFF with the film.

DALLAS IFF Talk/Show panels presented by Justin Muller and The

Studios at Las Colinas:

Saturday, April 10
11:00AM
NAVIGATING THE SEAS OF FILMMAKING AND DISTRIBUTION SEAS: How to
make your movie, get it seen, and make a living at it.
A comprehensive, deep discussion of the process of making your film and
making a living by doing it. We’ll look at the issues and hurdles independent
filmmakers have to deal with today - financing, packaging, and selling a feature
film.

MODERATOR: John Wildman (DALLAS IFF)

GUEST: Mark Anker (WME Independent)
GUEST: Aaron Hillis (Benten Films)
GUEST: Jeff Lipsky (SenArt Entertainment)
GUEST: Doug Mankoff (THE JONESES, BEFORE THE RAINS)

1:00PM
THE WEB AND FILMMAKING: Is filmmaking and creativity wasted on the web?

The explosion of affordable consumer grade cameras coupled with sites like
YOU TUBE, or BREAK saw the rise of a plethora of would-be web impresarios,
each shooting, posting, and reposting minute long clips with the goal of becoming
viral video superstars. These short, one-off viral mega hits have driven interest in
original content for the web, yet with the exception of a few stand outs,
sustainable success with serialized content has proven elusive. With the
introduction of a new wave in technology – from hi-def, web-based players to
cheaper higher quality cameras - as well as an increasing savvy on the part of
web-viewers we may be approaching a watershed moment. Is the web a viable
outlet for creative, original content? Is there a market for a web series with high
production values or will the net be forever dominated by videos of dancing
kittens, crazy karaoke, and over medicated toddlers? What role does niche
programming play in creating a web-based phenomenon? Is it possible to make
a living with content designed specifically for the web, and, if that is the case will
we one day wake up in a world where television is obsolete?

MODERATOR: Matt Bolish (DALLAS IFF)

GUEST: Joy Gohring (Date A Human.com)
GUEST: Justin Muller (“Dream Factory”, The Studios at Las Colinas)
GUEST: Nicholas Robinson (Vuguru)
GUEST: Jessica Rose (“Lonely Girl 15”)
GUEST: Tina Santomauro (Atom.com)

3:00PM
CALL TO ACTION DOCUMENTARIES: Do they make a difference?

In the past decade, documentary films have been finding their way into our
megaplexes in increasing numbers. With film such as Louie Psihoyos’s THE
COVE or Michael Moore’s FAHRENHEIT 9/11 grossing millions in box office
revenue, docs have successfully moved from the film festival circuit and specialty
theater screenings and into a place of national awareness. But for many
documentary films and filmmakers, the purpose of the work is not simply to
generate revenue and entertain, rather to inspire, to indict, or otherwise shine a
light onto topics, people, and issues they deem relevant. By what process, if any,
can a filmmaker use the goodwill (or ill as the case may be) to influence the world
outside of the theater after the credits have rolled? How can a film motivate an
audience to transform from passive consumers of entertainment to become
educated, concerned individuals and is a call to action documentary a failure if it
does not ultimately lead to this transformation?

MODERATOR: Chris Vognar (Dallas Morning News)

GUEST: Melina McKinnon (TOREY’S DISTRACTION, Filmanthropy)
GUEST: Alison Ellwood (CASINO JACK)
GUEST: Stephen Nemeth (CLIMATE REFUGEES)

Sunday, April 11
11:00AM
CREATURE FEATURE: Breathing life into movie monsters

In a world where whole planets can be constructed on a computer screen it

seems like we are entering a period where anything we can imagine is possible.
But before the digital landscapes of AVATAR and the blood soaked battlefields of
THE LORD OF THE RINGS creature effects were the sole purview of a select
fraternity of artists. As digital technology becomes an even more powerful force
in shaping the imaginary worlds of the movies, the role of the creature effects
makeup artist may be in a state of flux. Join us for a conversation on the state of
the art as we discuss the changing landscape of creature effects, the future of
the business, and the role of the physical effect in an increasingly digital world.

MODERATOR: Mark Walters (BigFanBoy.com)

GUEST: Rob Hall (LAID TO REST)
GUEST: Doug Jones (HELLBOY, LEGION)
GUEST: Clay Liford (EARTHLING)
GUEST: Neville Page (AVATAR, STAR TREK)

1:00PM
BOOK TO SCREEN: Adaptation beyond the page, the real challenges.

As long as there has been a film industry, there have been adaptations of
previous works. Plays, novels, poems, short stories, comic books, and lately
even earlier films have all been repackaged for contemporary audiences.
Looking beyond the art of interpreting the written word from one medium to
another – from novel to screenplay for example – what are the mechanics of
creating a fully realized world on screen that had previously existed in the hearts
and minds of possibly millions of individuals. What are the challenges in
recreating the magic or inspiration from the original work to the screen whether it
be casting the perfect hero to crafting a space faring fighter plane? How do
creators, be they writers, directors, actors, and editors deal with the very delicate
business of both “staying true” as well as properly exploiting a very different
medium.

MODERATOR: Robert Wilonsky (The Dallas Observer)

GUEST: Dayan Ballweg (THE TORTILLA CURTAIN)
GUEST: Will Clark (Lord Vishnu’s Love Handles)
GUEST: Tim McCanlies (ALABAMA MOON, IRON GIANT)

3:00PM
MUSIC IN THE MOVIES: What’s Driving the Drama?

Music can make or break a film. How many of the great films lack an equally
powerful score (Try imagining STAR WARS without John Williams, or VERTIGO
without Bernard Herrmann)? Music is a tool that when used in concert with
image can invoke powerful emotions that go far beyond words on a page,
emotions that hit us deep in our core. But in recent years some motion pictures
have been criticized for leaning too heavily on music. Instead of underscoring
action, film music is used as a form of short hand, telling the audience “be
scared,” “feel bad,” or “fall in love.” As we assess the role of music in film today,
what does it say about a film and their audiences when scores turn into cheat
sheets, and compositions become crutches? Where can we find a balance
between too much and too little?

MODERATOR: Robert Wilonsky (The Dallas Observer)

GUEST: Bubba Kadane (Bedhead)
GUEST: Justin Rice (HARMONY AND ME)
GUEST: Peter Rosen (A SURPRISE IN TEXAS)
GUEST: Neil Truglio (WE ARE THE SEA)

Film Industry Speakeasy Panels presented by the Texas Film

Commission:

Monday, April 12
11:30AM
A Conversation with Karen Black
MODERATOR: Chase Whale (Gordon and the Whale)

*Guests interested in attending this luncheon must RSVP to

lstabler@dallasfilm.org. This luncheon is a special presentation by Women In
Film.Dallas

5:30PM
Are JR and Sue Ellen Back? The new film revival in Dallas.
Why are so many projects shooting here and what you can do to be next?
MODERATOR AND GUESTS: TBD

Tuesday, April 13
5:30PM
A Conversation With Garry Brown
MODERATOR: Paul Salfen (944 Magazine)

Wednesday, April 14
5:30PM
Why Are You Being So Dumb About Your Movie?
A Frank Discussion of Film Festivals, Self Promotion, and Standing Out
MODERATOR: John Wildman (DALLAS IFF)
GUEST: Christian Gaines (Imdb/Withoutabox)
GUEST: Heidi Van Lier (CHI GIRL)

Thursday, April 15
5:30PM
Film Festival Coverage
Criticism and Coverage from the film festival front lines - What matters and what
doesn’t?
MODERATOR: Peter Simek (D Magazine)
GUEST: Todd Gilchrist (Cinematical)
GUEST: Jen Yamato (Movies.com)
GUEST: Kim Voynar (Movie City News)

The DALLAS International Film Festival will run April 8 – 18, 2010. Passes and
tickets are currently on sale both via online (www.dallasfilm.org
<http://www.dallasfilm.org/> ), and at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Window located at
5330 Mockingbird Lane on the Hotel Palomar retail strip facing Mockingbird Lane
(214.295.5142).

THE DALLAS FILM SOCIETY

The Dallas Film Society celebrates films and their impact on society. A 501(c)3 non-profit
organization, The Dallas Film Society recognizes and honors filmmakers for their achievements in
enhancing the creative community, provides educational programs to students to develop better
understanding of the role of film in today's world, and promotes the City of Dallas and its
commitment to the art of filmmaking. The annual DALLAS International Film Festival, to be held
April 8 -18, 2010, is a presentation of The Dallas Film Society. In addition to producing one of the
largest festivals in the Southwest, The Society produces numerous year round events, screening
series and partnership programs with arts organizations around the city. For more information,
visit www.dallasfilm.org.

THE STUDIOS AT LAS COLINAS

The Studios at Las Colinas is a state of the art soundstage facility which has been the home to
many major feature and television productions. Projects filmed at The Studios at Las Colinas
include SILKWOOD, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, JFK and ROBOCOP.
SPONSORS Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Airstar Space Lighting Texas, Barefoot Wine,
Behringer Harvard, Brierley+Partners, BRILLIANT Magazine, CBS Radio, Central 214, Colibri
Promotions, Convergenc Network Solutions, D Magazine, DART, Design Expediting Services Int.,
Deux, Digital 3 Printing, El Creative, e-Rewards, e-Miles, Faulkner Design Group, Hotel Palomar,
Informate DFW Magazine, M3 Films, Match.com, Mockingbird Station, Modern Luxury Dallas,
MODIA Home Theater Store, Movie Magic, MPS Studios Dallas, Neiman Marcus, Paul Paredes,
Post Asylum, Pure Evil Music & Sound, REEL FX ENTERTAINMENT, The
Residences at Palomar, Screen International, Southwest Airlines, Stella Artois, Stoli Vodka,
Studio Movie Grill, Target, The Dallas Morning News, Time Warner Cable, The Container Store,
TM Advertising, TXU Energy, Univision 23, vitaminwater, West Village, WFAA-TV, Whole Foods
Market, World Affairs Council, WRR Classical 101.1 FM.

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