TEN BURNING QUESTIONS – Justin Hilliard (THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE)

Justin Hilliard’s THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE is a confounding movie. And I mean that in the best possible way. It is a confounding movie because it doesn’t fit perfectly within a DVD Library Dewey Decimal System label it and slap it on a shelf kind of way. Because it doesn’t just defy your personal need for it to be a basic rediscovered-later-in-life romance. It doesn’t reject outright your hope for a wayward pursuit of a charismatic, yet enigmatic muse movie. You can’t even pin a proper road movie label on this thing. So, while you are working on reconciling the fact that while it liberally delivers elements of each throughout its romantic adventure, yet not one completely trumps the other – it does something else entirely. Something much more satisfying. It gives you a rooting interest with an original couple. Not two perfect people by any means. But two people you could imagine somehow working it all out. Just not perfectly. And that is confounding goodness.

1 How much autobiographical material is there to the film?
Quite a bit of the film is based on real life events that were experienced by Arianne and myself. Our history is really at the heart of the film and was the primary inspiration for Rose and Alex’s relationship. We went through those same issues of trust, abandonment and love. I guess…luckily, the supporting characters, sensationalized drama, and zany comedy come more from our creative collaboration than our past.

2 Who is easier with the script notes – wife and star, Arianne or good friend and producing partner, Ryan?
Both Arianne and Ryan are incredible collaborators. I’d say Ryan is a little easier to deal script notes. From the beginning of the creative process, he manages to find a few things in the story that he will stick to his guns to get. Whether it’s a nude scene, a zebra, or an alpaca (not necessarily in that order or dealing with one another), Ryan knows what he wants. Arianne is incredible when dealing with characters. She takes on writing from a perspective that only an actor could. She understands such depth and subtleties when it comes to defining very 3-dimensional characters in a film.

All that being said, I’m the one that receives the notes from them. Our process generally consists of us writing out the synopsis and scene breakdown. Then, I take it scene by scene and start to flesh out the pages.  Next, Arianne reads through and gives me substantial notes and character ideas. We talk through, butt heads, share a drink or two, and after that, we rewrite and rewrite until we are both happy. Finally, we call Ryan in to read over and make further suggestions and tweaks. When that is done, I return to the script and make the adjustments. Now, whom do I find it easier to take notes from? Ha! I’ll leave that one for another interview.

3 Other than the benefits of screening a film locally, what is the best part of having your film at AFI DALLAS?
It’s a top tier fest with an incredible staff, excellent press coverage, red carpet exposure, and an amazing selection of other films I can’t wait to see. I’m am honored to have THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE accepted in to AFI Dallas and thrilled that I have the opportunity to invite my close friends and supportive parents to a red carpet world premiere. I was born and raised in the DFW metroplex and am looking forward to doing my part in representing the local film community at this year’s fest.

4 What was your favorite location in Texas to shoot?
We shot the above ground pool dare scene at the Purple Martin Ranch in Gilmer, TX.  It was so deep country that it doesn’t even register on Google Maps. Despite being extremely hot, it was an incredible couple of days. We arrived the night before with the crew, a couple cases of Lone Star beer, and some scotch. After a relaxing night’s sleep at the ranch house, we woke up and started shooting one of the more entertaining scenes from the script.

Our location was provided by Cecil Martin and his wife. We had a long day that included swimming, some of the best improv outtake lines (provided by the uninhibited and brilliant Michael Price and John Elliott), chasing cows for the perfect shot and the most delectable craft service lunch in history of craft service lunches. Cecil and his wife had cooked us up the best mouth-watering ribs, brisket, homemade potato salad and dessert that I have ever had. It was a wonderful day, and a nice distraction from the fierce Texas heat.

5 What should a director do that they never think of until it’s too late?
Okay, I have three useful tidbits:

First, propose to and marry your leading lady. Because of that choice, I’m linked personally and professionally to the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.

Second, sleep.

And last but not least, take time to hire people that love what they’re doing and are passionate about their work. Finding a hardworking and collaborative crew is a wonderful dynamic. And don’t take their hard work for granted!

6 What’s the most underrated job on the set?
Well, according to my answer to question # 4, craft service would be up there on the list; however, I’d have to say art direction. My sister, Randi Frances Hilliard was the production designer/art director for THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE. She created the world that our characters inhabit. From costume to location design, Randi was such a primary reason that our film looks the way it does. Of course, Arianne, Ryan, and I had visual ideas from the start, and Ryan and I designed shots and color schemes for the scenes; however, it would all have been pointless without her hard work. The art department’s efforts are as important to the final product as the lighting, editing, direction, performance, et cetera. Randi did a phenomenal job.

7 What was more difficult: Shooting your wife, Arianne in love scenes or trying to keep your dog, Larry David from stealing scenes?
Are you kidding me?!?! Larry, you just put in position, sit back, and witness a pretty perfect subtle performance. Directing Arianne in love scenes was absolutely a challenge. I was literally in the other room watching from a monitor, so I could be as removed as possible. Believe me, I was the first one to say it if I didn’t find it real or true to her character…and that wasn’t easy. I completely trust her as an actress and as a professional. All that being said…they were not the most fun scenes for me to shoot.

8 What were the challenges in creating the right balance between the light hearted and whimsical with the dramatically intense material in the film?
Finding that right balance never seemed like too much of a challenge once the script took shape. It always felt like real life and especially the reality for these characters. We all have moments when we’ve been goofy, silly, happy, adventurous, or head over heels for someone, and I’m sure there’s been a separate time when we might feel the opposite, maybe heartbroken, lonely, helpless, or hopeless. Good and bad exist.

The balance between the two came with the relationship between ‘Rose’ and ‘Alex’. They are both people who want to trust, hope, love and explore a life where happiness is possible. A life where the good either outweighs the bad or you have someone to trust and share the burden with you. I also tried to give this film an equal share of some of my main influences. As much as I draw on the influence of Stanley Kubrick’s films, I am equally inspired by the brilliant zaniness of Looney Tunes cartoons. From Peter Sellers and Blake Edwards to DeNiro and Scorsese, I pulled from all that I love in cinema, television, music, and art to help appropriately tell the story of THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE.

9 What was the last film that made you cry? Laugh out loud?
Well, this year I’ve missed quite a few films, since we’ve been busy making one. Last film that made me cry was probably LA VIE EN ROSE. Last film to make me laugh out loud was either THERE WILL BE BLOOD or BURN AFER READING. Last film to make me cry and laugh out loud at the same time….has to be PUNCH DRUNK LOVE.

10 Popcorn or candy?
Got any scotch?

DVD EXTRA
Your production company is called “Striped Socks Productions” Explain.
In ninth grade, I played bass in a band with some of my friends. We’d practice about thirty minutes, get bored, and decide to grab a camera and shoot a short film. One day, we were trying to pick a name for our band and our drummer looked as his socks and said, “Uh, how about Striped Socks?” We all laughed at him and told him how that was such a ridiculous name for a band; however, the next time I shot a credit sequence for one of our short films, I scribbled ‘Striped Socks Productions’  on a piece of paper and officially had a production company name. It was the perfect name to represent the fearless joy and passion that I had for pursuing filmmaking as an artist. No matter what else was taking up my time in life, I needed to make films. That was the case then and now. That is ‘Striped Socks Productions’ (http://www.striped-socks.com). I love being a storyteller and filmmaker. No matter where I’m at in life, I’ll be doing those things.

THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE screens Sunday, March 29 at 9:15PM @ NorthPark 3 and Tuesday, March 31 at 10:15PM @ Magnolia 4.

Justin Hilliard, Ryan Hartzell and Arianne Martin will attend both screenings and participate in Q&As afterwards.

AFI DALLAS Announces Full Schedule

AFI DALLAS 2009 INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
FOUNDING SPONSOR VICTORY PARK, PRESENTING SPONSOR NORTHPARK CENTER ANNOUNCES

THE BROTHERS BLOOM AS OPENING NIGHT GALA

FESTIVAL ALSO ANNOUNCES
AFI DALLAS STAR AWARD RECIPIENTS
AND FESTIVAL LINEUP

DALLAS, TX, March 4, 2009 – AFI DALLAS International Film Festival Founding Sponsor Victory Park, Presenting Sponsor NorthPark Center announces Rian Johnson’s THE BROTHERS BLOOM, as the festival’s Opening Night Gala presentation.

The eight-day festival (March 26 – April 2), will feature 173 feature films and shorts with 150 screenings. Once again, the Target Narrative and Target Documentary Feature Competition winners will each receive a $25,000 unrestricted cash prize.

This year, the AFI DALLAS Star Award, which is presented annually by the AFI DALLAS International Film Festival to a select group of film artists in recognition of their unique contributions to cinema, will be given to Kathryn Bigelow, Adrien Brody, Rita Hayworth (posthumously) and Robert Towne.

Brody will receive the AFI DALLAS Star Award prior to the Opening Night Gala screening of THE BROTHERS BLOOM, Bigelow will be presented her AFI DALLAS Star Award prior to a Centerpiece Screening of her film THE HURT LOCKER, Rita Hayworth’s AFI DALLAS Star Award will be presented to her daughter, Princess Yasmine Aga Khan on behalf of her late mother’s remarkable body of work, prior to a screening of GILDA, and Towne will be on hand at a special presentation of the 35th anniversary of his classic, CHINATOWN.

Director Henry Selick will be the recipient of the Texas Avery Animation Award presented by Reel FX Entertainment, which honors lifetime achievement in animation filmmaking. The award will be presented to Selick prior to a special celebration of his career in animation.

THE BROTHERS BLOOM will screen as the AFI DALLAS Opening Night Gala presentation on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at AMC NorthPark 15 in Dallas. Directed by Rian Johnson the film tells the tale of two brothers who are the best con men in the world, swindling millionaires with complex scenarios of lust and intrigue. However, the younger brother’s desire to retire inspires the decision to take on one last job – showing a beautiful and eccentric heiress the time of her life with a romantic adventure that takes them around the world. The film stars Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel Weisz, and Rinko Kikuchi. The evening’s festivities will also include the first presentations of the Festival’s AFI DALLAS Star Awards (the award is designed from Steuben Crystal, courtesy of Neiman Marcus) to Brody. Also attending will be Johnson and Kikuchi.

In addition to the Centerpiece Screening of THE HURT LOCKER, AFI DALLAS will present the Centerpiece Screening of THE BURNING PLAIN. Featuring highly anticipated films and attended by top filmmakers and stars, these screenings are held in the festival’s largest houses and will be the highlight of that evening’s red carpet event.

Saturday, March 28
Centerpiece Screening at Landmark’s Magnolia Theater

THE HURT LOCKER will screen on Saturday, March 28 at the Magnolia Theater. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Evangeline Lilly, David Morse, Guy Pearce and Jeremy Renner, director Kathryn Bigelow shows an elite Army bomb squad forced to play a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse in the chaos of the Iraq war. The unit must come together in a city where everyone is a potential enemy and every object could be a deadly bomb. Bigelow will receive the AFI DALLAS Star Award prior to the screening. Also attending will be Renner.

Monday, March 30
Centerpiece Screening at AMC NorthPark 15

THE BURNING PLAIN will screen on Monday, March 30 at AMC NorthPark 15. Directed by Guillermo Arriaga and starring Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger. the drama employs multiple storylines featuring a mother and daughter who try to form a bond after the young woman’s difficult childhood. The film also stars Jennifer Lawrence, José Maria Yazpik, J.D. Pardo and Joaquim de Almeida. Attending the screening will be Arriaga and de Almeida.

Last year, AFI DALLAS established itself in only its second year as a major and significant film festival on the international and national front by seeking out and bringing the best films on the film festival circuit to Dallas audiences, while continuing to provide a spotlight for local film artists as well. Commenting on the 2009 lineup, Director of Programming James Faust said, “This year’s films really strike a true balance between the films that spoke to us from the most prominent film festivals this year as well the exceptional work we always seek to highlight from our Texas-based and Dallas-area filmmakers.”

Victory Park will again serve as the epicenter for the festival, with screenings and red carpet entrances at NorthPark Center and Landmark’s Magnolia Theater, award presentations, filmmaker panels at the Nasher Sculpture Center and the AFI DALLAS Festival Lounge, parties, and other special events celebrating film at The Crow Collection of Asian Art and area high schools and universities, culminating in an awards ceremony held at NorthPark Center on Thursday, April 2. Victory Plaza will also host film screenings on its high definition superscreens, as well as a myriad of events as part of the film festival’s Family Celebration taking place there and at NorthPark Center over the weekend of March 28 and 29.

In addition to the Target Filmmaker Awards, filmmakers will vie for $20,000 in cash, goods and services from MPS Studios for the winner of the Texas Competition and a $10,000 prize from Current Energy for the winner of the Environmental Visions Competition. Additional awards will be presented to the jury winners of the Animation, Student Film and Shorts categories, as well as audience awards for Narrative Feature, Documentary and Shorts.

AFI DALLAS Artistic Director Michael Cain said. “In our third year, we are seeing the personality and reputation of this film festival firmly establish itself both within the city of Dallas, but also as a striking representative of the city itself, nationally and internationally. Each year the flavor and character of our programming and events has further distinguished itself as we work to set ourselves apart and reach to achieve the goals we have set for AFI DALLAS for three years now.”

AFI DALLAS Board of Directors Chairwoman, Stephanie Hunt also announced that the 2009 festival would be dedicated to Ruth O’Donnell Mutch for her invaluable support and contributions to AFI DALLAS since its inception.

“We are delighted and honored to dedicate the 2009 festival to Ruth O’Donnell Mutch,” said Hunt. “She exemplifies the steadfast support that has made this film festival the amazing achievement that it has been and will continue to be this year.”

AFI DALLAS’s founder and former Chairman, Liener Temerlin praised the Festival’s founding and presenting sponsors saying, “This year’s edition of AFI DALLAS owes a great debt of gratitude to both Victory Park and NorthPark Center. At a time when many sponsors are having difficulty maintaining their support of events like ours, they have been energetic in their efforts to help us make this year’s film festival more than exceptional.”

David J. Haemisegger, president, NorthPark Management Company said, “We look forward with great anticipation to welcoming everyone to NorthPark Center for this unforgettable film event which has garnered world-wide attention through the creativity and dedication of AFI DALLAS.  As the presenting sponsor and primary location for this year’s festival, we are excited to roll out the red carpet in NorthCourt for the many Hollywood filmmakers, directors and stars who will be in attendance.”

Nine feature films will be making their world premieres at AFI DALLAS 2009. Those films include BOLLYWOOD BEATS; DESDEMONA: A LOVE STORY; HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM; LOCK AND ROLL FOREVER; ONE NATION; THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE; PEARL; ROCK PROPHECIES and WHATEVER IT TAKES.

Eight feature films will be making their U.S. premieres. That group includes AMERICANA; AMERICAN TRAP; FIFTY DEAD MEN WALKING; FOOD, INC; GIGANTIC; MORENITA; THE SEVEN OF DARAN and YOROI: THE SAMURAI ZOMBIE.

The AFI DALLAS film categories are as follows:

TARGET Narrative Feature Competition;

TARGET Documentary Feature Competition;

Documentary Showcase features the most cutting-edge, informative documentary work, not up for competition;

Deep Ellum Sounds, which honors the rich music culture of Dallas’ historic Deep Ellum neighborhood by showcasing music documentaries;

Special Presentations features films that fall outside of the festival’s programming categories yet deserve screenings on their own special merit;

Dallas Premiere Series features the best new films on the horizon that are making their debut on Dallas screens, including top studio films and top industry talent;

Texas Competition sponsored by MPS Studios, which encourages and promotes Texas filmmaking by showing both short and feature films produced and shot in Texas;

Environmental Visions Competition sponsored by Current Energy highlight films and filmmakers that best communicate the importance of environmental conservation through the art of film;

World Cinema features diverse cinematic voices from around the world—including Australia, Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia—giving local audiences the unique opportunity to engage with these innovative films and filmmakers;

Family Friendly features dynamic and adventurous films that are uniquely suited for the family viewing experience;

Animation Competition features films that explore the many potential avenues and media utilized in film animation today;

Community Showcase highlights films that feature the achievements of local individuals and groups;

Midnight Specials features on-the-edge films that relish both the genre and outré filmmaking worlds;

Shorts Competition presents the most innovative films from around the world that push the edge of traditional storytelling in 30 minutes or less.

Student Competition showcases the best from up-and-coming filmmakers across the world, including both short and feature length films created by high school and college students; and

Local Student Shorts features the best work from students of local universities and high schools.

The AFI DALLAS full festival lineup will showcase 77 features and 96 shorts (including the Education/Student shorts) for a total of 173 films from 22 countries.

AFI DALLAS films (by category) are as follows:

TARGET NARRATIVE FEATURE COMPETITION

AGAINST THE CURRENT – DIR: Peter Callahan (USA)
Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Justin Kirk, Elizabeth Reaser, Mary Tyler Moore, Michelle Trachtenburg

BIG FAN – DIR: Robert D. Siegel (USA)
Cast: Patton Oswalt, Kevin Corrigan, Michael Rapaport, Marcia Jean Kurtz

CHILDREN OF INVENTION – DIR: Tze Chun (USA)
Cast: Cindy Cheung, Michael Chen, Crystal Chiu

GIGANTIC – DIR: Matt Aselton (USA)
Cast: Paul Dano, Zooey Dechanel, John Goodman, Ed Asner, Jane Alexander

THE MISSING PERSON – DIR: Noah Buschel (USA)
Cast: Michael Shannon, Amy Ryan, Frank Wood

MORENITA – DIR: Alan Jonsson Gavica (Mexico)

SKIN – DIR: Anthony Fabian (UK/South Africa)
Cast: Sam Neill, Sophie Okonedo, Alice Krige

TARGET DOCUMENTARY FEATURE COMPETITION

AMERICANA – DIR: Topaz Adizes USA)

THE EYES OF ME – DIR: Keith Maitland (USA)

HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM – DIR: Nicole Torre (USA)

PROM NIGHT IN MISSISSIPPI – DIR: Paul Saltzman (Canada)
Featuring: Morgan Freeman

ROUGH AUNTIES – DIR: Kim Longinotto (UK)

WHATEVER IT TAKES – DIR: Christopher Wong (USA)

DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE

ART & COPY – DIR: Doug Pray (USA)

DUNGEON MASTERS – DIR: Keven McAlester (USA)

FOOD INC. – DIR: Robert Kenner (USA)

THE GARDEN – DIR: Scott Hamilton Kennedy (USA)

TYSON – DIR: James Toback (USA)
Featuring: Mike Tyson

DEEP ELLUM SOUNDS

RIP: A REMIX MANIFESTO – DIR: Brett Gaylor (Canada)
Featuring: Girl Talk

ROCK PROPHECIES – DIR: John Chester (USA)
Featuring: Jeff Beck, Slash, Santana, Steve Vai, ZZ Top, Def Leppard, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Sick Puppies, Panic at the Disco

SAY MY NAME – DIR: Nirit Peled (USA)
Featuring: MC Lyte, Eryka Badu, Estelle, Big Manda, Chocolate Thai, Monie Love, Dr. Roxanne Shante, Mystic, Princess and DIamond, Remy Ma

SOUL POWER – DIR: Jeffrey Levy-Hinte (USA)
Featuring: Muhammad Ali, James Brown, B.B. King, Don King, Celia Cruz

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

CHINATOWN (1974) – DIR: Roman Polanski
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston

DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944) – DIR: Billy Wilder
Cast: Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson

GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (1955) – DIR: Howard Hawks
Cast: Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Charles Coburn

GILDA (1946) – DIR: Charles Vidor
Cast: Rita Hayworth, Glenn Ford, George Macready

THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (1971) – DIR: Peter Bogdanovich
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Cloris Leachman, Ellen Burstyn, Randy Quaid, Timothy Bottoms, Ben Johnson

ROCK SLYDE – DIR: Chris Dowling
Cast: Patrick Warburton, Andy Dick, Rena Sofer, Elaine Hendrix

ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE UNDEAD – DIR: Jordan Galland
Cast: Jake Hoffman, Devon Aoki, John Ventimiglia, Ralph Macchio, Jeremy Sisto

DALLAS PREMIERE SERIES

THE 2 BOBS – DIR: Tim McCanlies (USA)
Cast: Jay Chandrasekhar, Leonardo Nam, Mika Boorem, Devin Ratray

ADAM RESURRECTED – DIR: Paul Schrader (USA)
Cast: Jeff Goldblum, Willem Dafoe

ALIEN TRESPASS – DIR: RW Goodwin (USA)
Cast: Eric McCormack, Robert Patrick, Jenni Baird

THE BROTHERS BLOOM – DIR: Rian Johnson (USA)
Cast: Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rinko Kikuchi

THE BURNING PLAIN – DIR: Guillermo Arriaga (USA)
Cast: Charlize Theron, Kim Basinger, Joaquim de Almeida, Jennifer Lawerence

HUNGER – DIR: Steve McQueen (UK)
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Stuart Graham

THE HURT LOCKER – DIR: Kathryn Bigelow (USA)
Cast: Jeremy Renner, Guy Pearce, Ralph Fiennes, Evangeline Lilly

LIGHTBULB – DIR: Jeffrey Balsmeyer (USA)
Cast: Dallas Roberts, Jeremy Renner, Ayelet Zurer

LIKE DANDELION DUST – DIR: Jon Gunn (USA)
Cast: Mira Sorvino, Barry Peppers, Cole Hauser

LYMELIFE – DIR: Derick Martini (USA)
Cast: Alec Baldwin, Kierin Culkin, Rory Culkin, Cynthia Nixon, Timothy Hutton

MOON – DIR: Duncan Jones (UK)
Cast: Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey, Dominique McElligott, Benedict Wong, Matt Berry

PETER AND VANDY – DIR: Jay DiPietro (USA)
Cast: Jason Ritter, Jess Weixler

SUGAR – DIR: Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck (USA)
Cast: Algenis Perez Soto, Rayniel Rufino

VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR – DIR: Matt Tynauer (USA)
Featuring: Valentino, Giancarlo Giammetti

(500) DAYS OF SUMMER – DIR: Marc Webb
Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zoey Deschanel

TEXAS COMPETITION sponsored by MPS Studios

BOLLYWOOD BEATS – DIR: Mehul Shah (USA)
Cast: Sachin Bhatt, Lillete Dubey

DESDEMONA: A LOVE STORY – DIR: Phillip Guzman (USA)
Cast: Jorge Jimenez, Denton Blane Everett, Cindy Vela

ONE NATION – DIR: Justin Wilson (USA)

THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE – DIR: Justin D. Hilliard (USA)
Cast: Arianne Martin, John Elliot, Frank Mosley, Drew Waters

ST. NICK – DIR: David Lowery (USA)

TATTOOED UNDER FIRE – DIR: Nancy Schiesari (USA)

ZOMBIE GIRL – DIR: Aaron Marshall, Justin Johnson, & Erik Mauk (USA)
Featuring: Emily Haggins

ENVIRONMENTAL VISIONS COMPETITION sponsored by Current Energy

AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD – DIR: Dan Stone (USA)

CRUDE – DIR: Joe Berlinger (USA)

SUNDANCE CHANNEL – ECO TRIP: COTTON SHIRT (SHORT)/ADDICTED TO PLASTIC (FEATURE) (USA)

UPSTREAM BATTLE – DIR: Ben Kempas (Germany)

WORLD CINEMA

THE AMERICAN TRAP (Piège américain, Le) – DIR: Charles Binamé (Canada)
Cast: Gérard Darmon, Colm Feore, Joe Cobden, Janet Lane

EMPTY NEST (NIDO VACÍO, EL– DIR: Daniel Burman (Argentina, Spain, France, & Italy)
Cast: Carlos Bermejo, Eugenia Capizzano, Inés Efron

EVANGELION: 1.0 YOU ARE (NOT) ALONE – DIR Masayuki, Kazuya Tsurumaki, Hideaki Anno (Japan)

HEAVEN ON EARTH – DIR: Deepa Mehta (Canada)
Cast: Preity Zinita, Balinder Johal

HELLCATS (Ddeugeoun-geosi joh-a) – DIR: Chil-in Kwon (South Korea)
Cast: Mi-suk Lee, Min-hie Kim

KASSIM THE DREAM – DIR: Kief Davidson (USA/Uganda)
Featuring: Kassim Ouma

LULU AND JIMI – DIR: Oskar Roehler (Germany)
Cast: Jennifer Decker, Ray Fearon

PARIS 36 (FAUBOURG 36) – DIR: Chirstophe Barratier (France)
Cast:  Gérard Jugnot, Clovis Cornillac

RUDO Y CURSI – DIR: Carlos Cuaron (Mexico)
Cast: Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, Guillermo Fracella

FAMILY FRIENDLY

LOCK & ROLL FOREVER – DIR: Chris Grismer (USA/JAPAN)
Cast: Lucas Grabeel, Ike Barinholtz, Taylor Negron, Brad Dourif

PEARL – DIR: King Hollis (USA)

SEVEN OF DARAN – DIR: Lourens Blok (The Netherlands)

THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE – DIR: Stephen Hillenburg (USA)

ANIMATION COMPETITION presented by REEL FX Entertainment

CHICKEN COWBOY – DIR: Stephen Neary (USA)

FROM BURGER IT CAME – DIR: Dominic Bisignano (USA)

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU – DIR: Don Hertzfeldt (USA)

LIES – DIR: Jonas Odell (Sweden)

MUTT – DIR: Glen Hunwick (Australia)

TOKEN HUNCHBACK – DIR: Tim Reckart (USA)

UNBELIEVABLE4 – DIR: Sukwon Shin (USA)

COMMUNITY SHOWCASE

HAZE – DIR: Pete Schuermann (USA)

THE LEAST AMONG YOU – DIR: Mark Young (USA)

WARRIOR QUEEN – DIR: Hezekiah Lewis (USA)

MIDNIGHT SPECIALS

GRACE – DIR: Paul Solet (USA)
Cast: Jordan Ladd

NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD – DIR: Mark Hartley (Australia)

YOROI: THE SAMURAI ZOMBIE – DIR: Tak Sakaguchi (Japan)
Cast: Tak Sakaguchi

STUDENT COMPETITION

COMMUNION – DIR: Markus Kirschner (USA)
Cast: Louisa Krause

THE EARLY NINETIES – DIR: Andrew Mailliard (USA)

HUG – DIR: Khary Jones (USA)

LOVE, SADIE – DIR: Naiti Gámez (USA)

LUCY: A PERIOD PIECE – DIR: Julie Sagalowsky (USA)

SLEET/SNOW – DIR: Daniel Laabs (USA)

TAG – DIR: Alex O’Flinn (USA)

LOCAL STUDENT SHORTS

NORTH TEXAS COLLEGE SHOWCASE
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON BLOCK
LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS’ BLOCK

SHORTS COMPETITION

ACTING FOR THE CAMERA – DIR: Justin Nowell (USA)

CHINA’S WILD WEST – DIR: Urszula Pontikos (UK)

DANSE MACABRE – DIR: Pedro Pires (Canada)

DANZAK – DIR: Gabriela Yepes (Peru/USA)

ELLA  AND THE ASTRONAUT – DIR: Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck & Robert Machoian (USA)

GRANDE DIP – DIR: Angelo Restaino (USA)

HEADSHOT – DIR: Miles Fisher (USA)

THE HORRIBLE SLOW MURDERER WITH THE EXTREMELY INEFFICIENT WEAPON – DIR: Richard Gale (USA)

HUNGER – DIR: Chad Jackson (USA)

I LIVE IN THE WOODS! – DIR: Max Winston (USA)

THE ISLAND – DIR: Trevor Anderson (Canada)

KATE WAKES – DIR: Jasmine Kosovic (USA)
Cast: Adam Goldberg & Antoinette Valente

LAST MEAL – DIR: Mark Stern (USA)

MAKE MY DAY – DIR: Pelle Møller (Denmark)

THE MANAGEMENT OF GRIEF – DIR: Sai Selvarajan (USA)

MEGATRON – DIR: Marian Crisan (Romania)

NEXT FLOOR – DIR: Denis Villeneuve (Canada)

OIL CHANGE – DIR: Todd Luoto (USA)

ONE CUP OF COFFEE – DIR: Sarah Adina Smith (USA)
Featuring: Rohan Marley

POETRY OF EXACTITUDE – DIR: Alan Govenar (France/USA)

PRINCESS MARGARET BLVD – DIR: Kazik Radwanski (USA)

PUSH BUTTON HOUSE – DIR: Robert Profusek & Ryan Silbert (USA)

RIP AND THE PREACHER – DIR: Michael Lennox (UK/Ireland)

SHORT TERM 12 – DIR: Destin Daniel Cretton (USA)
Cast: Brad Henke, Tania Verafield, Phoenix Henke, & Adam Shapiro

SISTER WIFE – DIR: Jill Orshel (USA)

SMALL COLLECTION – DIR: Jeremiah Crowell (USA)

SMOKEY – DIR: Scott Thurman (USA)

SNAKE MOUNTAIN COLADA – DIR: Calvin Reeder (USA)

SUSANNAH – DIR: Evan Nicholas (USA)

TEAM TALIBAN – DIR: Benjamin Kegan (USA)

TRECE AÑOS – DIR: Topaz Adizes (USA/Cuba)

TIPPING POINT – DIR: Javier Solis (USA)

TREEVENGE – DIR: Jason Eisener (Canada)

UNDONE – DIR: Brian Lee Hughes (USA)

AFI DALLAS 2009 will run March 26 – April 2, 2009. Passes are currently on sale; tickets go on sale March 4. Passes and tickets will be made available via online (AFIDALLAS.com), phone (214.720.0663) and in person at the Box Office located at the AFI DALLAS locations at NorthPark Center and Victory Park.

About AFI DALLAS International Film Festival
The AFI DALLAS International Film Festival celebrates films and their impact on society, honors filmmakers and recognizes their achievements and contributions 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. AFI DALLAS is a presentation of the nonprofit Dallas Film Society.

About NorthPark Center
As one of the premier shopping centers in the United States, NorthPark Center (www.northparkcenter.com) proudly offers shoppers the best of the best in every category represented, including the finest in luxury retail and exclusives in the Southwest. Offering an unparalleled selection of international designers set amid timeless modern architecture and a world-class art collection, NorthPark Center has established a new standard in the United States for innovative retail destinations.

NorthPark Center is owned, managed, operated and leased by husband and wife David J. Haemisegger and Nancy A. Nasher. After a $250 million expansion in 2006, NorthPark Center became the largest shopping center in North Texas and one of the top shopping destinations in the United States. NorthPark Center will continue to open more luxury boutiques, exclusive stores and dining options throughout 2009 and beyond, culminating in more than 235 stores and restaurants.

NorthPark Center is located at the intersection of North Central Expressway and Northwest Highway in the heart of Dallas. Stores are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Department store, theatre, restaurant and spa hours vary.

About Victory Park
Victory Park is Dallas’ most dynamic urban neighborhood—and one of the most significant and innovative urban developments in the United States. The neighborhood is a carefully crafted collection of upscale retail shops, distinctive dining, modern office space, dramatic residential units, the W Dallas Victory hotel and signature entertainment venues, including the American Airlines Center and House of Blues. Victory Park is a development of Hillwood, a Perot Company. For more information on Victory Park, visit http://www.victorypark.com.

Additional Sponsors
In addition to NorthPark Center and Victory Park, AFI DALLAS 2009 major sponsors include American Airlines, Bank of America, Barefoot Wine, Blockbuster, Brierley+Partners, CBS Radio, City of Dallas, Current Energy, The Dallas Morning News, D Magazine, DG FastChannel, Dallas Film Commission, DART, DCVB, e-Rewards Market Research, Entertainment Partners, El Creative, Faulkner Design Group, Jones Day, KERA, MPS Studios Dallas, Neiman Marcus, Post Asylum, Premiere Video, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Pure Evil Music & Sound, Reel FX Entertainment, Screen International, Scott Yung LLP, Sony, The State of Texas, Studio Movie Grill, Target, Temerlin Consulting, Texas Film Commission, TM Advertising, 2929 Entertainment, Texas Association of Film Commissions, TXMPA, vitaminwater10, W Dallas Victory, WFAA, Whole Foods and WRR.

PRESS CONTACT FOR AFI DALLAS
John Wildman
Director, Press and Public Relations
AFI DALLAS Presented by NorthPark Center,
Founding Sponsor Victory Park
Tel: 323.600.3165
Tel: 214.720.0555
Fax: 214.720.0551
jwildman@AFIDALLAS.com