Lineup celebrates inspirational, independent artists

By John Wildman

The Dallas-based USA Film Festival announces this year’s official selections and special guests for the festival’s 56th edition taking place on April 22-26. Known for its celebration of new and classic films from the United States and abroad, the Festival once again brings master artists and emerging talents to Dallas to present their works in a “live cinema” setting designed to bring artists and audiences together. 

USAFF opens with a salute to celebrated fashion photographer Arthur Elgort (in attendance) featuring Warren Elgort’s new documentary “Arthur Elgort: Models & Muses.” The Centerpiece Selection is Renny Harlin’s new disaster thriller “Deep Water” as part of a salute to the filmmaker’s career, including executive producer — and  music legend — Gene Simmons in attendance. The Spotlight Screening will be Guy Jacobson’s madcap legal comedy “Out Of Order.” Closing Night’s lineup will be led by Matthew Thayer’s “No Limbs No Limits,” with the film’s inspirational subject, Nick Vujicic, presenting the film.  

Highlights also include a salute to Academy Award nominee Lesley Ann Warren, with a film-clip compilation covering her on-screen career in conjunction with a presentation of Tom Koch’s short film “Olive,” Jon Keeyes’ “Speed Demon,” starring Katie Cassidy, with Keeyes and Cassidy on hand, and a special 75th Anniversary screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Strangers on a Train” (1951) with author and film historian Stephen Rebello in attendance with his new book about the film “Criss-Cross: The Making of Hitchcock’s Dazzling, Subversive Masterpiece Strangers on a Train.”

All screenings and events will be held at the Angelika Film Center Dallas (5321 E. Mockingbird Lane), with the majority of the programming offered as free-admission as part of the Festival’s community outreach programming.

“We are pleased to once again celebrate Dallas Arts Month with our annual Spring Festival,” USAFF Managing Director Ann Alexander said. “This year’s program celebrates some very independent and inspirational artists and includes programs ranging from important documentary topics and classic films, to pure entertainment fare.  We are honored to bring these master artists, midcareer filmmakers and emerging talents to our stage in Dallas to present their works and speak with our audiences. And, with the support of our wonderful Sponsors, we are once again able to present the majority of this year’s programs as free admission.”

This year’s program is dedicated to USAFF alumni guest filmmakers and friends that were lost during the past year including Rob Reiner, Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Robert Benton, Tom Noonan, Chuck Norris and Frederick Wiseman. For more details and to view the full schedule of programs, visit usafilmfestival.com.

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