Opening night has ‘Memento’

By John Wildman

The Dallas-based USA Film Festival announces the highly anticipated films and schedule of events for the film festival’s 55th edition taking place on April 23-27.  Known for its celebration of new and classic films from the U.S. and abroad, the Festival once again brings master artists and emerging talents to Dallas to present their works.

 Among the highlights over the five-day film festival, will be a star-studded Opening Night including a salute to Hollywood legend Nancy Kwan, with a look at her career and signing of her memoir, “The World of Nancy Kwan;” a salute to filmmaker Jon Avnet, featuring a screening of his latest film, “The Last Rodeo,” with the film’s stars Neal McDonough and Mykelti Williamson in attendance; and a 25th Anniversary screening of Christopher Nolan’s classic crime-thriller “Memento” (2000), with actor Stephen Tobolowsky in person. Closing Night will feature a 40th Anniversary screening of Brigitte Berman’s Academy Award-winning documentary “Artie Shaw: Time Is All You’ve Got “(1985) and works from Texas artists and filmmakers. Also celebrated, will be veteran actor Martin Kove, with a 50th Anniversary screening of the Roger Corman cult classic, “Death Race 2000” (1975).

All screenings and events will be held at the Angelika Film Center (5321 E. Mockingbird Lane), with the vast majority of the programming offered free-to-the public. Free parking available.

“We are pleased to once again celebrate Dallas Arts Month with our annual Spring Festival,” USAFF Managing Director Ann Alexander said, “We are honored to bring a number of distinguished Master Artists to our stage in Dallas — including Nancy Kwan, Jon Avnet, Martin Kove, Neal McDonough, Mykelti Williamson, Stephen Tobolowsky and William Shockley — and to celebrate so many talented filmmakers with new works as well as revisiting a few classic favorites. With support from our sponsors, once again this year most of our programs will be presented as free admission.”  

 Opening Night, Wednesday, April 23, will kick off the festival with a salute to Nancy Kwan. The program will include a film clip compilation followed by an on-stage conversation with Nancy Kwan about her life and career, hosted by author and film historian Foster Hirsch. Kwan’s distinguished film and television career includes film classics and favorites such as “The World of Suzie Wong,” “Flower Drum Song,” “The Wrecking Crew,” “Fate Is the Hunter,” “Arrivederci,” “Baby!” and many more. 

Kwan will sign copies of her new memoir, “The World of Nancy Kwan.”

Rounding out USAFF Opening Night will be a 25th Anniversary screening of Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending thriller “Memento” (2000). Dallas-born actor Stephen Tobolowsky (pictured) and SMU alumnus will attend the festival and discuss his role in the film. 

The program will be presented with the Hamon Arts Library and G. William Jones Film & Video Collection, SMU Libraries. To view the full schedule of programs, visit usafilmfestival.com.