Spring Break
Annual film festival keeps rolling in third year
Aida Ahmed, Contributing Writer, aahmed@smu.edu
Issue date: 3/31/09 Section: Entertainment
Madeline, played by former SMU student Jordan Ladd, decides to carry the baby to term and wills the corpse back to life. After a while, she learns that there is something very wrong with baby Grace and it makes her do things she would have never done before. Ironically, Solet dedicated the film to his mother.
In the question and answer session, Solet answered questions about the hidden themes of the horror film. Solet said he made the movie because he didn't think there were enough films that really scared people.
He refers to the movies he saw as a child and how they terrified him. The movie has personal meaning to him since he found out he had a twin that did not survive, thus the makings of "Grace" began.
Perhaps the most glamorous part of the festival is the red carpet. This year, AFI has dedicated a red carpet to every filmmaker whose film is premiering that night. Fully equipped with lights, cameras, and press swarming, it brings a piece of Hollywood to Dallas.
Opening night, Academy-Award winner Adrien Brody walked the red carpet to premiere "The Brothers Bloom." Friday night, Robert Towne, screenwriter for "Chinatown," also made an appearance on the red carpet.
Another star-studded event was the presentation of the AFI Dallas Star Award. Five screenwriters and actors received the award, including Kathryn Bigelow, director of the AFI centerpiece screening "The Hurt Locker."
These exciting attractions could not be made possible without the 800 volunteers that were assigned to the festival.
Preschool teacher Kathleen Rojas volunteered at the festival for the first time. "I thought it'd be fun and different from what I've ever done," said Rojas.
Volunteers get free vouchers to see movies and are in the middle of all the madness. They also have to deal with the public when things don't go as smoothly as planned.
Chaos emerged after the box office over-sold tickets to "Gigantic." Rush-lines were turned away and volunteers had to help angry patrons refund their tickets.
AFI has a little piece of everything. From panels, to screenings, to the extravagant red carpets, there is a place for everyone.
If you haven't seen a film yet, there is still time. The festival will continue until April 2 and you can buy tickets at NorthPark Center, The Magnolia, Dallas and online at afidallas.com.
In the question and answer session, Solet answered questions about the hidden themes of the horror film. Solet said he made the movie because he didn't think there were enough films that really scared people.
He refers to the movies he saw as a child and how they terrified him. The movie has personal meaning to him since he found out he had a twin that did not survive, thus the makings of "Grace" began.
Perhaps the most glamorous part of the festival is the red carpet. This year, AFI has dedicated a red carpet to every filmmaker whose film is premiering that night. Fully equipped with lights, cameras, and press swarming, it brings a piece of Hollywood to Dallas.
Opening night, Academy-Award winner Adrien Brody walked the red carpet to premiere "The Brothers Bloom." Friday night, Robert Towne, screenwriter for "Chinatown," also made an appearance on the red carpet.
Another star-studded event was the presentation of the AFI Dallas Star Award. Five screenwriters and actors received the award, including Kathryn Bigelow, director of the AFI centerpiece screening "The Hurt Locker."
These exciting attractions could not be made possible without the 800 volunteers that were assigned to the festival.
Preschool teacher Kathleen Rojas volunteered at the festival for the first time. "I thought it'd be fun and different from what I've ever done," said Rojas.
Volunteers get free vouchers to see movies and are in the middle of all the madness. They also have to deal with the public when things don't go as smoothly as planned.
Chaos emerged after the box office over-sold tickets to "Gigantic." Rush-lines were turned away and volunteers had to help angry patrons refund their tickets.
AFI has a little piece of everything. From panels, to screenings, to the extravagant red carpets, there is a place for everyone.
If you haven't seen a film yet, there is still time. The festival will continue until April 2 and you can buy tickets at NorthPark Center, The Magnolia, Dallas and online at afidallas.com.
Be the first to comment on this story