As cultural commentators, we are fans of films, festivals and all entertainment. This year we did the hike from Austin to Dallas Diff (Dallas International Film Festival) for the first time. Diff started in 2006 and wins on over the years. The festival celebrates Texas and international films and offers filmmakers a platform to share their work. Diff is also intended for film lovers who enable fans not only to see films, but also to network with filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike. As a different-timer, we share what we loved and what we do not have about the festival.
Why our first Differo experience will definitely not be our last!
Place, place, place. Diff appears in the Victory Park in downtown Dallas in Downtown Dallas. You use the whole Cinépolis Theater and the Texas Theater, just a few miles away. Funny fact! For film and history subjects, the Texas Theater Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for his murder to JFK. It was originally part of a chain of cinemas that were financed by Howard Hughes.
Diff reminds us of something Sxsw In the past it was wide, good conversations and great films. It is a place where directors and actors simply run around and be there to support their work. The focus is not on phones and social media. It is a really refreshing experience. In addition, it does not hurt that diff is only in two places with free parking spaces – that’s something that not many festivals can say.
Since this was our first difference, we cannot speak to previous film lists, but this year a couple was excited.
The Salamander King
Director: Austin Nichols
Screenplay author: Drew Mackintosh
Pour: Ryan Hansen, Adrianne Palicki, Dulce Sloan, Justin Chatwin, Reggie Bush, Brad Leland
Summary: The Salamander King is an indie comedy that focuses on a group of Austinites who work and play in a city golf course – also known as a AKA That is – This is threatened by extinction due to the rapid growth of the city. The main characters are an increasingly endangered species in Austin – outsider and creative types that take the city’s mantra: keep Austin strange. The film is also a story about the universal desire to be part of a community, and the need for common public spaces. Despite their different backgrounds, the MISFITS in Muny share a strong bond with each other and consider the course to be essential for the preservation of their “found family”.
Due to the west
Director: Evan Miller
Screenplay author: Evan Miller, Hardy Janson
Producer: Evan Miller, Beau Harris, Caitlin McFarland, Ezra Venetos, Adrianne Palicki, Emily Gipson
Pour: Adrianne Palicki, Henry Thomas, Ciara Bravo, Odette Annable, Matt Lauria and Austin Nichols
Synopsis: A small town woman who needs medical care in West-Texas is forced to break the law.
Willie Nelson presented: King of Roadies
Director: Amy Lee Nelson
Producer: Sagittarius Jennings, Kevin Moyer, Trevor Doyle Nelson
Executive producer: Willie Nelson, Amy Lee Nelson
Pour: Benjamin Holiday Dorcy alias Lovey, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and many more.
Summary: A true story about the unreal life of an unsuccessful country music hero. Ben Dorcy, also known as Lovey, the first and oldest roadie, is recognized by the cultural icons that depend on him, as he loses his independence. After Ben has survived all of his relatives, he learns that he can rely on his music family. Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Knoxville, Kinky Friedman, Jamey Johnson, Ann-Margret and more come together to honor this legend among legends, which have shaped, without acquaintances, Texas and American music history. “King of the Roadies” celebrates everyone who works to bend the bikes behind the scenes. And reminds us that our best days with spirit, passion and perseverance are still ahead of us when we continue to do what we love.
“It is one thing to have a number of good ideas, but to get them to work and put them in action, they need someone like Ben to do it and he never failed.” – – Willie Nelson
They had so many great films this year. You will find the entire series of films that show diff 2025 and how you can take part in 2026. Here.
Be excited about our reviews of the Salamander king, the constant West and the King of Roadies. We hope that at some point everyone has the chance to see these films. We are so privileged to see these films, to hear and share them directly from the storytellers. This is something we take away from every festival. So diff, we will be back next year! We can’t wait.
