Program areas at DFS
Founded in 2006, the Dallas Film Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sustained by more than 20,000 supporters, volunteers, corporations, grants, and individual donors. We lead multiple educational initiatives to mentor excellence in film, television and digital media. And we proudly support filmmakers, theatres and film organizations locally and globally. The Dallas International Film Festival is held annually. During the Film Festival, Dallas comes together to celebrate film and filmmakers. The Dallas International Film Festival has become the place for storytellers and audiences to connect and experience film as a community. and experience film as a community. Over the years, the Dallas International Film Festival has contributed more than $1 million in filmmaker awards, hosted more than 1,900 filmmakers and screened over 2,500 films from more than 50 countries. More than 100,000 people have attended the Dallas International Film Festival.
DIFF INSIDE FILM is an educational talk series featuring film screenings followed by conversations with directors, producers, screenwriters, actors, and other film industry professionals. Working with our established network of educators throughout North Texas, the screenings are offered to students at no charge. The DIFF INSIDE FILM program is designed to give students first-hand access to insights from film industry insiders to guide their path toward career success in film-related professions. The series features guest speakers and panelists with international, national, regional and local filmmaking backgrounds and experiences. Screenings and Q&As are curated and moderated by DIFF Artistic Director James Faust, who has provided programming leadership to the Dallas International Film Festival since its inception.
The Veterans Institute for Film & Media (VIFM) is a fully sponsored veterans training program. VIFM provides qualified military veterans with the technical training required for employment in the film and video production industry. Managed by veterans and taught by Film and TV professionals, VIFM is rooted in the belief that the skills required for outstanding military service provide a foundation for success in the film and television production industry.