As culture commentators, we’re fans of movies, festivals and all things entertainment. This year, we made the trek from Austin to Dallas for DIFF (Dallas International Film Festival) for the first time. DIFF started in 2006 and continues to gain momentum over the years. The festival celebrates Texas and international films and gives filmmakers a platform to share their work. DIFF is also for film lovers, allowing fans to not only watch films but also networking with filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike. As DIFF first-timers, we’re sharing what we loved and what we didn’t about the festival.
Why our first DIFF experience definitely won’t be our last!
Location, location, location. DIFF takes places in downtown Dallas’ Victory Park. They utilize the entire Cinépolis theater and the Texas Theater, located just a few miles away. Fun fact! For film and history buff’s, the Texas Theater is where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for his murder of JFK. It was originally part of a chain of movie theaters financed by Howard Hughes himself.
DIFF reminds us of what SXSW used to be like – slow-paced, good conversations and great films. It’s a place where directors and actors can just walk around and be there to support their work. Phones and social media aren’t at the forefront. It’s a really refreshing experience. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that DIFF is only in two locations with FREE parking – now that’s something not many festivals can say.
Since this was our first DIFF, we can’t speak to past film lineups but this year had a few were excited about.
The Salamander King
Director: Austin Nichols
Screenwriter: Drew Mackintosh
Cast: Ryan Hansen, Adrianne Palicki, Dulce Sloan, Justin Chatwin, Reggie Bush, Brad Leland
Synopsis: The Salamander King is an indie comedy that focuses on a group of Austinites who work and play at a municipal golf course – aka MUNY – that’s come under threat of extinction due to the city’s rapid growth. The main characters are an increasingly endangered species in Austin – misfits and creative types who embrace the city’s mantra: Keep Austin Weird. The film is also a story about the universal desire to be part of a community and the need for shared public spaces. Despite their disparate backgrounds, the misfits at Muny share a strong bond with one another and view the course as integral to the preservation of their “found family.”
Due West
Director: Evan Miller
Screenwriter: Evan Miller, Hardy Janson
Producers: Evan Miller, Beau Harris, Caitlin McFarland, Ezra Venetos, Adrianne Palicki, Emily Gipson
Cast: Adrianne Palicki, Henry Thomas, Ciara Bravo, Odette Annable, Matt Lauria and Austin Nichols
Synopsis: A small-town woman in need of medical care in West Texas is forced to break the law.
Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies
Director: Amy Lee Nelson
Producers: Shooter Jennings, Kevin Moyer, Trevor Doyle Nelson
Executive Producer: Willie Nelson, Amy Lee Nelson
Cast: Benjamin Holiday Dorcy aka Lovey, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and many many more.
Synopsis: A true story about the unreal life of an unsung country music hero. Ben Dorcy, aka Lovey, the first and oldest roadie, is recognized by the cultural icons who depend on him, just as he’s losing his independence. Having outlived all his relatives, Ben learns 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 who, unbeknownst to many, shaped Texas and American music history. “King of the Roadies” celebrates all who work to keep the wheels turning behind-the-scenes; and reminds us that with spirit, passion and perseverance, our best days may still be ahead of us if we continue doing what we love.
“It’s one thing to have a bunch of good ideas, but to make them work and to put them into action, you need someone like Ben to do it, and he never failed.” – Willie Nelson
They had so many more great films this year. You can find the full lineup of films that showcased DIFF 2025 and how you can attend in 2026, here.
Stay tuned for our reviews of The Salamander King, Due West and The King of Roadies. We hope that everyone eventually has a chance to see these movies. We’re so privileged to be able to see these movies, hear directly from the storytellers, and share it. That’s something we take away from every festival. So DIFF, we’ll be back next year! We can’t wait.
