The Dallas International Film Festival has movies in all genres and for all the varying film tastes out there. But despite my previous notions about this one, my favorite film so far took me back to my childhood, reminded me that hard work and perseverance really can pay off, and was a about a furry, red thing.

The glitz the gam, the films the fans…all typical of any collaborative film event, but the Dallas International Film Festival is bringing you something more in 2011. This year’s festivities have a different twist. While the Dallas Film Society continues to impress with their all-star lineup of fantastic films, they’ve brought fashion, family, philanthropy, and fine art to center stage…

Texas Independent Film Network and Video Association of Dallas present TEXAS LEGENDS, BEFORE THEY WERE LEGENDS at the Texas Theater in Oak Cliff. The film features the collection of first short films by legendary Texas filmaker’s. From Tobe Hooper to Richard Linklater, Wes Anderson and Robert Rodriguez (to name a few) Texas has a rich legacy of filmmaking, but even the masters had to start somewhere. Tickets are cheap – $8. The program will last 90 minutes and it’s recommended for mature audiences.

With 25 films making their Southwest, United States or North American premieres, the 2010 Asian Film Festival of Dallas gives viewers a rare opportunity to see movies covering the spectrum of cinema from ten countries. The festival runs July 23-29 at venues around Dallas. See the 2010 lineup.

Yes, Wicked fever had certainly been caught all across the city. One might think that maybe the hype was a little overplayed, that perhaps the stories people from all across the country had shared about their experiences with this (as some have said) “life-changing” show might be more hyperbolic than truth. If you thought that however…you’d be wrong.

Every individual, every group, has an issue they stand and fight for. For filmmaker Libby Spears, she has devoted almost 10 years uncovering the sex traffic industry.

Every Wednesday night this month, the Belmont Hotel, in conjunction with Corgan Media Lab, will be showing movies under the stars. Bring your blanket and enjoy a flick with the most beautiful view of Dallas as your backdrop.

The Angelika will be showing FREE Hitchcock movies every Thursday on the pavilion at Mockingbird station. Some seats will be available, but chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged. Film starts at 8pm and you don’t want to miss the Oct 8th showing of Rear Window. Did you know Hitchcock makes a cameo appearance in 39 of his 52 major films?

Join DALLAS Film Society and the Nasher Sculpture Center for “Free Films on First Thursdays” featuring the very best in cinematic entertainment with a star-studded line-up of award-winning American movie classics, based on American novels.

This month is the 1975 classic by MiloÅ¡ Forman featuring the one and only Jack Nicholson. Yes, it’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The film is based off the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey.

Do something memorable on Friday, August 21st! Learn how to dance to the beat of Indian classical and Western hip-hop, get a custom henna design, or share some of your latest poetry during open mic.

Want to just chill out and watch a movie? You can do that, too. Under the stars and in a garden! The Nasher Center is showing The Princess Bride. And in the DMA auditorium catch the Hitchcock classic movie, Rear Window.

There will be food, drinks, lectures and tours. The last late night summer block parties in the Dallas Arts District is going to be a night to remember.