BEINGS Encore with UFOlogist in Person

The AFI DALLAS International Film Festival encore presentation of BEINGS is Sunday April 1, 9:00pm, at The Angelika. In attendance: best-selling author and UFOlogist Nick Redfern.

Hanging out at the Target Lounge

Photo Credit: Andrea Patton

The Target Lounge, located in the heart of the Victory Plaza offers filmmakers and festival VIP pass holders a creative and stylish location to connect and unwind throughout the day and evening as they navigate their way through the various AFI DALLAS events beckoning for thei time over the course of the eleven day festival.

Like the festival itself, the lounge offers a rich and fun variety of visual sights to compete for the discerning film fan's attention. People mill about a tiny glowing model city of Dallas under attack from scary doodle film monsters - which, to be fair - are more funny than scary.

Bathed in the Target Red, they'll be tempted to make their own snack cups filled with various combinations of trail mix, chips and cookies and wash them down with designer sodas and energy drinks during the day.

Or, if they happen by after the sun goes down, they can talk film (fueled by Bombay Sapphire and Budwiser Select) with filmmakers like Frederick Wolcott and Amber Shipp, the director and producer of the unsettling AFI DALLAS Midnight Special, BEINGS, or hang with shorts directors like LOS TABAQUEROS' Russell Griffin and DUCK MAN's Brian Hennigan.

Both seemed nearly in awe of what the festival as a whole had offered to them as guest filmmakers to Dallas (Griffin from Los Angeles and Hennigan hailing all the way from Scotland), with Hennigan stating, "It's amazing! Wonderful! I'm impressed by everything I see!"

Griffin's friend, TM:1 Interactive Creative Director Todd Connelly was equally impressed with the Target Lounge itself. "I think it's fantastic! It's a great scene. Everyone can talk about the movies and hang out. It’s the place to be," Connelly said.

Meanwhile, people were lined up nearby to make their own custom Helvetica font t-shirts. "The scene" in this case was to celebrate the popular graphic designer date movie. While we were there, people were heading out the door and presumably to another movie with shirts that proclaimed: "I am amused." "Leonardo's Bitch." And "Nude is more."

One such nouveau t-shirt designer was overheard while exiting, "I didn’t know you could make up your own words! I just took the words they gave me! You really have to pay attention in this place!"

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Actor's Corner: Leyla Milani, WRESTLEMANIAC

Jesse Baget's WRESTLEMANIAC (screening Friday 3/30 at 12:00PM and Saturday 3/31 at 9:45PM) lets you know immediately that it intends to scare you, gross you out, be in-your-face inappropriate and make you laugh. And educational? Well, you just might learn a little something about the Dirty Sanchez and Mexican Wrestling too.

Leyla Milani plays one of the cast members of a low budget soft core porn film that stumble on to the stomping grounds of a murderous psychopathic wrestler. And her tools for survival include a few talents not usually placed at the top of an adult starlet's resume.

Like her character, Milani is also quite the driven multi-talent, moving from acting roles to modeling/hosting (Deal or No Deal) to designing her own line of jeans.

Q: Were you a fan of horror films before you were cast in WRESTLEMANIAC?

A: Growing up, I can't say I was really a fan. Actually, up until WRESTLEMANIAC I was pretty afraid to see them. I don't know - something about the heart-stopping sound-effects and not knowing what's going to pop on the screen at any time. It just was never an enjoyable thing for me to watch. However, starring in WRESTLEMANIAC and taking on the bad guy definitely gave me the courage not only be able to watch horror films but now to enjoy them too.

Q: When no one was looking, did you ever try on one of the Mexican wrestling masks?

A: Don't tell anyone. But yes I tried all of them, but with my big hair it didn't look too good so I put them back like a good girl!

Q: For you, what is harder as an actress - get the laugh or convincingly act like you are frightened?

A: Probably frightened because you really have to dig deep to find that source of your fear. I think getting the laugh is easier for me because I'm just so comfortable and free when playing comedy roles. In my case, my source of fear was being wet in the freezing cold (mid-November), late at night (most of my scenes were at night) up in Valencia, CA! That was probably my source of fear and agony. But after seeing the final product, it was well worth it!

Q: If the two of us are on a road rip and the car breaks down, are you going to be more help getting the car started again or getting some guy to pick us up and give us a ride into town?

A: My character, Dallas, is quite the mechanic. I think I learned a thing or two about fixing cars from that scene alone. But realistically, I think Leyla would be better at finding someone else to fix the problem.

Q: What is the most money you have had in your case on Deal or No Deal? And did you have to use an armed escort to make it out of the studio that day?

A: Well, the top amount usually is $1 million. However, during our premier week early in the year the top amount was something like $3 million or $4 million and I ended up having it in my case. The contestant's heart was broken. But what can I say it's a game show. Luckily, no armed escorts were necessary.

Q: You were also a finalist in the WWE Raw Diva search. What is it with you and wrestling all the time? Can't you just be reasonable and talk things out once and awhile?

A: Well, wrestlers try to "talk it out" every once but that usually ends up turning into a good round of smack-talking followed by a full on battle in the ring. So the answer to your question: No! We gotta get right down physical to prove a point. Speaking of wrestling I can be seen in a series of commercials for (RAW-FANNATION) currently airing on the USA networks.

Q: You have your own line of jeans - Leyla Jeans Couture - which one can find at Forever 21 stores. Did you start the line because you wanted to start your own business or because you couldn't find jeans that flattered your assets well enough?

A: Flattered my assets. That's funny. Actually, that was exactly why I launched my own line, because I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl and had always had a challenge finding the right fit. Leyla Jeans Couture is actually on hold for the time being as I'm focusing solely on my acting/hosting and briefcase handling career.

Q: Just between us, in real life - could you take Rey Misterio’s mask in a fair fight?

A: With my female charms - yes any day!

Milani will appear at the film's opening night screening on Friday, March 30th.

By John Wildman, Staff Writer

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Ten Burning Questions: Matthew Killip, MASTER OF REALITY

You know the saying, "You couldn't make this up"? Well, you couldn't make a character like Ronny Long up.

He is a self-professed cryptozoologist, founder of Texas Boneyard Wrestling, avant-garde filmmaker and artist of the macabre who enjoyed a fleeting 15 minutes of fame when a piece of video of Ronny bashing a light bulb with his forehead made the rounds on the nation's nightly network news - horrifying and confusing the people who actually pay attention to the nightly network news.

Director Mathew Killip gives Ronny Long all the close up he can handle in his short film MASTER OF REALITY (Screening as part of the Documentary Shorts Program on Thursday, 3/29 at 5:00PM and Saturday, 3/31 at 6:30PM) and you'll be both entertained and more than a little relieved that he doesn't live next door to you.

1. Who or what introduced you to Ronny Long?

I came across a website Ronny had created for his new backyard wrestling federation called Texas Boneyard Wrestling. The idea was to unite Ronny's twin interests of rasslin' and horror movies, but the project imploded shortly after its creation because of infighting amongst the wrestlers. It's a shame, as a lot of energy and imagination had gone into it and every wrestler had their own character complete with horrendous back-story (cannibals, mental patients, stuff like that). Ronny was 15 at the time.

2. Did he ever show you his cryptozoologist degree?

No, but Ronny did show me his T-Shirt from the Texas Bigfoot Research Center. Anyway, Cryptozoologists don't bother with bullshit like degrees. Saasquatch don't care about no academic qualifications.

3. What is the best thing about having your film at AFI DALLAS?

I really love Texas so I'm delighted to be showing our work in Dallas. And because Ronny lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area he can come to the screenings, which I'm very excited about. He'll be packing his light bulbs and giving on-stage demonstrations of pure wrestling heat in the Q&As. Ronny will also be handing out previews of his latest film, called Bad Breed. It's about a transvestite terrorist spy, some killer robots and a virus. You can find out more here: www.myspace.com/stoggamproductions.

4. It took three years after you shot the film to complete the editing. Why so long?

Ahh. I'm very, very, very lazy.

5. What was the biggest challenge working with a subject like Ronny?

Keeping him supplied with Nachos and Dr. Pepper (which I like to call Prune Juice). Things could get ugly if Ronny didn't receive his regular dose of the good Doctor's beverage.

6. Did the two of you ever have to settle a disagreement by wrestling for it?

I'm not sure that would have been altogether wise on my part. Ronny is a young man whose commitment to the noble art of wrestling is such that he smashed a light bulb into his own face.

7. How many times did he try to get you to touch the scar on his forehead from the lightbulb?

You lot are creepy. We didn't do any scar touching.

8. Is Ronny more underrated as a painter or a filmmaker?

Ronny's just an amazing artist, and all his projects, in whatever medium (painting, drawing, sculpture, performance, film-making), are expressions of a unified creative vision. The fact that his work is largely unrecognized only contributes to the purity of his practice. He does it to please himself, and no one else, and that's one of the
things I love about him.

9. I don't remember ever seeing his parents in the film. Are they in the Witness Protection Program?

You didn't see his parents in the documentary because Ronny Long doesn't have any. He's a feral child raised by ape-like hominids in the suburban wastelands around Dallas.

10. Popcorn or candy?

Popcorn.

Matthew Killip (and Ronny Long) will appear at MASTER OF REALITY's screening at part of the Documentary Shorts Program premiere on Thursday, March 29th.

By John Wildman, Staff Writer

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Actor's Corner: Amy Davidson, NETHERBEAST INCORPORATED

The Ronalds Brothers' NETHERBEAST INCORPORATED (Screening Friday, 3/30 at 7:30PM and Saturday 3/31 at 9:45PM) takes a queasily gentle approach to teaching us all about vampires. The ones that live amongst us (and have, frankly, for years) that we have never been aware of. The inventive comic horror film boasts a roster of funny and quirky actors from Saturday Night Live's Darrell Hammond to Kids in the Hall veteran Dave Foley to Blue's Clues Steve Burns. And serving as our everywoman and the film's heroine is Amy Davidson, of 8 Simple Rules fame. Taking in the history of the secret and not so dangerous society of her co-workers as both they and she become threatened, Davidson doesn’t miss a step as she provides the perfect perky balance to the mock horror taking place around her.

Q: After being all over the TV for the first few years of your career, how did you take to the difference in the style and pace of film production working on NETHERBEAST INCORPORATED?

A: I love the differences between TV and film. Everything from the characters I've been fortunate to bring to life to the rhythm and flow of the shoot. I enjoyed having more time with the material vs. one week with a script in television. But on the flip side I was sad when the shoot was over. You become close with the people you work with and when the film is finished everyone goes their separate ways. In TV you see everyone the next season. I have to say that Netherbeast is an extremely special project. I felt that way from the very beginning! AND because it shot in Arizona, I was able to spend a lot of time with family and friends. It doesn’t get better than that!

Q: How did the dynamic work between you and the boys club (Dave Foley, Darrell Hammond, Steve Burns, Judd Nelson, etc.) that made up the majority of the cast of the film?

A: I loved being one of the only females in the film. You get lots of attention. All of the guys are wonderful! I received a warm welcome into the Boys Club!

Q: Seriously, how many of the guys were jealous of Steve Burns since he got to be your love interest?

A: Robert Wagner was probably the most jealous. I wish. (smiles.) What a lovely, lovely man. I had a special connection with RJ because of his friendship with James Garner.

Q: And, on the flip side, how upset was your former co-star and friend, Kaley Cuoco that you got to buddy up with the Blue's Clues guy in a movie?

A: Kaley cried daily!

Q: This is a very different vampire movie, really stretching the concept. Did you feel a little gypped that you weren't wearing some Victorian gowns or at the least doing battle with some dark seductive Dracula types?

A: One of the things I love most about NETHERBEAST INCORPORATED is that the "Nethermen" look just like us! There’s so much humor in that. And I did get to kick ass! He just wasn't hairy and scary looking. Yes I'd love to wear Victorian dresses and big hats! I guess I'll have to save that for my next film.

Q: What is your favorite vampire movie (not counting this one)?

A: Buffy the Vampire Slayer! I'm a chicken when it comes to scary movies!

Q: Saturday Night Live or Kids in the Hall - which is the funnier?

A: Not a fair question! Both shows were/are brilliant.

Q: You have an extensive dance background. How many times have you tried to convince a director or producer to add a dance sequence for you?

A: On 8 Simple Rules we talked about Kerry ballroom dancing. But we never got to that. That is my dream job! When I get to dance and act in the same film!

Amy Davidson will appear at NETHERBEAST INCORPORATED's opening night screening at 7:30 p.m. Friday @ Magnolia.

By John Wildman, Staff Writer

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Free Performance by Marvin Hamlisch

Marvin Hamlisch's life in music is notable for its substance as well as its great versatility. The composer of more than 40 motion picture scores, he received an Oscar for his work in The Sting and two for The Way We Were - all in the same evening! Hamlisch is also the recipient of four Grammys, four Emmys, and a Tony.

Marvin Hamlisch will perform and receive his AFI DALLAS Star Award on Tuesday March 27. Admission is free and open to the public as space permits. Ticket required and available free at the Nasher Sculpture Center.

Live Performance by Marvin Hamlisch and
Presentation of AFI DALLAS Star Award
Tuesday March 27, 7:30 p.m.
Nasher Sculpture Center
2001 Flora St., Dallas, TX [Map]

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TIP SHEET: Bella

IN PERSON: Alejandro Gomez Monteverde (director) and star Eduardo Verástegui.

THE FILM: In BELLA, an international soccer star and a waitress struggling to make it in New York City, find their lives turned upside down…until an impetuous action brings them together and turns an ordinary day into an unforgettable experience.

WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday March 27, 7:00pm, at AMC Northpark, 8687 North Central Expressway, Dallas.

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TIP SHEET: Inland Empire

IN PERSON: David Lynch, director, and star Laura Dern. The evening includes a presentation of the AFI DALLAS Star Award to David Lynch and Laura Dern.

THE FILM: In Inland Empire, an actress becomes deeply entrenched in a role when she learns that the script is a remake of a movie that was never finished because the two original leads were murdered.

WHEN & WHERE: Centerpiece Screening, Saturday March 24, 7:00pm, The Magnolia, 3699 McKinney Ave. [Map]

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More Images of Opening Night

Melissa George at AFI DALLAS (Hudson Photographic)

Local photographers continue to upload images from last night's opening night gala events at the AFI DALLAS International Film Festival.

• Lauren Bacall 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
  
• Ron Livingston 1 | 2 | 3
  
• Bill Paxton 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
  
• Sydney Pollack 1 | 2 | 3
  
• Bullseye the Target Dog 1 | 2 | 3
  

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Jack Valenti Discussion Postponed

Due to a personal emergency, Jack Valenti is unable to attend the AFI DALLAS International Film Festival on March 24. Valenti's discussion, Jack Valenti Talks Film, scheduled as part of AT&T TALK/SHOW, March 24, 4:30pm, is postponed. Please check back (or subscribe to this newsfeed) for possible re-scheduling of Valenti's Star Award ceremony and public discussion.

UPDATE: Valenti suffers stroke; prognosis good [Hollywood Reporter]

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Images from Opening Night

Sydney Pollack at AFI DALLAS (Hudson Photographic)

Last night local photographers snapped the magic of Opening Night for the AFI DALLAS International Film Festival.

• Opening night gala (Tim Valis)
• Red carpet coverage (Hudson Photographic)
• VIP party at Neiman Marcus (Hudson Photographic)

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TIP SHEET: El Cortez

IN PERSON: Stephen Purvis, director, and stars Lou Diamond Phillips, James McDaniel and Glenn Plummer.

THE FILM: El Cortez is about a man getting caught in a labyrinth of deceit and betrayal after he attempts to help a wheelchair-bound miner recruit an investor to re-open a gold mine.

WHEN & WHERE: Friday March 23, 7:30pm, Angelika Film Center [Map]. Also screening Saturday March 24, 1:45pm at Angelika.

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TIP SHEET: The Go Getter

IN PERSON: Martin Hynes, director

THE FILM: The Go Getter is about a teenager who steals a car and sets out on a road trip to find his brother, then receives a call from the car's owner and begins a life-altering connection with her during the ride.

WHEN & WHERE: Friday March 23, 7:15pm, The Angelika [Map]

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TIP SHEET: The Night of the White Pants

IN PERSON: Amy Talkington (director) and stars Nick Stahl, Janine Turner, Frances Fisher and Laura Jordan.

THE FILM: The Night of the White Pants is about a patriarch of a distinguished but crumbling Dallas family, forced to hit the town with his daughter's punk rock boyfriend.

WHEN & WHERE: Friday March 23, 9:30pm, Angelika Film Center, 5321 E. Mockingbird Ln., Dallas, TX [Map]

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TIP SHEET: Opening Night

IN PERSON: Steven Sawalich (director of Music Within) and stars Ron Livingston, Melissa George and Yul Vasquez. Also attending: AFI DALLAS Star Award recipients Lauren Bacall, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Veronique Peck (for Gregory Peck) and Sydney Pollack.

THE FILM: Music Within portrays the true story of Richard Pimentel, a brilliant public speaker with a troubled past who returns from Vietnam severely hearing impaired and finds a new purpose in his landmark efforts on behalf of Americans with disabilities. The evening's festivities will include the presentation of the festival's first annual Star Awards.

WHEN & WHERE: Thursday March 22, 7:00pm, Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75201 [Map]

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Interview with Director of Music Within

The AFI DALLAS International Film Festival kicks off tonight with an Opening Night screening of Music Within. Director Steven Sawalich chats with Pop Syndicate about the film. Read the interview here.

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Bill Paxton Hosts DPA Indie Filmmakers Lounge

Dallas Producers Association presents the DPA Independent Filmmakers Lounge with actor, director and producer Bill Paxton hosting in support of the AFI DALLAS International Film Festival.

Paxton, a Fort Worth native, starred in Aliens, Navy Seals, Tombstone, True Lies, Apollo 13, Twister and Titanic. He directed Frailty and The Greatest Game Ever Played. He stars in the HBO series Big Love and is executive producer of The Good Life, screening at AFI DALLAS March 24, 9:00pm, and March 25, 4:30pm.

DPA Indie Lounge:

* Sambuca Restaurant
* 2120 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX 75201
* Wednesday March 21, 2:00pm
* $10/person includes coffee and desserts
* Free valet parking
* RSVP to ifl@dallasproducers.org

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Gregory Peck Award Added to Opening Night

Accepting the AFI DALLAS Star Award for her husband, Gregory Peck, is Veronique Peck, Opening Night, March 22, 7:00 pm at the Majestic Theatre. Ms. Peck is also attending a special screening of To Kill a Mockingbird, March 24, 1:15 pm, at Magnolia 5. Other Star Awards will be presented Opening Night to Lauren Bacall, Alan & Marilyn Bergman, and Sydney Pollack.

In its inaugural year, the AFI DALLAS Star Award honors individual who play major roles in advancing the art of film and shaping the face of modern cinema. Designed from Steuben crystal, the Star Award is courtesy of Neiman Marcus.

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Star Awards for Opening Night

Lauren Bacall, Alan & Marilyn Bergman, and Sydney Pollack receive AFI DALLAS Star Awards at a presentation Opening Night, March 22, 7:00pm, Majestic Theater.

In this inaugural year, AFI DALLAS presents a close look at the major role these individuals play in shaping the face of modern cinema and the art of film. The AFI DALLAS Star Award, designed from Steuben crystal, is courtesy of Neiman Marcus. More AFI DALLAS awards here.

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