about the DALLAS Film Society

THE MISSION

To CELEBRATE films and their impact on society

To HONOR filmmakers and recognize their achievements and contribution in enhancing the creative community

To provide EDUCATIONAL programs to students to develop better understanding of the role of film in today¹s world

To PROMOTE the City of Dallas and its commitment to the art of filmmaking

Two Men. One Vision. Liener Temerlin and Michael Cain both have longstanding ties to the Dallas Arts community. Temerlin, an advertising legend, and Cain, an award winning filmmaker, came together to turn Dallas into an international stage for moviemakers from around the globe by forming the DALLAS Film Society.

The DALLAS Film Society partnered in 2006 to create the AFI DALLAS International Film Festival. The DALLAS International Film Festival is one of the fastest growing film festivals in the world. Named by Movie Maker Magazine as one of the "25 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee," the Festival has gained the reputation as the Filmmaker's Festival for its stellar hospitality and dedication to the art.

In only three years, the Festival has been recognized for its thought-provoking programming and its commitment to education within the community.

In the first three years, there were over 110,000 people in attendance from Dallas, the U.S. and around the world for over 600 screenings & special events during the Festival.

In its first three years, the Dallas Film Society has featured the finest in U.S. and international cinema:

• Over 5,000 submissions
• 653 films from 44 countries
• 36 world premieres, 12 U.S. premieres
• 316 features, 337 shorts
• 533 filmmakers in attendance
• Over $200, 000 in awards presented

The Film Society has had the great pleasure of screening award winning films which have included Academy Award® nominees and winners.

The 2009 Festival was most successful yet!

• Highest attendance to date
• New box office record set
• Sold out theaters
• Rush line sales up 50%
• 116 Community Partners

DALLAS already ranks among the top festivals in North America.

Liener Temerlin Founder & Chairman Emeritus

An advertising and consulting guru, Liener has always been a champion of creativity. For the past several years, Liener has served on the AFI Board of Trustees and was the driving force behind the creation of AFI's 100 Years, 100 Movies Series; a list that has become the definitive guide for the must-see movies of all time. Liener's passion and love of movies led AFI to partner with him in bringing this international festival to Dallas.

Michael Cain CEO & Artistic Director

A graduate of the American Film Institute, Michael was previously the Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit organization Deep Ellum Film, Music, Arts and Noise (DEFMAN), which produces the Deep Ellum Film Festival and various outdoor screening events including the Lone Star Drive-In in Addison and Dallas; the Pasadena Cinema in the Park; and the Santa Monica Drive-In at the Pier. Michael is also a producer with more than 50 commercials and music videos to his credit. His documentary, TV Junkie, was recently chosen as an 2006 Sundance Film Festival selection and received the Special Jury Prize for Documentary Excellence. It screened in 2007 on HBO as one of 4 films supporting the Governor Award Winning “Addiction” series. Cain is currently in pre-production for THE STARCK PROJECT, a riviting look at the infamous Dallas based STARCK Club.