DIFF NEWSREEL | APRIL 2026

IT'S ALMOST TIME TO CELEBRATE!

20TH ANNIVERSARY DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Thursday, April 23 - Thursday, April 30, 2026

Do you have your passes yet? The 2026 Dallas International Film Festival is set for April 23–30, 2026, marking our 20th anniversary of championing filmmakers and cinematic storytelling. The Dallas International Film Festival is a global adventure featuring more than 120 film screenings, panels, Q&As with filmmakers and actors, nightly Red Carpets, live screenplay table reads, awards, and other events and activations where filmmakers, screenwriters, film industry leaders, celebrities, sponsors, and audiences come together to experience and discuss film.

See more details and get your passes today!

DIFF DALLAS STAR AWARD LUNCHEON

Friday, April 24 | 11:30 am

Virgin Hotels Dallas | 1445 Turtle Creek Blvd | Dallas 75207

LOU DIAMOND PHILLIPS

2026 DIFF DALLAS

STAR AWARD HONOREE

Join us as we honor Lou Diamond Phillips with the 2026 DIFF Dallas Star Award.

Lou Diamond Phillips is a multi-faceted actor, director, and writer. He is an Independent Spirit Award winner, and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award, Tony Award, and Emmy Award. He serves as a Governor for the Actors Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). Phillips brings the North American Premiere of his latest film, KEEP QUIET, to this year’s Festival, which he will discuss on stage during a conversation with Deborah Ferguson, co-anchor of NBC 5 Today, at the DIFF Dallas Star Award Luncheon.

We are proud to honor this longtime friend of DIFF Dallas, who was also supportive of our designation as an OSCAR(R) Qualifying Film Festival, with the 2026 DIFF Dallas Star Award, as well as to honor his amazing body of work.

DIFF DALLAS MONTHLY MIXER

Wednesday, April 8 | 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Victory Park | 2365 Victory Park Ln | Dallas 75202

Come share your love of film at the DIFF Dallas Monthly Mixer on April 8 at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Victory Park. You'll find lively conversation, camaraderie, and connections with local film industry insiders, film enthusiasts, and the DIFF Dallas community.

Get all the details and make your free reservation below.

PREMIER SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT -- VIRGIN HOTELS DALLAS

The Dallas International Film Festival is honored to have Virgin Hotels Dallas as the Premier Festival Sponsor for the fourth year.

Get ready to enjoy a cinematic getaway and red carpet treatment with the special DIFF rate. Plus, explore hotel happenings or level up your stay with a reservation to Commons Club.

EATALY DALLAS PIZZA FEST

Sunday, April 19 | 10:00 am

8687 N Central Expy, Suite 2172 | Dallas 75225

Eataly Dallas, a DIFF Dallas Partner, presents the largest all-inclusive pizza festival in the city this month. Enjoy endless bites from more than 25 local pizzerie, 30+ beverage stations, entertainment, and more - plus, kids under 10 enter for free.

JOIN US AS A DIFF DALLAS FILM INSIDER

When you become a DIFF Dallas Film Insider, you'll be among the first to receive invitations to advance screenings and events. Every membership fee goes toward furthering the art of film and building community through film year-round, from education to screenings to community partnerships to annual film festivals in North Texas, and more.

Join today and gain insider benefits and access to all-things DIFF Dallas.

DIFF Dallas is dedicated to building community through film. DIFF Dallas provides accessible, inclusive, immersive, educational, and entertaining film experiences for all through hosting year-round programs including an educational screening and talk series with industry professionals; free advance screenings of new films for subscribers, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, and the public; film series in collaboration with community partners; and other unique events ranging from film premieres to classic film anniversary celebrations. The signature festivals of DIFF Dallas are the Dallas International Film Festival, held annually in the spring, and the DIFF SHORTS Film Festival held annually in the fall. DIFF Dallas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2006 as Dallas Film Society, Inc.