DIFF NEWSREEL | JANUARY 2026

Happy New Year from all of us at DIFF!

Now that you have a fresh new 2026 calendar, we hope you'll fill it with some film events from this month's DIFF NEWSREEL.

We'd love to be a part of your life in this new year. (And, there's never been a better time to get involved with DIFF as we celebrate our 20th anniversary festival this spring.) You're invited to come alongside as we continue to build community through film.

Cheers to you and to all-things-film in 2026!

The DIFF Team

SPANISH CINEMA NOW+ "PREMIOS GOYA"

MARIPOSAS NEGRAS | (BLACK BUTTERFLIES)

Thursday, January 8 | 7:00 pm

Meadows Museum | 5900 Bishop Blvd | Dallas 75205

Beginning this month, we're part of a new film series, Spanish Cinema Now+ "Premios Goya" at the Meadows Museum. Join us for the first screening in the series, Mariposas Negras (Black Butterflies), on January 8. Admission is free.

Spanish Cinema Now+ “Premios Goya” showcases contemporary Spanish cinema by screening three films recognized at the 39th Goya Awards. The series was organized by the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain in Washington, DC, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), and the Spanish Film Academy, and is presented in Dallas by the Meadows Museum in collaboration with Dallas Film.

Mariposas Negras (Black Butterflies), 2024 | Directed by David Baute

This poignant animated film tells the story of three women from very different parts of the world who have something in common: they lose everything due to the effects of climate change and are forced to migrate in order to survive.

Inspired by the experiences of real women, the film highlights the resilience of humanity in the face of an uncertain future. "Mariposas Negras" received the award for Best Animated Film at the 39th Goya Awards.

Admission is free. Space is limited; register online in advance.

Spanish with English subtitles | 78 minutes

Spain’s Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts rates this film ICAA 7+ (not recommended for audiences under seven years of age), but the Meadows Museum screening is intended for mature audiences only.

NIGHT IN WEST TEXAS SCREENING AND Q&A

Thursday, January 8 | 7:00 pm

The Texas Theatre | 231 W. Jefferson Blvd | Dallas 75208

If you misssed NIGHT IN WEST TEXAS during its World Premiere at the 2025 Dallas International Film Festival, you have another chance to see it on the big screen and hear from director, Deborah Esquenazi.

Synopsis: Forty years after a gay Apache man is framed for the brutal murder of a closeted Catholic priest, a police chief uncovers long-buried evidence that shakes up the small, oil-rich West Texas town that imprisoned him.

The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with Director Deborah Esquenazi and the Innocence Project. The program is co-presented by Texas Monthly.

DIFF JANUARY MIXER

Wednesday, January 14 | 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Virgin Hotels Dallas | 1445 Turtle Creek Blvd | Dallas 75207

Share a toast to the New Year at the DIFF January Mixer at Virgin Hotels Dallas on January 14 in the Dallas Design District. If your 2026 resolutions include more networking and socializing, join fellow film enthusiasts and the DIFF community for conversation, camaraderie, and connections!

See more details and make your free reservation below.

DIFF INSIDE FILM WITH AT&T UNTOLD STORIES: LUCKY GRANDMA

Wednesday, January 21 | 7:00 pm

Cinépolis Victory Park | 2365 Victory Park Ln | Dallas 75219

Join us January 21 for DIFF INSIDE FILM with AT&T Untold Stories, featuring a screening of the second winner of AT&T Untold Stories, LUCKY GRANDMA, followed by an in-person conversation with the director, Sasie Sealy, and VP, Tribeca Studios + Artist Development, Bryce Norbitz.

AT&T Untold Stories is an impactful multi-year collaboration between AT&T and Tribeca that awards $1.2M, mentorship, and comprehensive support to the next generation of filmmakers looking to bring their films to the big screen. Program submissions are open through February 6, 2026. Learn more or apply here: https://tribecafilm.com/attuntoldstories.

DIFF INSIDE FILM with AT&T Untold Stories is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Reserve your spot below.

BLACK HISTORY & CULTURE CELEBRATION:

DALLAS FILM SHOWCASE WITH DIFF

Saturday, January 31 | 12:30–2:30 pm

Dallas Museum of Art | 1717 N Harwood St | Dallas 75201

Join the Dallas Museum of Art for the Second Annual Black History & Culture Celebration as the official kick off of Black History Month in the Dallas Arts District. On Saturday, January 31, the DMA will celebrate the rich history and significant contributions by the Black community to the arts and culture in North Texas and beyond with artist talks, tours, art-making activities, live music, and much more. ​

In collaboration with the Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF), the DMA will present a special curated selection of short films by Dallas directors and filmmakers including Don Tortellini, Chyna Robinson, and Jerod Couch. Join James Faust, DIFF Artistic Director, from 12:30-2:30 pm to meet and learn more about these Dallas-based artists. 

Chaos on Commerce: The 1993 Dallas Cowboys Parade (2024) by Don Tortellini 

META CARE (2023) by Jerod Couch 

Goodnight, My Love (2024) by Chyna Robinson 

For the full Black History & Culture Celebration schedule, click the button below.

DENTON BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

DIFF Community Partner Screenings

Sunday, February 1 | 12:15 pm

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema | 3220 Town Center Trail | Denton 76201

DIFF is a proud Community Partner of Denton Black Film Festival, set for January 28-February 1. This year's theme is "Hope & Courage".

Join us on Sunday, February 1, for the "Paths of Courage" Films Block, featuring screenings of SHINE ON: THE STORY OF TOM LEE and OUTDOOR SCHOOL.

Get the full schedule and festival details for DBFF below.

ATTENTION FILMMAKERS: DEADLINE ALERT

DIFF 2026 REGULAR SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE IS JANUARY 16

Attention Filmmakers! Film submissions for the 2026 Dallas International Film Festival are open on FilmFreeway.com, and the Regular Deadline is January 16, 2026.

The 2026 Dallas International Film Festival is set for April 23–30, 2026, marking its 20th anniversary of championing filmmakers and cinematic storytelling. More than just a week of screenings, DIFF has become a signature Dallas event—one where the magic of film illuminates the city and the world converges on its screens.

Submit now and be part of the magic next Spring!

JOIN US AS A DIFF FILM INSIDER

When you become a DIFF 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.

DIFF is dedicated to building community through film. DIFF 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 are the Dallas International Film Festival, held annually in the spring, and the DIFF SHORTS Film Festival held annually in the fall. DIFF (also referred to as Dallas Film) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2006 as Dallas Film Society, Inc.