Dallas International Film Festival Continues

by Sina Brown

The 2013 Dallas International Film Festival is in its final weekend. For 11 days Filmmakers from all over the world have descended on our city, because “Film is Bigger in Texas”. Over 150 films and several panels play though many venues across Dallas. This year marks the 7th annual meeting these masters of film and art.          

Last night, I had the pleasure of screening C.O.G. It was everything I would have hoped for from an adapted screenplay of a David Sedaris short story set in the 1970’s when he set out to pick apples in Oregon. Director Klye Patrick Alvarez has done the one thing no one has yet to accomplish—gain the rights to a David Sedaris story.

Considering Sedaris is one of America’s best contemporary storytellers of our time it was a treat to finally see his work set to film. Alvarez put his own spin on the tale while still keeping true to Sedaris’ voice of humor and realism. The score was modeled after Philip Glass with a minimalist perspective in mind. Alvarez spoke of using the score to set the tone and pace for the film. While it didn’t work using the props by “banging together apples and dildos” for the score, Alvarez clearly immersed himself in his work much like the character actors he hand-picked. This director was born to make a Sedaris film and his passion for this project bleed though during the conversation time with the audience afterward.

Many films still remain waiting for your viewing pleasure. Discover something new, explore a discussion, listen to a panel or just sit back and enjoy a film. . This festival features plenty to satisfy your inner film critic. The 2013 Dallas International Film Festival runs through Sunday, April 14th. Check out the DIFF website for more information.