The 19th Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) officially kicked off on Friday, April 25, 2025, with a star-studded Opening Night at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Victory Park in downtown Dallas. This year marked a major milestone for the festival as it debuted its new status as an Oscar® Qualifying Festival—a distinction that signals DIFF’s growing influence in the global film community.
The energy was electric as hundreds of filmmakers, cast members, and special guests walked the red carpet, ushering in a week of cinematic storytelling, red carpet glamour, filmmaker Q&As, and industry panels. This year’s festival features more than 125 films from across the globe, offering a wide range of genres, voices, and visionary perspectives.
Films and Talent Featured on Opening Night
Katie Schuck – Dallas Film Commissioner
A standout feature of the evening was the premiere of The Salamander King, directed by Austin Nichols. The film’s premiere brought a high-profile ensemble cast to Dallas, including:
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Frida Pinto – Special Guest of the Director
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Ryan Hansen
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Adrianne Palicki
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Dulce Sloan
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Reggie Bush
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Lilit Aavgyan
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Brad Leland
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Justin Chatwin
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Bobo Hoang
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Christopher St. Mary
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Joe Hursley
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Bill Wise
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Temple Baker
Also featured in the film is iconic Texas musician Gary P. Nunn, whose music adds a soulful layer to the film’s Southern narrative.
Behind the scenes, Drew Mackintosh wrote the screenplay, with Jon Wroblewski, Christian Sosa, and Jennifer Kuczaj producing.
Several other films were represented on the red carpet, showcasing an impressive array of creative talent:
Additional Films and Featured Talent
Kintsugi Dreams: The Unmukt Chand Story
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Raghav Khanna – Director
Omaha
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Cole Webley – Director
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Jai Shukla – Editor
The Short Game
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Frank Sanza – Writer/Director
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David Parks – Writer/Producer
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Dan Hegel – Executive Producer
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Joren Christensen – Writer
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Cast: Adyn Alexander, Brandon Gomez, Glenn Morshower, Brody Stowers
What We Hide (aka Spider & Jessie)
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Joe Restaino – Producer
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Jojo Regina – Cast
Blood Groove
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Cast: Cade Gilbreath, Mike Plummer, Spencer Lail, Stella Davieis
Buddah Was a Rich Boy
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Hunter Wayne – Writer/Director/Producer
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Brandon Torres – Producer
Chokin’
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Kai Straw – Writer/Director/Composer
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Travis Straw – PA
Family Sunday
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Luis Gerardo Del Razo – Director
Foxbody
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Cameron Monaghan – Writer/Director
George
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Aaron Craig – Director
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Chris Wiegand – Executive Producer
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Adrian Martinez, Winnie Watkins – Cast
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Brynn Watkins – Costume Design
Once More, Like Rain Man
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Sue Ann Pien – Director
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Melissa Martinez-Areffi, Darren Dean – Producers
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Bella Zoe Martinez – Lead Actress/Writer
Return to Cheyenne
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Jaime Wilken – Director
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Aditya Mundle – Producer
The Rise & Decline of Punk Rock
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Dustin Haney – Writer/Director/Producer
What Freedom
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Paul James – Director
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Meghan Best – Writer
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Pascale Williams – Cinematographer
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Findley Davidson, Jessica Kelly, Joseph Restaino – Producers
A Powerful Start to a Celebrated Week
Opening Night set a high bar for what’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in DIFF history. With a full week of screenings, conversations, and nightly red carpet events ahead, the Dallas International Film Festival continues to be a vital platform for independent filmmaking, diverse storytelling, and industry innovation.
For more information on screenings, festival passes, and event schedules, visit dallasfilm.org.
Stay tuned for more highlights from DIFF 2025.
