The Dallas Film Commission has announced the launch of Screen Dallas, a groundbreaking initiative designed to elevate documentary filmmakers and provide them with an unprecedented opportunity for national recognition.
Each year, Screen Dallas will award one feature-length documentary with a fully sponsored, week-long theatrical release in Dallas. This unique program not only connects filmmakers with local audiences but also provides a vital pathway to qualify for Academy Awards® consideration.
Program Overview
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Fully Sponsored Theatrical Release
The selected film will receive a free, one-week theatrical rental at a Dallas venue, fulfilling the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) eligibility requirements for a qualifying run. -
Academy Compliance Consultation
Through a partnership with The Film Festival Doctor, filmmakers will receive complimentary guidance to ensure the film’s screening, marketing, and reporting meet AMPAS standards. -
Red Carpet Premiere Event
The program will celebrate the chosen documentary with a premiere screening, complete with a red carpet entrance, media coverage, and a filmmaker Q&A session.
How It Works
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Any documentary screening at a Dallas-area film festival will automatically be considered for the Screen Dallas program.
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Submissions outside of local festivals will open in 2026.
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Final selections will be made by a panel of local festival programmers working in partnership with the Dallas Film Commission.
