Inside the Dallas International Film Festival | James Faust | Ep 212

Join radio veteran Shoopy and artistic director James Foust for an inside look at the 20th annual Dallas International Film Festival happening April 2026. Discover the festival’s most anticipated films including the Kenny Loggins documentary, a basketball drama starring Baron Davis, and world premieres featuring Lou Diamond Phillips who receives this year’s DIF Dallas Star Award. Learn how filmmakers submit through platforms like FilmFreeway, what happens to films after the festival circuit, and get exclusive details about industry panels with Warner Brothers co-chair Michael DeLuca plus a Deep Ellum history documentary featuring Mark Cuban and Billy Bob Thornton.
00:00:32 – Pre-Show Setup and Introductions
The hosts prepare for the show with technical adjustments and casual banter before officially beginning episode 212.
00:02:26 – Episode Opening and Guest Introduction
The hosts officially start episode 212 and introduce returning guest James Faust, Artistic Director of the Dallas International Film Festival.
00:04:15 – James Faust’s Background and Festival Overview
Discussion of James’s long history with the festival and how this year’s 20th anniversary edition differs from previous years.
00:06:40 – Dallas Star Award and Lou Diamond Phillips
James explains the DIF Dallas Star Award and this year’s honoree Lou Diamond Phillips, including the three films featuring him at the festival.
00:09:32 – Festival Timeline and Submission Process
Conversation about the year-round festival cycle, submission deadlines, and how filmmakers submit through Film Freeway.
00:16:03 – Film Distribution and Festival Circuit
Deep dive into what happens to films after festivals, distribution challenges, and the difference between major and smaller distributors.
00:24:32 – Film Selection Process and Programming Committee
James explains how films are chosen for the festival through committee voting and the challenges of selecting from thousands of submissions.
00:30:08 – Mid-Show Sponsor Read
Commercial break featuring CBD House of Healing product endorsement.
00:33:19 – Festival Highlights: Opening and Closing Films
James discusses key films including opening night’s “Last Shot” basketball film and closing night’s Kenny Loggins documentary.
00:39:20 – Additional Festival Programming
Coverage of other notable films including Charlie Crockett documentary, horror film “Mantis,” and various music documentaries.
00:47:33 – Industry Conference and Special Events
James details new industry panels, Warner Brothers executive Michael DeLuca’s keynote, and the founder’s night Deep Ellum documentary premiere.
00:52:14 – Festival Details and Wrap-Up
Final discussion of festival logistics, party locations, and encouragement for attendance at the Dallas International Film Festival.