Brian Cox Battle for Terra Godard's Made in U.S.A.

Juanita Moore Roberto Sneider

Thomas Haden Church Paul Williams Laura Kightlinger Roger Nygard Morgan Freeman and William H. Macy in
The Maiden Heist

M. Emmet Walsh in Don McKay

advance program schedule advance tickets available through Ticketmaster

the 39th annual April 29 - May 3, 2009

USA FILM FESTIVAL

DALLAS, TEXAS
Angelika Film Center - Dallas PROGRAM INFORMATION - 214.821.FILM

Stephen Belber Aristomenis Tsirbas Automorphosis Larry Blamire Jennifer Aniston and Steve Zahn in Management

USA Film Festival

6116 N. Central Expwy.
Suite 105
Dallas, TX 75206

Ray Liotta

Phantom of the Paradise Imitation of Life Joe Sedelmaier Sita Sings the Blues
 USA FILM FESTIVAL 2009
W E D N E S D A Y,
Phantom of the Paradise
PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE (1974)
TRIBUTE TO PAUL WILLIAMS
Wednesday, April 29 7:00pm
35TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING
DIGITALLY REMASTERED PRINT
The feature film screening will be preceded by a film clip compilation
tribute and special sneak-preview of a work-in-progress portrait of
Paul Williams by filmmaker Stephen Kessler.
Rock and roll goes hand-in-hand with death and betrayal in Brian De
Palma’s visionary 1974 cult classic that pays tribute to everything
from The Phantom of the Opera and Faust to The Twilight Zone (Rod
Serling contributes the opening narration) and the films of Alfred
Hitchcock. Legendary actor and composer Paul Williams -- whose
extraordinary songs spoof almost every genre of pop music -- stars
as the villainous Swan, a super-successful music impresario looking
for the perfect song to open his new nightclub, the Paradise. He
steals a Faust cantata from hapless songwriter Winslow (William
Finley) and gives it to awful hit-makers The Juicy Fruits. But when
a scarred Winslow haunts the Paradise as the Phantom, he forces
Swan to allow the beautiful Phoenix (cult icon Jessica Harper, star of
Suspiria, Stardust Memories and Shock Treatment) to sing it. Can
the Phantom wrest Phoenix’s soul from Swan’s clutches, or will their
contract in blood last as long as all three stay alive? A one-of-a-
kind mix of comedy, horror, satire and incredibly catchy pop songs,
Phantom of the Paradise remains, on its 35th anniversary, one of the
most outrageous and daring screen musicals ever made. Academy
Award nominated for its song score and filmed partly in Dallas featur-
ing familiar landmarks the Majestic Theatre (the Paradise club) and
the Old Red Courthouse (Swan’s mansion). 92 mins. Paul Williams
in attendance.
Special thanks to our friends at charlieuniformtango for their assis-
tance with the tribute program.
Phantom of the Paradise
Note: All films included in the festival are intended for mature audiences. Some films may contain mature themes.
A P R I L
Battle for Terra
BATTLE FOR TERRA
Wednesday, April 29 7:00pm
Don’t miss the debut of the exciting animated feature based on the
short film that won the Animation Prize in the 2004 USAFF National
Short Film and Video Competition!
Mala (Evan Rachel Wood) is a precocious girl living on the beautiful
planet Terra, a place where peace and tolerance are celebrated. The
Terrans’ idyllic lives are about to be disturbed by the last inhabitants
of a dead planet — who have exhausted the resources of their own
world and three others — who arrive at Terra searching for a new
home. Their planned use of a terraforming device will make Terra
habitable for their kind but inhospitable for Terrans. The twist: These
invaders from space are humans! When the Earthlings embark on a
hostile invasion of Terra, Mala’s father (Dennis Quaid) is kidnapped.
Hoping to save him, Mala forges a friendship with an injured human
pilot named Jim (Luke Wilson), and the two concoct a plan they hope
will save both species. But peace will not be secured unless they can
defeat the darker desires of sentient beings. Director Aristomenis
Tsirbas paints a landscape of pastoral innocence and idyllic vistas
and then colors it darkly with themes that are adult in nature but made
accessible to younger audiences as well. The thrilling animated fea-
ture boasts a dream cast of voices (Brian Cox, James Garner, Danny
Glover), cutting-edge CGI animation, along with a unique twist on the
science fiction genre and a powerful, heartfelt message for all ages.
85 mins. Director Aristomenis Tsirbas in attendance.
Battle for Terra
2 9 The King of Texas
The Yellow Handkerchief
THE YELLOW HANDKERCHIEF
Wednesday, April 29 7:00pm
William Hurt delivers a captivating performance as ex-con Brett
Hanson, just released from prison following a six-year stint for
manslaughter and having difficulty reconciling his troubled past.
Brett crosses paths with lonely and troubled 16 year-old Martine
(Kristen Stewart, Twilight) and her new “ride,” the awkward Gordy
(Eddie Redmayne, Savage Grace). The unlikely trio share a car
through the backwaters of post-Katrina Louisiana to New Orleans
and along the way we learn Brett’s story -- of his prior life, the rea-
son for his incarceration, and the wife he left behind (Maria Bello).
Will she have received his postcard and will she have hung a yellow
handkerchief outside the house to say whether she will have him
back? Based on the short story by Pete Hamill, director Udayan
Prassad’s poetic road trip of lonely souls who form a tenuous con-
nection is small triumph in story-telling restraint. An Arthur Cohn
production featuring gorgeous cinematography from Chris Menges.
102 mins.
The Yellow Handkerchief
 PREMIERES AND PROGRAMS
T
T H
H U
U R
R S
S D
D A
A Y
Y ,, A
A P
P R
R II L
L 2
3 9
0 The King of Texas

Is Anybody There? The Maiden Heist

TRIBUTE TO JOE SEDELMAIER IS ANYBODY THERE? THE MAIDEN HEIST

Thursday, April 30 7:00pm
Point of View
You know his work -- everybody does. Wendy’s “Where’s the beef?”
lady, the fast talking FedEx guy, along with countless other unforget-
table commercials and campaigns are part of the iconic and distinctive
work of director Joe Sedelmaier. Breaking with advertising’s traditional
pretty, perfect mannequin people and straightforward approach to
product sales, Sedelmaier’s work is among some of television’s best-
known and most honored commercials. An early auteur in a world of
salesmen, Sedelmaier created a whole genre with his idiosyncratic
works featuring non-actors just trying to get through life. Filmmaker
Marsie Wallach’s thoroughly entertaining short documentary, Point of
View, profiles the man and the work that landed Sedelmaier on Ad
Age’s list of “Top 100 People of the Century.” The Festival is honored
to salute short filmmaker and commercial genius Joe Sedelmaier. 40
mins. Joe Sedelmaier and Marsie Wallach in attendance.
Thursday, April 30 7:00pm
In this new film from Irish filmmaker John Crowley (Boy A), the vener-
able Michael Caine gives one of his finest performances as a retired
magician who reluctantly enters a family-run old age home. Set in a
seaside English town circa 1987, Caine’s proud, ascerbic old perform-
er and the death-obsessed young son (Bill Milner, Son of Rambow)
of the home’s overwhelmed owners strike an unlikely alliance. Writer
Peter Harness drew upon his own youthful experiences living in a
retirement home for this beguiling story of growing up, growing old,
and the unpredictable adventures that happen along the way. 92 mins.
Filmmakers in attendance pending availability.
Thursday, April 30 7:00pm
Peter Hewitt’s clever caper comedy presents three of the most endear-
ing characters to ever commit grand larceny. Roger (Christopher
Walken), Charles (Morgan Freeman) and George (William H. Macy)
are museum security guards, each infatuated with a certain work of
art at their place of employment – so much so that although they
have been coworkers for decades, they only meet for the first time
when crisis strikes. A new curator plans to change the museum’s
collection entirely, threatening to rob each man of his great secret
passion. They, however, decide to rob the museum first. The fact
that they aren’t exactly criminal masterminds doesn’t dissuade them
from embarking on a daring heist, with predictably hilarious results.
Also starring the divine Marcia Gay Harden. 89 mins. Director Peter
Hewitt and producer Rob Paris in attendance.

SHORTS SHOWCASE
A short compilation of new works by other filmmakers will precede the
Tribute to Joe Sedelmaier program. Compilation run time: 56 mins.

Warriors of the Discotheque: The Starck Club Documentary

Believe it or not, it has been 25 years this month since Dallas’ notori-
ous Starck Club opened its distinctive doors as the first major North
American project designed by Phillipe Starck, and a grand party
began. Joseph Alexandre’s lively documentary work-in-progress (get-
ting a special sneak preview at the Festival) thoughtfully explores the
influences (architectural, musical and otherwise) from the standpoint
of the people who were there. Joseph Alexandre in attendance.
Is Anybody There? The Maiden Heist
Cat Demon: Re-Exhumed
Comic and actress Laura Kightlinger’s wicked little mockumentary is a
nutty spoof of everything from crappy TV “news” shows, the Hollywood
movie system, finicky actors (hilariously using cats to make that point
– “two huge international cat talents”), star handlers, censorship and The USA Film Festival Salutes
more. Laura Kightlinger, producer Kelley Cheek and co-editor the Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs on its 20th Anniversary
Angela Garbin in attendance.
April 12, 2009 marks the Dallas’ Office of Cultural Affairs' 20th Anniversary. In its two decades of existence, the OCA has
Our Neck of the Woods
worked to foster a vibrant arts and cultural environment for Dallas citizens and visitors. The OCA facilitates cultural programs,
Writer-director Rob Connolly’s wry, weird comedy features Bob
develops new cultural opportunities and partnerships, oversees 18 city-owned arts facilities, coordinates public art projects,
Underwood, an assembly line supervisor frustrated with his life and dull
supports Dallas' diverse arts and cultural organizations, operates the City's classical music station WRR 101.1 and City
routine at a plant manufacturing plastic lawn-ornament deer and other
Channel, and promotes public awareness of the City's role in the arts.
fabulous yard decor. Bob fantasizes about a better life and a better
world. When beautiful Georgian refugee Elsa arrives, her seemingly
In honor of this exciting milestone, the Office Cultural Affairs has
sad isolation triggers Bob’s life-crisis and he makes a bold decision to
announced 20 Days, 20 Deals: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in
save the world and help Elsa – whether she needs it or not.
Dallas Arts and Culture.
Welgunzer
Writer-director Bradford Schmidt’s indescribable, unsentimental dark From April 13 - May 8, 2009, Dallas citizens and visitors can visit
comedy questions the possibility or impossibility of change in a per- www.dallasculture.org/20Days20Deals.cfm for exclusive discount deals
son. Unhappy Donald plans to build a time machine to travel into the to Dallas' coolest arts and cultural events.
future to murder himself. In the future he meets a pair of future selves
who coerce him to travel into his past to visit his estranged wife one
last time.
 USA FILM FESTIVAL 2009
Arrancame la vida
ARRANCAME LA VIDA
(TEAR THIS HEART OUT)
Friday, May 1 7:00pm
From gifted Mexican director Roberto Sneider (Two Crimes, USAFF 1995)
comes another great film. A passionate love story set against Mexico’s
post-revolution period of the 1930s and ’40s, this epic tale was Mexico’s
foreign-language film submission for the 2008 Academy Awards. Catalina
Guzman (Ana Claudia Talancón), a 15-year-old girl born into a rural family,
is swept away as the child bride of the ruthless general Andres Ascensio
(Daniel Giménez Cacho), whose political ambitions allow him to become
governor of the province, but not before he’s spent time in jail for murder.
He nevertheless has his eye on the presidency, and Catalina stands by
him – even after she learns that he has a lover as well as children by other
women. That changes when she meets and falls for orchestra conductor
and left-wing activist Carlos Vives (José María de Tavira). The dangerous
love triangle plays out to a dramatic conclusion against the backdrop of a
turbulent period in Mexican history. Based on the 1985 novel by Mexican
writer and journalist Ángeles Mastretta, Arráncame was a critical and
popular success that earned her the Mazatlán Prize for Literature for Best
Book of the Year. Stunning cinematography by Javier Aguírresarobe and
rich period detail make for a sumptuous visual feast. 107 mins. Director
Roberto Sneider and author Angeles Mastretta in attendance.
Special thanks to The Mexico Institute for their assistance with this program.
Sita Sings the Blues
SITA SINGS THE BLUES
Friday, May 1 9:00pm
Alt-cartoonist Nina Paley’s enchanting and mesmerizing animated tale is
one of the must-see films of the year and an absolute raving joy on the big
screen. Based on the “epic Indian tale of The Ramayana set to the 1920’s
jazz vocals of Annette Hanshaw” this enchanting, witty film has a lot more
going on -- including a lustful king, a monkey army, a chorus line of gurus
and a tap-dancing moon, along with voice-over by modern Indians as they
try to get the story straight. Oh, and a parallel story of a modern American
couple. The Betty Boop-like Sita is brought to life in spoken voice by
Reena Shah, who also provides her sexy dance moves. (Husband Todd
Michaelson composed the score and original songs.) Money back if you
don’t come out of this film smiling and begging for a DVD copy for your
home library. 82 mins. Reena Shah in attendance.
Note: All films included in the festival are intended for mature audiences. Some films may contain mature themes.
F R I D A Y, M A Y
The Lost Skeleton Returns Again
THE LOST SKELETON RETURNS
AGAIN
Friday, May 1 7:00pm
Iconoclastic writer-director Larry Blamire (cult faves The Lost Skeleton
of Cadavra and Trail of the Screaming Forehead) is at it again, this time
turning his brilliant knack for B-movie parody towards his own work. The
original flick was a gleefully deadpan recreation of those ultra-cheap ’50s
sci-fi horror movies, as a host of stereotypical characters searched for
a meteorite containing a mysterious radioactive element. Now it’s two
years later, and the action shifts to the Amazon Jungle, as old friends and
new enemies trek into the dreaded Valley of the Monsters in search of
yet another rare element. This bigger, better, loonier sequel features the
usual camptastic performances and Blamire’s trademark loopy dialogue,
as well as slightly flashier special effects and color photography! (Fear
not, diehard fans, you can still see the wires.) Blamire’s knack for parody
is back with a vengeance, as is his stable of stalwart actors, including
Jennifer Blaire, Brian Howe, Faye Masterson, Alison Martin, Dan Conroy,
and Andrew Parks – some of them playing the (sometimes evil) twins of
the characters they played in the original. This side-splitting comedy is a
must-see for fans of classic Hollywood genre flicks and of Blamire’s unique
brand of comedy. Presented in SuperSkeletoRama. 92 mins. Writer-
director Larry Blamire and Jennifer Blaire in attendance.
Baghdad Texas
BAGHDAD TEXAS
Friday, May 1 9:00pm
David Hickey’s completely original indie comedy/drama is a lot of fun, but
also more than it seems on its quirky surface. (The first action-packed ten
minutes have virtually no dialogue, but skillful shooting, editing and musical
score give the viewer all the set-up needed.) A Middle Eastern dictator,
fleeing his occupied country, finds himself near the Mexican border when
his plane crashes. The only survivor of the crash, he stumbles into the
highway and is hit by a truck driven by three red-neck cowboys (with ste-
reotypical prejudices) who take the unconscious man to the exotic game
ranch that is also home. The wounded man is cared for by the broken-
down ranch’s Mexican housekeeper and cook (the film’s most compas-
sionate and sensible character). Despite the language barriers (Spanish,
English and Arabic -- which make every communication funnier and often
more touching), in the ensuing days, every character discovers something
about themselves, along with a growing suspicion that this mysterious man
might be a very famous, hunted criminal with a large bounty on his head.
The flat-out broad comedy is surprisingly sweetened with a larger message
about disenfranchised souls and why the meek should indeed inherit the
earth. 90 mins. Filmmakers in attendance.
1
The Escapist
THE ESCAPIST
TRIBUTE TO BRIAN COX
Friday, May 1 7:00pm
The feature film will be preceded by a film clip compilation tribute
honoring Brian Cox.
Hold on to your seat. This tautly suspenseful thriller may cause you
revise your preconceptions about prison-escape movies. Brian Cox
turns in another outstanding performance as a lifer who becomes
desperate to bust out when he finds out his long estranged daughter
is near death from an overdose. He assembles a team of fellow con-
victs, including boxer Lenny (Joseph Fiennes), well-connected trustee
Viv (Seu Jorge of The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou) and new fish
James (Dominic Cooper, Mamma Mia!). Eluding the guards is one
thing, but getting their plan past cellblock adversaries like alpha-dog
Rizza (Damian Lewis, "Life") and brawler Two Ton (WWE star Sheamus
O'Shaunessy) is another matter entirely. The Escapist provides lots of
tight scrapes and surprises around every turn. 102 mins. Brian Cox
in attendance.
Made in U.S.A.
MADE IN U.S.A. (1966)
Friday, May 1 9:15pm
NEW 35mm PRINT!
Never formally released in the United States, this 1966 mod-noir by
legendary director Jean-Luc Godard carries a hard-boiled pedigree like
no other. Originally intended as an adaptation of Raymond Chandler’s
“The Big Sleep,” it is essentially based on “The Jugger” – one of the
Parker novels written by Richard Stark, the best-known pseudonym of
the late Donald E. Westlake (who was honored at the 2007 USA Film
Festival), as refashioned by Godard. One of Godard’s pivotal features,
an homage to the works of Nicholas Ray and Samuel Fuller, the film
is filled with irony and cartoonishly tangled intrigue, and was also the
last he made with his wife Anna Karina, who stars as a young woman
trapped in a Cold War conspiracy. Due to legal difficulties, Made in
U.S.A. never received an official release in the States, but can now be
seen in a new widescreen print from the original negative, with new
subtitles. The USA Film Festival is proud to present the regional debut
of this “lost” classic, a rare treat for fans of the French New Wave cin-
ema, hard-boiled fiction, and movies in general. In French with English
subtitles. 90 mins. To help navigate the numerous literary, cinematic
and political references, the Festival will provide a concordance.
 PREMIERES AND PROGRAMS
S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 2

Imitation of Life
Imitation of Life The Nature of Existence

IMITATION OF LIFE (1959) THE NATURE OF EXISTENCE A TRIBUTE TO RAY LIOTTA

TRIBUTE TO JUANITA MOORE Saturday, May 2 7:00pm We go mano a mano with The Man
Saturday, May 2 7:00pm Saturday, May 2 8:00pm
In documentarian Roger Nygard’s latest undertaking, he takes on the
50TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING unanswerable -- Why are we here? Does God exist? Do we have souls? Join us for a very intense night with actor Ray Liotta. (We’d swear he
The program will be introduced by FOX 4 News Anchor Clarice Tinsley. And the director of Trekkies certainly knows a thing or two about the zeal- could end the world’s worst conflicts with just One Meaningful Stare.) The
ous. Circling the globe for four years, Nygard interviews everyone from evening will include a film clip compilation program featuring your favorite
Director Douglas Sirk’s final Hollywood film wasn’t the first filmed ver-
spiritual leaders, scholars, scientists, artists and pizza chefs, members scenes from the many memorable performances of Ray Liotta, followed
sion of the Fannie Hurst novel, but it is the one that endures -- and for
of wrestling ministry, to others who have influenced, inspired or freaked by an on-stage conversation with artist. Bring your questions and help the
many reasons. Filled with Sirk’s subversive irony, the slick Ross Hunter
out humanity. There is something about taking on the “big” questions Festival welcome one of Hollywood’s most versatile and ferocious artists
production featured Lana Turner in two dozen fabulous outfits, looking
that makes for one wildly entertaining portrait of humanity. And Texas is (and nicest guys) to Dallas.
impeccably glamorous while being completely ridiculous and absolutely
well represented -- from Huntsville’s New Zion Missionary Baptist Church
perfect in the part. Lana is aspiring actress Lora Meredith, who meets
(known for its great BBQ), to Dallas’ Cathedral of Hope. 94 mins. Director Special thanks to our friends at charlieuniformtango for their assistance
homeless black woman Annie Johnson (Juanita Moore) by chance at
Roger Nygard in attendance. with the tribute program.
Coney Island. At Annie’s urging, Lana employs her as her live-in maid and
the two women become friends (though never really on equal footing) and
raise their daughters Susie (Sandra Dee) and Sarah Jane (Susan Kohner)
together. And both mothers come into conflict with their daughters -- Lora
for neglecting Susie in favor of her career and Annie for refusing to let
Sarah Jane deny her racial identity by “passing for white.” Both shattering
and unabashedly melodramatic, the landmark film also features one of the
great funeral scenes of all time and retains its universal appeal for fans
around the world. 124 mins. Juanita Moore in attendance.

Special Guest - Author Sam Staggs Field of Dreams Goodfellas Narc

Born to Be Hurt: The Untold Story of Imitation of Life
Sam Staggs knows a good story, and he knows how to tell one even
better. Whether you are among the film’s devout fans or not, Born to Be
Hurt is a page-turner for every reader. Filled with juicy details and exhaus-
tive research, from the scandal surrounding Lana Turner at the time of
the film (her daughter Cheryl had recently stabbed Lana’s lover Johnny
Stompanato), to interviews with surviving cast members (including Juanita
Moore and Susan Kohner, to whom he dedicates the work), Staggs’ has
produced the definitive behind the scenes account of director Douglas
Sirk’s masterpiece. Perhaps filmmaker and author John Waters says it
best -- “Sam Staggs’ inside story of the entire Imitation of Life phenom-
enon is funny, obsessive, and quite revealing, and, like any good fanatic,
he takes sides.” Sam Staggs and Juanita Moore will sign copies of
Mr. Staggs’ book following the program.

The Vicious Kind Must Read After My Death

THE VICIOUS KIND MUST READ AFTER MY DEATH

Saturday, May 2 9:00pm
“Sometimes people do things that they know are wrong but they just do
them anyway because to do the right thing would be too painful…” The
great character actor J.K. Simmons’ line from the film beautifully sums
up writer-director Lee Toland Krieger’s outstanding character study that
keeps you guessing. Embittered, self-hating Caleb Sinclaire (Adam Scott,
On the Count of Zero August, Knocked Up) has no use for most people, spewing misogynistic
tirades and nasty cracks to anyone unfortunate enough to cross his path.
Saturday, May 2 9:00pm
This movie will haunt you. Roger Ebert called it “a cry from the grave,”
and is it ever. Imagine going through your deceased grandmothers's
possessions and finding a trove of papers and audiotapes hand marked
“Must read after my death.” So begins Morgan Dews’ examination
of the remarkably-documented portrait of his grandparents (Allis and
Charlie) and their children (his mother and her three siblings), and the
wreckage of what began as such a seemingly perfect 60s family. Allis

ON THE COUNT OF ZERO
Saturday, May 2 9:30pm
From writer-director Gokhan Yorgancigil comes a tale replete with thrills
and chills in this imaginative Turkish film. Young art student Asli has lost
a precious book that she recently borrowed from a teacher – but has no
recollection of how it was lost. Having fallen into a depression due to
her temporary amnesia, Asli, undergoes hypnosis to try and recover her
memories. As Asli relives the day she lost the book, she comes across a
mysterious stranger in the hypnosis world and the door to incomprehen-
sible events is opened as the characters, led by an unseen hand, enter the
realms of traditional Turkish fairytales. In Turkish with English subtitles.
90 mins. Writer-director Gokhan Yorgancigil in attendance.
Caleb reluctantly agrees to drive his younger brother Peter home for the
Thanksgiving holiday with the father (J.K. Simmons) to whom Caleb hasn’t
spoken in years. When Peter shows up with new girlfriend Emma (Brittany
Snow), the tension with Caleb (recently broken up from his two-timing
girlfriend) is almost unbearable. Caleb’s encounters with Emma over the
ensuing weekend range from hostile to sexually-charged, bringing all four
people into conflict in this brutally painful and surprisingly redemptive tale.
93 mins. Writer-director Lee Toland Krieger in attendance.
and husband Charlie recorded dictaphone messages for each other and
telephone calls while Charlie worked much of the year in Australia. The
tapes reveal that the couple had an “open marriage” and that Charlie,
an alcoholic, fought with Allis constantly. When the family comes under
the “care” of a psychiatrist named Dr. Lenn (Allis records some of these
sessions, too), the wheels really begin to come off. Lenn wrongly sends
one son to a mental institution, and pretty much places blame for all their
problems on Allis. Somehow, Allis retained her sense of self despite the
socially-sanctioned male authorities' attempts to persuade her otherwise.
And we learn what happens with each of the children, and how they bear
their scars. Alternately elegant and chilling in its raw honesty, there has
never been a “home movie” quite like Morgan Dews’ remarkable film. 74
mins. Director Morgan Dews in attendance.
 USA FILM FESTIVAL 2009
O P E N I N G N I G H T S U N D A Y, M A Y 3

SHORT FILM AWARDS PROGRAM

Sunday, May 3 7:00pm

Join our National Jurors - Angela Garbin, Laura Kightlinger, and Sandra Luckow - for announcements and screening presentations of this year's
winning short films. Awards are given to the best in Animation, Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Experimental, as well as awards for family fare, Texas
ties, student achievements, and more. Meet the Grand Prize winner (who is notified the day prior and flown to Dallas for the show) as he or she
presents the winning entry and receives the cash award. USAFF prize winners who have gone on to big careers after winning this competition
include Billy Bob Thorton, Alexander Payne, Todd Haynes, Jessica Yu, 2007's Academy Award winner Ari Sandel, and Aristomenis Tsirbas, whose
2004 award-winning Terra received feature film treatment and helps to open this year's Festival. (Academy-qualified program; For more informa-
tion, www.oscars.org/rules).

THE NATIONAL JURY -- Since beginning her career in the film industry, Angela Garbin has become an accomplished creative editor and has
worked on a wide variety of projects that include drama, documentaries, and music videos. Laura Kightlinger is a comic who has written, directed
and performed in several comedy specials, television shows, documentaries, and short films. Award-winning filmmaker and documentarian

DON MCKAY and TRIBUTE TO M. EMMET WALSH

Sunday, May 3 7:00pm
The feature film will be preceded by a film clip compilation tribute honoring M. Emmet Walsh.

Haunted by a tragedy that forced him to flee his hometown 25 years earlier, mild-mannered and socially isolated school janitor Don McKay (a
deadpan Thomas Haden Church) receives an unexpected letter from his old high school sweetheart Sonny (Elisabeth Shue), saying that she must
see him. Don takes the first bus back home to her doorstep only to learn she is dying and wants to spend the rest of her limited time with him.
But things just don’t seem right somehow... To say much more here would be unfair to Jake Goldberger’s demented, oh-so-black comedy which
should be allowed to unwind in its own time. Suffice it to say that audiences will have a ball watching the unholy ensemble cast steal each other’s
scenes (and more). Featuring Melissa Leo and M. Emmet Walsh in a role written for him. Writer-director Jake Goldberger, producer James
Young, Thomas Haden Church (who also produced) and M. Emmet Walsh in attendance.
Don McKay Special thanks to our friends at charlieuniformtango for their assistance with the tribute program.

AUTOMORPHOSIS
Sunday, May 3 7:00pm

Who thinks about transforming their car into a mobile work of art? Documentary filmmaker Harrod Blank’s fascinating film examines the hearts and
minds of the eccentric artists and visionaries who have turned a mode of transportation into mobile pop art. Blank interviews art-car enthusiasts
and drives head-long into their unique world and their creative processes, exploring a subculture that strives to alter one’s view of an increasingly
homogenous world. Featured subjects include world-renowned psychic Uri Geller and his bent fork-and-spoon-covered “Peace Car;" Howard
Davis’ “Telephone Car,” a manifestation of his obsession with telephone collecting; and religious folk artist Leonard Knight, who’s painted his
vehicles as well as most of an entire mountain as a testament to his faith. Weaving his own tale amidst the others, Blank narrates this refreshing
portrait of individuality and has turned his own vehicle into an art-car masterpiece. 77 mins. Director Harrod Blank in attendance, as well as
local art car owners with their cars on display at the theatre (including Tim Klein’s “Yarn Car” featured in the film).
Automorphosis

MANAGEMENT
Sunday, May 3 7:00pm

Jennifer Aniston, Steve Zahn and Woody Harrelson star in this romantic comedy centering on the awkward romance between a mismatched
couple. Mike (Zahn) is a directionless man trapped behind the front desk of his parents’ roadside Arizona motel. When buttoned-down corporate
art broker Sue (Aniston) checks in, Mike turns on the charm, sending her a bottle of wine “compliments of management” which engenders the
intended result. Writing off the encounter as a meaningless fling, Sue returns home and rekindles a romance with her punk rocker-turned-yogurt-
mogul boyfriend Jango (Harrelson). But Mike shows up on her doorstep and begins a relentless pursuit of his dream girl. The directorial debut
of screenwriter and Tectonic Theatre alum Stephen Belber (Tape), Management features a winning combination of eccentricity and charm, with
exceptional performances by a talented cast. 93 mins. Writer-director Stephen Belber in attendance.

Management

Note: All films included in the festival are intended for mature audiences. Some films may contain mature themes.
 PREMIERES AND PROGRAMS
S P E C I A L
TRIBUTE TO
BRIAN COX
All the world's his stage
Friday, May 1, 7:00pm
While Brian Cox made an ini-
tial impression on American
audiences as the first actor to
brilliantly portray serial killer
Hannibal Lecktor (as it was
spelled in this version) in Michael
Mann's 1986 thriller Manhunter, he had already established himself
as one of the foremost stage and television actors in the UK. But if
it took the Scottish-born Cox a while to garner attention in the U.S.,
he has more than made up for lost time over the last two decades,
alternately cajoling and terrifying audiences with an audaciously
eclectic collection of characters. Cox made us laugh with his sternly
forgiving authority figures in Rushmore and Super Troopers while his
compassionate performance in L.I.E. compelled audiences to feel
some level of sympathy for a child molester. His moving performance
as an old man whose canine best friend is murdered by callow youths
in Red brought us to tears of indignation, and we recoiled from and
were bemused by his unconventional parenting style in Running with
Scissors. We worried for his safety in Red Eye as much as we hated
him in X2 — and make no mistake, his Hannibal the Cannibal is just
as fascinating and terrifying a version of the character as any. Cox's
characters are as vital and present in the modern day as they are in
the 70s (Zodiac), the old West (HBO's "Deadwood") or even ancient
Greece (Troy). The USA Film Festival is honored to pay tribute to this
talented and unpredictable actor with two projects that demonstrate
his amazing range: In The Escapist, he portrays a longtime inmate
who is moved by the possibility of a reconciliation with his daughter
to attempt to break his way out of prison, while in Battle for Terra, he
lends his gorgeous voice to a power-mad military man who is willing
to commit genocide upon an entire planet in order to provide a new
home for the humans under his watch. What kind of role will Cox take
on next? We don’t care -- We just know that we can’t wait to see it.
TRIBUTE TO
JOE
SEDELMAIER
Maverick mad man
Thursday, April 30, 7:00pm
You know his work -- we all do.
Wendy’s Clara Peller “Where’s
the beef?”, the fast talking
FedEx guy, along with count-
less other unforgettable commercials and campaigns are part of
the iconic and distinctive work of director Joe Sedelmaier. Breaking
with advertising’s traditional pretty, perfect mannequin people and
straightforward approach to product sales, director Joe Sedelmaier’s
work is among some of television’s best-known and most honored
commercials. An early auteur in a world of salesmen, Sedelmaier
created a whole genre with his idiosyncratic work featuring non-
actors just trying to get through life. Filmmaker Marsie Wallach’s
thoroughly entertaining short documentary, Point of View, profiles the
man and the work that landed Joe Sedelmaier on Ad Age’s list of “Top
100 People of the Century.” The Festival is honored to salute short
filmmaker and commercial genius Joe Sedelmaier.
T R I B U T E S
TRIBUTE TO TRIBUTE TO
RAY LIOTTA JUANITA MOORE
Frankly, he scares us The movie maid that made
history
Saturday, May 2, 8:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 7:00pm
He’s the embodiment of the word
“intense” — on-screen, anyway.
Juanita Moore began her stage
Ray Liotta has made a name for
career dancing in the chorus of
himself playing edgy characters
numerous shows ranging from
on both sides of the law, but
the thriving nightclubs of Harlem
is paradoxically himself a home-
in the 1930’s to the London Palladium and the Moulin Rouge in Paris.
body; the actor also happens to be considered one of the nicest guys
Returning home to Los Angeles, she took a job working in a chicken
in Hollywood by his co-stars. After struggling in daytime soap operas
restaurant frequented by Marlon Brando, who became her friend, and
throughout his 20s, Liotta made his feature film debut doing unpleas-
took acting classes with numerous soon-to-be-famous actors (includ-
ant things to Pia Zadora in The Lonely Lady. Not surprisingly, he
ing Norma Jean Baker). She joined the African American-founded
quickly found himself typecast as a lovable but psychotic and violent
Ebony Showcase Theatre and performed with them for decades. By
charmer, and just as quickly fought against said typecasting in order
the time she was up for a role in Imitation of Life, Moore had several
to challenge himself and prove his mettle. That determination even-
smaller screen roles to her credit and the “kind face” director Douglas
tually earned him the lead in Martin Scorsese's classic mob drama
Sirk was looking for and he cast her over other more well-known and
Goodfellas in 1990, putting him in the unenviable position of having to
established actresses. Juanita Moore said at the time “I think my part
hold his own opposite Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. Liotta delivered
in Imitation of Life is the greatest dramatic role ever given to an actress
the goods, and made a name for himself in the process. He has
of my race and I was determined to do it justice.” And justice she did
continued to branch out over the course of his stunning career, so that
- her performance as Annie Johnson is the very heart of the film and it
even though it’s often his no-holds-barred, scary-as-hell performances
garnered Moore an Academy Award nomination. That nomination and
-- in Something Wild, Unlawful Entry, Cop Land, Hannibal, and Narc,
attendant recognition should have afforded Moore more and richer
among others -- that sometimes get the most attention, it’s his quirky,
film roles worthy of her talents, but in 1960's Hollywood, such was
comedic, romantic, and daunting roles in the likes of Field of Dreams,
not the case. In the 1980’s Moore became a founding member of the
Heartbreakers, Wild Hogs, Bee Movie, and an Emmy Award-winning
Cambridge Players (named for actor-director Edmund J. Cambridge)
appearance on "ER" in 2004 that frequently overshadow those hard-
which also included Esther Rolle, Helen Martin, Lynn Hamilton and
bitten characters. It’s a testament to the man’s skill and accomplish-
Royce Wallace. The legacy continues today under the stewardship
ments that his projects currently in the works include two comedies
of the next generation, including Moore’s grandson (and SMU alum)
(Youth in Revolt and Crazy on the Outside), a thriller (13), a drama
Kirk Kelley-Kahn. The Festival is proud to pay tribute to the venerable
(Ticket Out), and a family flick (Snowmen). Liotta's so busy that he
Juanita Moore.
was able to turn down an offer to appear on "The Sopranos" for two
years. Not bad for a crazy guy.
TRIBUTE TO TRIBUTE TO
M. EMMET PAUL WILLIAMS
WALSH Musician, Actor, Icon
He's just cool Wednesday, April 29,
7:00pm
Sunday, May 3, 7:00pm
Actor-Singer-Composer-
Character actors rarely get top
Songwriter. No American who
billing or magazine covers but
has ever seen a movie or owned
the great ones become familiar
a TV or radio can be unfamiliar
and beloved faces in the lives of
with the work of Paul Williams,
those who love movies. And for 40 years, film fans have grown to
one of his generation’s most prolific and successful songwriters and
welcome the sight of M. Emmet Walsh, a screen artist who makes
a popular star of the big and small screen. His achievements as a
each role — heroic or villainous, cowardly or comic — unforgettable.
tunesmith are enough to ensure his immortality — he’s an Oscar-,
Walsh modestly refers to himself as "a working actor," but that's an
Grammy- and Golden Globe-winning composer for creating such hits
understatement on par with calling the Atlantic Ocean "wet." While
as “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “An Old-
he’s perhaps best known as the homicidally duplicitous private eye in
Fashioned Love Song,” as well as the song scores for Phantom of the
the Coen Brothers’ Texas-set breakthrough Blood Simple — a role for
Paradise, The Muppet Movie, Ishtar (whatever can be said of the film,
which he won the very first Independent Spirit Award for Best Actor —
the songs are hilarious) and Bugsy Malone. (He also gave the world
Walsh has stolen scenes in practically every genre, from science fic-
— and the 1976 version of A Star is Born — the beloved standard
tion (Blade Runner) to comedy (Slap Shot, My Best Friend’s Wedding,
“Evergreen.”) Add to that Williams’ near-ubiquity during the golden
Christmas with the Kranks) to drama (Straight Time, Silkwood). This
age of TV variety shows and his performances in films like The Rules
year marks the 40th anniversary of Walsh’s extraordinary film and
of Attraction, The Loved One, Battle for the Planet of the Apes and
television career, beginning with his appearances in the 1969 classics
the Smokey and the Bandit series, and you have one of pop culture’s
Alice’s Restaurant and Midnight Cowboy. Over those four decades
great Renaissance men. (And did we mention he wrote the lyrics to
— in almost 150 feature films and countless more TV appearances
the theme from “The Love Boat”?) Join the Festival as we pay tribute
— he has become such a beloved figure onscreen that Roger Ebert
to the unpredictable and ongoing career of the inimitable Paul Williams
once coined the Stanton-Walsh Rule, which decreed that “no movie
with a 35th anniversary screening of Phantom of the Paradise, which
featuring Harry Dean Stanton or M. Emmet Walsh in a supporting
features not only Williams’ great songs (which operate simultaneously
role can be altogether bad.” The USA Film Festival is honored to pay
as pop confections and genre parodies) but also his villainous turn as
tribute to the extraordinary M. Emmet Walsh -- an artist who puts the
evil music mogul Swan.
“character” in actor like nobody else.
 SCHEDULE & TICKET INFO.
ANGELIKA FILM CENTER T I C K E T I N F O R M AT I O N
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY TICKETS AT THE BOX OFFICE (Cash sales only)
APRIL 29 APRIL 30 MAY 1 MAY 2 MAY 3 Tickets will be available at the Angelika Film Center upstairs sales desk, for
day of show only, beginning at 6:00pm each day.

7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

Phantom of the Paradise/
Tribute to Paul Williams
7:00pm
Battle for Terra
Tribute to Joe Sedelmaier
7:00pm
The Yellow Handkerchief
Is Anybody There? Arrancame la vida Imitation of Life/ Short Film Awards
ADVANCE TICKETS (Telephone only)
Tribute to Juanita Moore Available exclusively through Ticketmaster – On sale April 16.
Dial 214-631-ARTS (2787) then HOLD for LIVE OPERATOR
option.
7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm (Note: Tickets to the Festival are NOT available via Ticketmaster’s automated
Shorts Showcase & The Lost Skeleton Automorphosis online order service or via the outlet locations.)
The Nature of Existence
Returns Again Advance tickets for all shows are available by phone exclusively through
Ticketmaster. Advance tickets may be purchased until noon of the
day preceding each show. (Friday noon for the weekend shows.)
7:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 7:00pm (A flat service fee of $4.00 per order is charged for telephone orders regardless
The Maiden Heist The Escapist/ Tribute to Ray Liotta Don McKay/ of the number of tickets ordered during one call.)
Tribute to Brian Cox Tribute to M. Emmet Walsh
Ordering all your festival tickets in advance eliminates standing in line at the
theatre box office – You can pick up your tickets for the entire week in the
7:00pm upstairs theatre lobby "Will Call" daily beginning April 29 after 6:00pm. (Your
tickets will NOT be sent out via mail.)
Management
Note: Please be patient when ordering tickets from our friends at Ticketmaster.
9:00pm 9:00pm
The 5-day, multi-ticket festival is an unusual event for them to handle and the
messages the operators see on their screen look radically different from the
Sita Sings the Blues Must Read After My Death information in your flyer.

Trouble-shooting – If your operator is not able to locate a show listed in

9:00pm 9:00pm the flyer, simply obtain the operator’s name and request that you speak with a
Baghdad Texas The Vicious Kind Ticketmaster Supervisor who will cheerfully assist.

Show "sell-outs" are not possible through Ticketmaster

because not all tickets are made available for advance sale by
9:15pm 9:30pm the Festival – Please note that if an operator mistakenly uses the words
Made in U.S.A. On the Count of Zero "sold out" for any festival program, it does NOT mean the show is sold out. It
only means that tickets for that day’s programs have been taken off sale and
sent to the festival office to place on sale at the box office the next day.

Avoid disappointment! Please check with the Festival's UPSTAIRS

SALES DESK, day of show, after the appropriate time, to inquire about ticket
availability. PLEASE INQUIRE IN PERSON. DO NOT CALL THE THEATRE
OFFICIAL SPONSORS BOX OFFICE to request this information; The person answering the telephone
is not the person handling ticket sales and cannot accurately tell you how many
tickets may be available for any particular program.

TICKET PRICES

ALL PROGRAMS
$10.00 per ticket
($8.00 per ticket for Festival members; limit 2 per show at discount.)

T H E AT E R L O C AT I O N

Angelika Film Center / Dallas

5321 E. Mockingbird Lane at Central Expressway (NE Corner)
Parking is available in the garage located in the North end of the complex,
adjacent to the theater

DETAILS
- Schedule is subject to change. (It’s a Festival!) Guests and titles listed are
confirmed at press time. Additional guests and changes anticipated.
- Program times listed are for actual film running times and do not include
discussions with Festival guests in attendance.
- Seating for all screenings is general admission.
- Patron and Sponsor level members of the Festival holding advance tickets
may reserve seats for all shows by calling the Festival office at 214-821-6300.
- Patron members can call and reserve their FREE show tickets through the
Festival office.

F E S T I VA L I N F O R M AT I O N

Call the Festival’s 24-hour Program Information Line

to receive the latest information on events during
the 39th Annual USA Film Festival and year-round at

Special thanks to our friends at Legacy Books, the Dallas Producers Association,
Clampitt Paper and Maloney Strategic Communications.
214-821-FILM