The Dallas Film Society is thrilled to honor Emmy® and Golden Globe® award-winning actress Toni Collette at The Art of Film in its 5th year on Friday, November 21, 2014. Geared toward celebrating talent within the film community, the premiere Dallas fundraiser has honored some of the biggest names in film including Robert Duvall, Lee Daniels, John Lithgow and Val Kilmer. Proceeds from the evening are directed to the year-round programming of the Dallas Film Society, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, and more specifically the 2015 Dallas International Film Festival, presented by AutoNation and the 2015 DFS Summer Film Camp, presented by SMU – Division of Film & Media Arts.
The Art of Film offers an opportunity for 300 film lovers to gather for an elegant dinner and to enjoy a moderated conversation with and honor the very talented Toni Collette who has a vast array of credits from film, television and Broadway. Collette made an indelible impression on Hollywood with her beautiful portrayal as the hopeless and desperate ‘Muriel Heslop’ in P.J. Hogan’s 1994 film, MURIEL’S WEDDING and has since starred in a variety of intriguingly diverse roles throughout the last two decades. Ms. Collette’s credits include THE WAY, WAY BACK, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, DINNER WITH FRIENDS, THE MAGIC PUDDING, HOTEL SPLENDIDE, THE JAMES GANG, THE CLOCKWATCHERS, THE PALLBEARER, LILIAN’S STORY, ABOUT A BOY, THE HOURS, and THE SIXTH SENSE.
Born and raised in Australia, Collette was a student at Australia’s prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). In addition to her undeniable talent on-screen, Collette has had the opportunity to demonstrate her talents on Broadway’s stage. In 2000, she starred in the highly anticipated revival of THE WILD PARTY alongside Mandy Patinkin and Eartha Kitt. In the role of ‘Queenie,’ Collette displayed her extraordinary range as both actress and singer. Additional stage credits include performances for the Velvoir Street Theater and the Sydney Theater Company.
Elvis Mitchell, former NY Times and Fort Worth Star-Telegram Film Critic and newly appointed Artistic Director of the L.A. Film Festival, will serve as guest moderator for the evening that will certainly be filled with wonderful dialogue between Mitchell and Ms. Collette. James Faust, Artistic Director of the Dallas Film Society, exclaims, “Toni Collette has built one of the most versatile acting careers in all of Hollywood. Instantly recognizable and always stellar, Ms. Collette will do the Dallas Film Society a great honor when she accepts the Dallas Star Award.”
The Art of Film, set to take place at Dallas’ remarkable Perot Museum of Nature & Science, is supported by Pam and Mark Denesuk, on board as Event Chairs and Barbara and Steve Durham as Honorary Chairs. “The Dallas Film Society is an instrumental part of the thriving arts scene in Dallas and film festivals have been a passion project of ours for many years,” states Mark Denesuk, Founder and Managing Principal of Commerce House and The Art of Film 2014 Event Chair along with his wife Pam. “We’re eager to play a part in the signature benefit event for the Dallas Film Society that allows filmmakers to be recognized for their great works and empowers the next generation of filmmakers through camps, high school programs, and the Dallas International Film Festival.”
“I look forward to The Art of Film each year and 2014 is going to be stellar with the assistance in planning and leadership from the Denesuk’s and Durham’s,” said Dallas Film Society CEO and President Lee Papert.
“These couples not only possess the skills to ensure another great year for The Art of Film, but their commitment to community involvement and philanthropy speaks volumes as dedicated corporate citizens.”
Individual tickets from $500 are available for purchase, and underwriting opportunities are available from $5,000-$40,000. The Art of Film begins with red carpet arrivals and reception at 6:30PM, the conversation at 7:30PM and the seated dinner at 8:30PM. Additional information regarding The Art of Film can be found on the Dallas Film Society’s website, www.dallasfilm.org. Contact Jennifer Dworkin at [email protected] or call 214.720.0555 for more information.
