In it’s fifth year the Lone Star International Film Festival is stronger than ever and proving itself to be a true cultural institution in Fort Worth.  We’re one of the sponsors of this years festival and happily so.  Festival Director Alec Jhangiani and his team (including the new Programming Director Kelly Williams) have really outdone themselves this year.  There will be plenty of great films and events to keep everybody happy.

Here’s a list of some recommendation from Amy and I for the festival.

First I’ll start with the highly recommend/anticipated films:

• The Descendants – The opening night film from Alexander Payne starring George Clooney.  A very solid opener!
• Pariah – This is the closing night film and we’ve heard nothing but amazing things about this Sundance hit.
• The Artist – The film world is breathless with adoration for this silent epic.
• The Bully Project - A solid documentary about one the most exigent topics of our time.
• Rampart – Oren Moverman directed the critically acclaimed The Messenger and his new film is already garnering Oscar talk for Woody Harrelson’s performance.
• Searching For Sonny – Made right here in Fort Worth by local filmmakers but that’s not the main reason you should see it.  It’s a very well crafted and entertaining genre-bending comedy.
• Slacker 2011 – Linklater’s original is an Indie film classic and we couldn’t me more excited to see this retelling by some of today’s top Austin talent.
• Thelma and Louise – One of the great American films on the big screen.  It’s a no brainer.
• We Need To Talk About Kevin – It’s a Lynne Ramsay film starring Tilda Swinton.  We’re so there.
• Thief – This classic 1981 crime film directed by the wonderful Michael Mann will be screening from a 35mm print!  We’ve heard that if you loved Drive you need to see this film.
• Carrie – Screening on 35mm!  Why wouldn’t you watch this?  If you’ve never seen it on the big screen do yourself a favor.  Plus nobody does it better than fellow Texan Sissy Spacek.
• The Innkeepers – A truly wonderful slow burning ghost story.  No torture and gore.  Just solidly crafted fright.

Here’s some other films we think are great or we’ve heard great things about: