The Dallas Film Society Announces Two New Board Members

The Dallas Film Society, a 501(c)3 designed to promote the City of Dallas' long-standing commitment to THE ART OF filmmaking, and best known for its beloved annual Dallas International Film Festival, has appointed two new local tastemakers to its Board of Directors. The addition of in-demand film producer Dallas Sonnier, and non-representational artist Maureen Womack were announced by Dallas Film Society President and CEO, Lee Papert.

"I am thrilled to announce that Dallas Sonnier and Maureen Womack will all be joining the Dallas Film Society Board of Directors," said Papert. "We have sought to strengthen the representation on our board from the both the film community and the arts community and could not have found a better duo to begin that effort. Having just completed a very successful ten years, their talent, experience and vision will assist us in our efforts to reach for even greater goals and help elevate the Dallas Film Society as we enter our second decade."

DFS Chairman of the Board Mark Denesuk added: "The addition of Dallas and Maureen is an important one for this Board. They will add to the fabric of the impressive group of individuals already on hand to broaden the scope of this organization's collective talents, resources, experience, and outlook. By this point in its existence, the Dallas Film Society holds a great responsibility as a leading force in the celebration, promotion, and education of film and cinema not just in Dallas, but throughout Texas and the Southwest. Each one of our members brings an expertise to the table that can only continue to build the Film Society's reputation at a local, national and international level."

"I left behind a crazy life full of Hollywood memories to return to my hometown of Dallas because I wanted to be a part of the amazing cultural swell that is occurring right this very minute," said Sonnier. "From David Lowery to Shane Carruth, from Deep Vellum Publishing to The Wild Detectives, from Erykah Badu to Sam Lao, from Rambo to Chivas Clem, our city is experiencing an artistic renaissance growing organically alongside our local financial sectors and business leaders. I'm thrilled to be a part of that and joining the DFS board was a huge first step and quite the honor."

Womack added: "Visual Arts has always been my concentration, but I believe that there is a meaningful connection between art and film. I am honored and excited to use my energy and
creativity to take the Dallas Film Society forward, helping to foster both new filmmakers and new
audiences. I love art, I love film and I love Dallas, and am eager to see what we can achieve as the
DFS enters its eleventh year."

Dallas Sonnier is an entrepreneur and film industry professional who co-founded Caliber Media, which recently produced the two-time Spirit Award nominee BONE TOMAHAWK starring Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, and Richard Jenkins. Sonnier is currently prepping BRAWL IN CELL BLOCK 99, starring Vince Vaughn, as well as a reboot of the classic horror franchise PUPPET MASTER. Sonnier previously produced several indie horror films such as DARK WAS THE NIGHT, BAD MILO, SOME KIND OF HATE and CONDEMNED. As managers, Caliber was instrumental in the packaging of films like BACHELORETTE, the Academy-Award winning short film CURFEW, and TV projects such as MOZART IN THE JUNGLE (currently airing on Amazon), and The Path (currently airing on Hulu).

Maureen Womack is as a non-representational artist, with her work on display in several Dallas galleries, as well as having permanent pieces hanging in the Omni Hotel, Dallas. Womack is also a docent at the Dallas Museum of Art and this fall will mark her 8th year with the DMA. Previously, she spent the majority of her career in the advertising and marketing fields. On the agency side, Maureen worked in account service and then as an art buyer. Later she became an independent commercial film rep, representing local and national film professionals including directors, editors and music houses.

The officers for the upcoming fiscal year include Chairman, Mark Denesuk; Treasurer, Mary Hatcher; Secretary, Matt Bivona. Returning Board of Directors (in addition to the officers) include Benton Bagot, Jason Cleveland, Paul Coggins, Lauren Embrey, Clare Freeman, Suzanne Bock Grishman, Geoff Hawkes, Harry Hunsicker, Lynn Lewis, and Larry Waks.

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