The Dallas Film Society has appointed two new local residents to its Board of Directors to further help promote the City of Dallas’ long-standing commitment to the art of filmmaking. The two latest members who have joined the nonprofit organization are in-demand film producer Dallas Sonnier, and non-representational artist Maureen Womack. Their addition to the company was 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.”
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).
Womack is as a non-representational artist who has her work on display in several Dallas galleries, and also has 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 eighth 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.
The Dallas Film Society celebrates films and their impact on society. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Dallas Film Society recognizes and honors filmmakers for their achievements in enhancing the creative community, provides educational programs to students to develop a better understanding of the role of film in today’s world, and promotes the City of Dallas and its commitment to the art of filmmaking. The annual Dallas International Film Festival is a presentation of the Dallas Film Society and has been named by Movie Maker Magazine as one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World.” In addition to producing one of the largest festivals in the Southwest, the Society produces numerous year round events, screening series and programs in partnership with arts organizations around the city.
The offices of the Dallas Film Society are located at 3625 North Hall Street, Suite 740, Dallas, TX 75219. For more information about the Dallas Film Society and its ongoing events, visit its official website, or call (214) 720-0555.
Written by: Karen Benardello