Dallas IFF 2012 Dispatch: Thursday Luv Compliance

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Dallas IFFI didn't have a lot of time to get situated on my first day of the Dallas International Film Festival. As soon as I arrived, I went to pick up my badge and get my bearings as to where everything is located (I've never been to Dallas).

I immediately went to find The Magnolia theater so I could see LUV, a film I didn't know too much about ... but I did know Common is in it, and he's one of my favorite rappers and actors. He didn't disappoint, and a full review will be coming soon.

I then met up with my good friend, the lovely Gwen Reyes (Reel Vixen, Red Carpet Crash), who treated me to some awesome gelato at the fancy West Village shopping center where The Magnolia theater is located.

Little did I know that the awesome was yet to come. We then went to the Dallas International Film Festival Lounge only open to press and filmmakers and what I saw there I couldn't believe. Free alcohol, free food, free wifi, a DJ playing all day, all in a dimly lit and relaxing environment. I'd live there if I could, and in that moment I decided I'd come back next year (I'm easy, what can I say?)

The lounge is right next to the Angelika Film Center, where I saw Compliance for a second time. That's a rough film to see for a second time but I was interested in seeing actor Pat Healy in a Q&A for it, as this movie elicits some intense emotions while watching. Sure enough, the Q&A got a little heated at times, but Pat kept his cool among the negative vibes in the room.

I'll be back tomorrow for a full day of The Dallas International Film Festival, and I'll even give an account my first-ever trip to In-N-Out Burger.