The inaugural AFI Dallas International Film Festival will run inTexas from Mar 22-Apr 1 2007.

Approximately 150 features and shorts will screen at the event andco-sponsor Target has endowed $25,000 cash grants for the best narrative anddocumentary entries.

"The AFI Dallas International Film Festival is a result ofDallas's love of film and filmmakers," festival artistic director MichaelCain (pictured) said. "We welcome this opportunity to work with the Dallas film andfilm festival community to bring the international cinema spotlight on Dallas.

"It is also gratifying to have Liener Temerlin, the founderbut also our chairman. He was the originator of the concept of the AFI series100 Years, 100 Movies, and 100 Stars for the AFI and now today's announcementis another example of his creativity, vision and commitment to Dallas."

"This is a tremendous opportunity for both Dallas and itsfilm industry," Temerlin said. "After careful consideration, itbecame clear to me and others that now was the right environment, timing andopportunity for a festival of this size and scope. AFI saw the synergy with itsown mission, and so began our consulting relationship."

For more information visit www.AFIDallas.com.