“Last Shot” set to Open the Dallas Int’l Film Festival
Dallas International Film Festival Announces World Premiere of Last Shot as Exclusive Opening Night Film
Dallas, TX – April 17, 2026 – The Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) is proud to announce that the world premiere of Last Shot will open the 20th Dallas International Film Festival as its sole Opening Night feature on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The special red‑carpet event will take place at the historic Texas Theatre, launching eight days of screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and celebrations of cinema from around the world.
Directed by Andy Palmer and written and produced by Todd M. Friedman of Hemlock Circle Productions, Last Shot tells the story of a talented young basketball player whose life is upended by loss and upheaval, and who must find his footing again through club basketball, new teammates, and a fragile but powerful bond with his family. Set against the culture of competitive youth hoops, the film blends sports, music, and an emotional father–son journey into a grounded, crowd‑pleasing drama.
“Last Shot is exactly the kind of film we love to showcase on Opening Night—emotionally resonant, locally connected, and built to play with an audience,” said DIFF leadership in its season announcement. “As DIFF turns 20, we wanted one film to kick things off and bring everyone into the same room. Last Shot does that beautifully.”
The Opening Night presentation of Last Shot will feature:
Red carpet arrivals with cast, filmmakers, and special guests
An in‑person screening and world premiere of the film
A live post‑screening Q&A with members of the cast and producing team
An Opening Night celebration to officially launch the 2026 festival program
For Friedman and Hemlock Circle, the Dallas premiere marks a major milestone. The film has been highlighted by DIFF and regional media as a key title in this year’s lineup, and as a centerpiece for the festival’s 20th‑anniversary celebration.
The 20th Dallas International Film Festival runs April 23–30, 2026, presenting more than 120 films along with daily red carpets, filmmaker panels, and special events at venues across Dallas, including Cinépolis Victory Park and Texas Theatre.
Tickets and Passes
Tickets for the Opening Night: Last Shot premiere and festival passes are available now via the DIFF ticketing platform:
Opening Night screening and details: Purchase Tickets Here
General festival information and passes: https://diffdallas.org/diff
Seats for Opening Night are limited. Festival‑goers are encouraged to secure tickets early to be part of this one‑night‑only world premiere event.
About Last Shot
Last Shot is a dramatic feature about a gifted young player whose world is shattered by personal loss and a move to a new city. Through a high‑level club basketball program, demanding coaches, and new teammates, he discovers resilience, identity, and a second chance at connection with the people who matter most. The film is written and produced by Todd M. Friedman and directed by Andy Palmer for Hemlock Circle Productions.
About the Dallas International Film Festival
Founded in 2007, the Dallas International Film Festival is an Academy Award–qualifying festival that showcases a diverse slate of narrative features, documentaries, and shorts from around the world. Now celebrating its 20th edition, DIFF combines premieres, filmmaker Q&As, educational programs, and community events to bring movie lovers and creators together in the heart of Dallas.
