11 July 16 - 22, 2026 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents films. However, except for his 57-minute 2020 feature “Build the Wall,” Swanberg’s been shockingly MIA from the directing scene since 2017’s comedy “Win It All.” Now, he’s back with “The Sun Never Sets,” which will also kick off the festival as its opening screening. Dakota Fanning and Jake Johnson headline the motion picture. “The Sun Never Sets” screens at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30 at the Texas Theatre (231 Jefferson Blvd.). “Filipiñana,” directed by Rafael Manuel Rafael Manuel’s new directorial effort, “Filip- iñana,” scored immediate and tremendous praise at its Sundance 2026 premiere. This story of 17-year-old Isabel (Jorrybell Agoto) uncovering evil machinations at a local coun- try club has earned acclaim for its distinctive filmmaking style. The feature-length directo- rial debut of Manuel offers the chance to catch some of the freshest perspectives rising in modern cinema. “Filipiñana” screens at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 31 at the Bishop Arts The- atre Center (215 S Tyler St.). “Barbara Forever,” directed by Byrdie O’Connor Pride Month is over, but celebrating queer voices and icons can be a year-long affair. The OCFF will embody that reality by screening multiple documentaries that ex- plore queer stories. One of those projects is “Barbara Forever,” a documentary covering experimental lesbian filmmaker Barbara Hammer. Her works, like “Nitrate Kisses,” have influenced countless motion pictures over the years, so it’s only fitting that such a seminal artist would get a documentary ded- icated to her life and artistry. Plus, the docu- mentary’s use of footage from its titular subject offers moviegoers a rare chance to experience Barbara Hammer’s imagery on the big screen in new ways. “Barbara Forever” screens Saturday, Au- gust 1 at 12:15 p.m. at The Oak Cliff Assembly (919 Morrell Ave.). “[[vortex]]” shorts directed by various filmmakers On the final day of OCFF, attendees have the chance to get sucked into something truly un- orthodox. Specifically, they can get lost with a block of shorts dubbed “[[vortex]].” This set consists of a wide array of short films that, per the OCFF, promise “a multiplicity of overlap- ping techniques to create unique impres- sions, pushing the limits of film form in unique ways.” If you’re looking for bite-sized doses of cinema you’ve never experienced before, “[[vortex]]” could hit the spot. The “[[vortex]]” shorts screen Sunday, Au- gust 2 at 3:00 p.m. at The Kessler Theater (1230 W Davis St.). “Shtickmen,” directed by Jeff Hays and Eric Jewell When this 23-year-old feature screens on the 2026 Oak Cliff Film Festival’s final day, it will likely be the first time any attendees have seen the Dallas-set mockumentary about struggling stand-up comedians. That’s one of the many joys of these film festivals: exposing audiences to older titles that slipped through the cracks. Why not wrap up the 2026 Oak Cliff Film Festival experi- ence with a film right here at home? “Shtickmen” screens Sunday, August 2 at 5:15 p.m. at The Kessler Theater. The 2026 edition of the Oak Cliff Film Fes- tival will occur from July 30 to August 2 at various locations. For more details on the Oak Cliff Film Festival, including the full schedule of screenings and ticket information, visit fil- moakcliff.com. Provided by The Alaska Project Dakota Fanning stars in “The Sun Never Sets.” Hand built not bougHt. Franklins TaTToo and supply 469-904-2665 • 4910 Columbia ave, dallas, TX 75214 proFessional TaTToo supply For pros only Call for your appointment or design commissions today! ENTER TO WIN 2 TICKETS
