by John P. Meyer

OUCH! Too many movie-watching opportunities on the same schedule. What's a dedicated movie-watcher to do?

The DALLAS International film festival has just mothballed its red carpets for the year, and -- with barely a chance to catch our breath -- North Texas film fans are suddenly faced with another cornucopia of upcoming film watching opportunities, making for a difficult decision-making process. You might say we are about to find ourselves on the horns of a dilemma, if your verbal thought processes tend toward figurative turns of phrase.

That's because TWO MORE FILM FESTIVALS will be starting up, both of them on April 28, which -- for those without handy access to a calendar -- is just one week away.

Texas Frightmare Weekend (TFW) boasts an expanded film lineup this year, thanks to an arrangement with the Lewisville Studio Movie Grill (SMG), where a bunch of off-site movies and red carpet events are planned for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (April 28-30). This film lineup will be followed Saturday and Sunday (May 1-2) with another slate of films at the same venue as the horror convention (the Sheraton Grand Hotel DFW Airport).

Simultaneously, the USA Film Festival opens with a full slate of screenings at the Dallas Angelika. What's a film lover to do? Honestly, if the film lover in question loves both horror movies and more general fare, that hypothetical individual is going to have a tough time deciding where to plant his or her corporeal self. This is one of those instances when one might be forced to just flip a coin and hope it doesn't land on edge.

I can't help you choose one film-related event over another: you'll have to do that yourself, and live forever after with the consequences. (Oh, the horror!) But I can pass along the latest from Frightmare impresario Loyd Cryer, to wit:

* Jezebel the Sheep will be among those in attendance at the U.S. of A. red carpet premiere of 2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams. Also treading the crimson pile (hopefully BEFORE the ovine) will be a group of 2001 Maniacs-related humans, including director Tim Sullivan and actors Bill Moseley, Christa Campbell, and an unholy host of others.

* I Spit on Your Grave actor Daniel Franzese has been added to the convention guest list, joining his fellow attending I Spit cast and crew, such as director Steven R. Monroe and actors Sarah Butler, Chad Lindberg, and Rodney Eastman.

Re. the integrity of her remake of the notorious schlock original (almost universally reviled by sensible critics of a mainstream ilk), producer Lisa Hansen has this to say:

So there.

If you thought horror conventions were good for nothing but grisly fun and gory games, think again, zombie breath: TFM has an educational element, as well.

Lar Park Lincoln

Lar Park Lincoln will be offering acting classes. The first will be open to any and all actors (or aspiring actors), and will take place Friday, April 30, from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.. The second is recommended for experienced actors who desire to further their skill in the acting trade. This second class is scheduled for Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. The enrollment fee for either class, which includes a personalized and autographed copy of Lar's book, Get Started-Not Scammed!, is $50. Email her at lar@larparklincoln.com to enroll.

In addition, Tim Sullivan (aforementioned director of 2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams) will present his "slash course" in horror filmmaking -- a 90 minute workshop which features the deconstruction of classic sequences from 2001 Maniacs. Sullivan will guide students through an interactive journey from screenplay through final cut, a process that will include exclusive access to all phases of the Maniacs filmmaking experience, including script, storyboard, shot list, raw footage, rough edits, sound design, and finished product. Attendees will receive a course booklet including actual script pages and storyboards from 2001 Maniacs as well as a signed photograph of Tim. The registration fee is $25; email loyd@texasfrightmareweekend.com to enroll.

Here's the listing of all the classes scheduled for Frightmare Weekend:

• Friday 7 p.m.: Acting hosted by Lar Park Lincoln ($50 registration)

• Saturday 12 p.m.: Special Effects hosted by DWN Productions (FREE)

• Saturday 2 p.m.: Writing hosted by author Angeline Hawkes (FREE)

• Saturday 4 p.m.: Production hosted by the Texas Motion Picture Association (FREE)

• Saturday 6 p.m.: Acting hosted by Lar Park Lincoln ($50 registration)

• Sunday 1 p.m.: SLASH COURSE in Horror Filmmaking hosted by Tim Sullivan ($25 registration fee)

More about the USA Film Festival in days to come.