The Dallas International Film Festival announced today that it’s found a new venue for opening night: LOOK Cinemas. The complex, at the corner of Belt Line and Preston Roads, isn’t even open yet. But when it is, it’ll feature 1,900 seats and bites provided by Nick & Sam’s and Cole Vines.

The festival also announced that Italian filmmaking will take this year’s cultural spotlight.

“For more than 110 years, Italian filmmakers have been producing innovative films that capture audiences and awards around the Globe,” Dallas Film Society artistic director James Faust said in a news release. “Italian filmmakers have pushed the envelope for decades and have helped set the standard for great cinema. With Italy’s rich film past and present, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on that heritage at DIFF.”

Details about specific movies are still forthcoming for the event, which runs April 4-14. Keep reading for the complete news release:

BUON GIORNO! DALLAS FILM SOCIETY’S 2013 DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL TO FOCUS LENS ON ITALY, NEW VENUE

From the birthplace of the Renaissance to a new local venue, DIFF brings together the best from around the world to celebrate the art of film—Dallas style

DALLAS, TX – Jan. 24, 2013 – The Dallas Film Society is pleased to announce the 7^th Annual Dallas International Film Festival as it casts an all-star line-up of films for the much-anticipated event April 4-14, 2013. Many established and up-and-coming filmmakers from all over the world will descend upon Dallas for the event, which will bring a host of worldly surprises and names to North Texas. This year, DIFF is pleased to add a new, world-class viewing venue to the Festival, LOOK Cinemas, whose state-of-the-art technology and unparalleled dining will elevate the experience of enjoying the art of film.

“Film is an experience best enjoyed in the company of good food and friends,” said Lee Papert, President/CEO, Dallas Film Society. “We are excited to add LOOK to our venue line-up, which includes a variety of Dallas’s best destinations, from theaters to parks – everywhere the art of film can be.”

DIFF takes over LOOK Cinemas

DIFF isn’t just taking place at LOOK Cinemas; the Festival is taking over LOOK Cinemas on Opening Night on April 4. Truly experience LOOK Cinemas, located at Prestonwood and Belt Line roads, Festival style. LOOK Cinemas opens as the new 1,900-seat entertainment and dining complex that combines thought-provoking film with mouth-watering food. Nick & Sam’s Grill and Coal Vines are both co-located within the complex.

“It’s our honor at LOOK Cinemas to roll out the red carpet and host the opening night of the Dallas International Film Festival as we introduce our new theater, dining and entertainment complex,” said Tom Stephenson, CEO of LOOK Cinemas. “This is the perfect complement to the public opening of LOOK Cinemas on March 29.”

Other DIFF venues host everything from panel talks to screenings and include Dallas’s new Klyde Warren Park, Angelika Film Center Dallas, Landmark Theatre’s The Magnolia, Cinemark West Plano, The Texas Theatre, Hotel Palomar Dallas and the Nasher Sculpture Center.

Italy Spotlight, Films and Special Events

More than 150 films from all over the world will screen over the 11-day Festival. This year’s Festival will have people lusting for all things “Italia” all Festival long. The Dallas Film Society will pay homage to the cinematic achievements of Italian filmmakers by featuring Italy as this year’s cultural spotlight.

“For more than 110 years, Italian filmmakers have been producing innovative films that capture audiences and awards around the Globe,” said James Faust, artistic director, Dallas Film Society. “Italian filmmakers have pushed the envelope for decades and have helped set the standard for great cinema. With Italy’s rich film past and present, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on that heritage at DIFF.”

Other special events include High School Day (April 5) in Dallas Arts District, Family Day at Klyde Warren Park (April 6) and Latino Day in West Village (April 7). There will be Red Carpet appearances and star-studded galas taking place at some of the finest venues Dallas has to offer.

Passes and Tickets

Passes are on sale now online only through the Prekindle Box Office. Passes are also on sale and range from $100 for a Festival Lounge Pass to $750 for an all-access Star Pass, which includes:

• All-access pass to all screenings
• One invitation to the Opening Night Screening & Gala on April 4, 2013, subject to availability.
• Admission for one person to all Centerpiece screenings and parties during the Festival
• Access for one person to the Festival Lounge. (Must be 21 or over to enter the Festival Lounge or to consume alcohol.)
• Admission for one person to all regular film screenings and panel discussions
• Dallas International Film Festival swag bag full of unforgettable merchandise

Tickets will go on sale in March 14. To purchase tickets and passes, visit: www.DallasFilm.org.