DALLAS, TX (December 2010) – Dallas-area executive and philanthropist Arthur E. Benjamin’s non-profit organization, The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation, recently served as the presenting sponsor of the The Art of Film, benefitting The Dallas Film Society. The inaugural fall fundraising event was held on Friday, November 19, 2010 at the Hall of State, Fair Park and honored screen legend, Robert Duvall. The Art of Film helped raise more than $150,000 to support The Dallas Film Society’s year-round education and community outreach programs.

“The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation is privileged and honored to have been the presenting sponsor of The Dallas Film Society’s inaugural Art of Film event,” says Benjamin. “This incredible organization works tirelessly year-round to educate the public on the impact of film in today’s society and to recognize and honor those in the industry for their creative contributions and achievements. My uncle, the late Robert S. Benjamin, was co-chairman of United Artists and of Orion Pictures, and was a driving force in turning United Artists around in the 1960s. I was always extremely taken with his charitable works, and I continue his legacy through my support of such industry-related causes as the Dallas Film Society.”

The Art of Film served as a rare opportunity for 400 film lovers to gather at an elegant dinner and be a part of an intimate conversation with Duvall and renowned film critic, Elvis Mitchell. Oscar-winner Duvall was presented with the DALLAS Star Award during an evening that celebrated the achievements of his career. The following day, the DALLAS Film Society screened a retrospective of three of Duvall’s most famous films.

“We hold this inaugural event very close to our hearts as film is an art form that deserves to be cherished by all ages,” said Lynn and Allan McBee, 2010 Co-Chairmen of The Art of Film. “The Film Society’s educational programs are one of the vital components of their mission to educate the next generation of filmmakers. Through The Art of Film, we can help raise money and awareness to support this most worthwhile goal. We expect The Art of Film to become one of the most sought-after events on the fall social calendar.”

The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization created to assist the building and growth of other foundations through leadership, management, marketing, and public relations. Established by Dallas-area business leader and philanthropist Arthur E. Benjamin, the Foundation’s core focus is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and animals, support young adults through educational efforts, and aid women in breast cancer recovery. For more information, please visit www.arthurebenjamin.com.

The Dallas Film Society celebrates films and their impact on society.  A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the DALLAS Film Society recognizes and honors filmmakers for their achievements in enhancing the  creative community, provides educational programs to students to develop better understanding of the role of film in today’s world, and promotes the City of Dallas and its commitment to the art of filmmaking. The annual DALLAS International Film Festival is a presentation of the DALLAS Film Society. In addition to producing one of the largest festivals in the Southwest, the Society produces numerous year round events, screening series and partnership programs with arts organizations around the city. For more information, call             (214) 720-0555      , or visitwww.dallasfilm.org.