DALLAS, TX (April 18, 2011) – Dallas-area executive and philanthropist Arthur Benjamin’s non-profit organization, The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation, served as presenting sponsor at the “Dallas Film Society Honors” awards event for the second consecutive year on April 8, 2011. Benjamin Foundation, served as presenting sponsor at the “Dallas Film Society Honors” awards event for the second consecutive year on April 8, 2011.For the second year running, the honors reception and ceremony provided an elegant forum for the awards presentation at the Dallas International Film Festival. It was again presented in memory of Robert S. Benjamin, Arthur’s late uncle and the former co-chairman of United Artists, who was honored posthumously at the 52nd Academy Awards in April of 1980 with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Arthur was extremely taken with his uncle’s charitable works, and continues his legacy through his support of such industry-related causes as the Dallas Film Society.

Dallas Film Society President and CEO Tanya Foster said, “This was a really wonderful evening for the Dallas Film Society and the DALLAS International Film Festival.  We showcased the incredible films that have screened at the festival this last week and thanks to the Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation we have the opportunity to put these award winners on a pedestal and congratulate them all for that they have achieved. Filmmaking is such an art and I am constantly in awe of the passion these filmmakers have for projects.  Tonight’s event was our way of giving back to them.”

Clay Jeter’s Jess + Moss was announced as the winner of the unrestricted $25,000 cash prize for the Target Filmmaker Award for Best Narrative Feature and Anne Buford‘s Elevate received the unrestricted $25,000 cash prize for the Target Filmmaker Award for Best Documentary Feature. Legendary actor, director and producer Peter Fonda presented the Target Filmmaker Awards to both the documentary and narrative feature winners.

The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation kicked off the festivities by serving as presenting sponsor for the Dallas International Film Festival’s Opening Night celebration on March 31, 2011. The event featured a star-studded Red Carpet and the presentation of the Dallas Star Award to celebrated actress Ann-Margret for her contributions to film, including her roles in such classic films as State Fair, Viva Las Vegas, and Stagecoach.

Spanning 11 days and 10 nights, the 2011 Dallas International Film Festival, held March 31 through April 10, showcased a total of 169 films from 27 countries. One of the largest film festivals in the Southwest, the renowned annual event is a presentation of the Dallas Film Society, an organization whose mission is to celebrate films and their impact on society.

According to Benjamin, “The Dallas Film Society is an incredible organization that 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. It was an honor and privilege to be a part of the Festival, in the presence of such legendary actors as Ann-Margret and Peter Fonda, as well as such unbelievable talent as all of the entrants and honorees. We look forward to our continued future partnership with the Dallas Film Society and the incredible work they do on behalf of the film industry and filmmakers everywhere.”

Other notable attendees at this year’s Dallas International Film Festival included Dennis Quaid, Morgan Spurlock, Ari Graynor, Gil Cates Jr., Lou Taylor Pucci, Summer Glau, Judy Reyes, Andy Tennant, Theodore Shapiro, G.W. Bailey, Glenn Morshower, Drew Waters, Oscar Nunez, Ryan Lee, Constance Marks and James Miller, Garry Brown, Kyle Kirk, Dana Wheeler Nicholson, Betty Buckley, Ryan Lee and Bobby Coleman.

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, held March 31-April 10, 2011, 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 visit www.dallasfilm.org.