This year’s Edgemere Film Festival features three Q&As after each film.

Courtesy of Edgemere

From Oct. 22-24, the Edgemere Film Fest (EFF) is rolling out the red carpet and transforming the Edgemere senior living community into a destination for film lovers of all ages. In partnership with the Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF), Edgemere is hosting free screenings of three iconic films (“Miss Congeniality,” “9 to 5” and “Friday Night Lights”) with Q&As and a reception to follow each film.

Jeff Amann, COO and president of Certus Living, Edgemere’s management firm, says their goal for the festival is twofold: they want to put on an event showing seniors in a positive light, and they want to honor the classic films that have stood the test of time – just like the residents of Edgemere themselves.

Edgemere Film Festival is bringing all the best classical films to Edgemere, a retirement community.

While Amann and his team had a lock on the ins and outs of senior living, they knew they needed to bring in the big guns to make last year’s event a success. Enter: James Faust, artistic director of DIFF. Faust and his team have lent their expertise to help make EFF a festival that not only engages the resident community, but attracts residents throughout Dallas. 

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“Part of our mission has been to celebrate the art of film and community through film,” says Faust. “And the senior community is definitely one that gets left out sometimes.”

One reason is that some seniors just aren’t as mobile as they used to be. Making it out to the theater can present a challenge, let alone navigating the high-octane world of a film festival. EFF gives residents a taste of the festival experience in a controlled dose.

Edgemere Film Festival consists of three films and Q&As at Edgemere retirement community.

Because EFF is a Texas-based festival (and Texans love Texan things), the programming team is always scouting for films with a tie to the Lone Star State. In 2026, though, they expanded their focus to bring in some timely heavy-hitters that may not have as direct a tie to Texas.

“Miss Congeniality” (Oct. 22), an undersung American masterpiece featuring Sandra Bullock at her best, was an easy choice to kick things off. The film is celebrating its 25th anniversary, as is the Edgemere community.

Then, nothing brings people together like Dolly Parton (and the period of national mourning following her passing). In addition to being the queen of country music, a literacy icon and Miley Cyrus’ godmother, Parton is also something of a role model for seniors, says Amann. She remained sharp, engaged and relevant well into her 70s, a sterling example of how age has nothing on clean living, good vibes and a cartoonish amount of wealth. A screening of “9 to 5” will take place Oct. 23 to honor Parton’s legacy.

“Friday Night Lights,” one of the great Texan films celebrating Texas’ favorite pastime (high school football), will cap the festival on Oct. 24.

No film festival is complete without guests, and Edgemere is no exception. Actors Farah White and LeeAnne Locken (Bravo-pilled readers may recognize her from “The Real Housewives of Dallas”) will be in attendance for a Q&A after “Miss Congeniality”; author and SMU professor Sean Griffin will appear after “9 to 5”; and actor Brad Leland will take the stage following “Friday Night Lights.”

“For many people, this might be their first experience in a film festival,” says Amann. “It was really exciting to see people [last year] want to hear the background and the stories, not only about producing the film, but why they produced it.”

“The curiosity you have at any age, seniors are just as curious about new experiences and the relevance of life,” he adds.

The Edgemere Film Fest is a professionally mounted event, featuring beloved classic films, with no cost to attend. Screenings start at 1:30 p.m. each day, but even if you work a 9-to-5, the Saturday screening of “Friday Night Lights” is tailor-made for you to come out and celebrate cinema and the magic of senior living.

“It’s an easy, low lift to come out and have a great experience,” says Faust. “There’s no good football on Saturday the 24th, so come out.”