Local actress catches up with 'Last Lullaby' director at AFI Dallas Film Fest

Local actress Mary Thoma caught up with Jeffrey Goodman at the AFI Dallas International Film Festival. Goodman's first feature film, "The Last Lullaby," premiered there. ("The Last Lullaby" was shot in Shreveport in early 2007.)

On Friday, April 4, Thoma attended the third of three festival screenings. She enjoyed it. "The Last Lullaby" didn't take home any prizes (full festival listing below), but it took its first step into a national spotlight. We'll see where it goes from here.

In the meantime, here's what Mary had to say:

"A whirlwind trip to Dallas was well worth it as my friend Darla and I sat in the Magnolia Theater anticipating the third and final screening of 'The Last Lullaby' directed by Jeffrey Goodman. I have been looking forward to seeing it since February 07 when I worked a day on the film as the waitress in a scene with Tom Sizemore, Bill Smitrovich and Sprague Grayden. The scene (and much of the film) is shot in close-up and it is a gift to the audience as we are able to see the slightest nuances from the actors. Too tight for me to be seen however, so you only hear me. No complaints here, as working with Jeffrey Goodman was a singular privilege. I have been on several movie sets and his was by far one of the most hospitable and caring, a reflection of Jeffrey's nature I'm sure.

"'The Last Lullaby' is a powerful and affecting film. I know it has already been said, but it is hard to believe this is Jeffrey's first independent film. Except for the occasional shriek and jump of surprise, the audience on April 4 was almost completely silent as we were swept up and carried along in the struggle facing the main characters. After the film, Jeffrey took time for some Q and A, and it was clear the audience was enthralled. It's obvious that they wanted more Goodman. Once word gets out about this film, I believe it will have a worldwide audience. I am proud to be associated with it. I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more of Jeffrey Goodman. I certainly hope so!"

AND THE AWARDS FROM AFI DALLAS ...

“MERMAID” RECIEVES THE $25,000 TARGET TEN FILMMAKER AWARD FOR BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE

“IRON LADIES OF LIBERIA” RECIEVES THE $25,000 TARGET TEN FILMMAKER AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY

“COOK COUNTY” RECIEVES $20,000 IN CASH, GOODS AND SERVICES FOR THE MPS STUDIOS TEXAS FILMMAKER AWARD

“FIELDS OF FUEL” RECIEVES THE $10,000 CURRENT ENERGY EARTH FRIENDLY AWARD

“TRACING COWBOYS” RECIEVES THE $10,000 HDNET AWARD FOR THE BEST FEATURE SHOT IN HD

“THE SECOND LINE”, “THE VULNERABLE ONES” AND “KEY LIME PIE” ARE NAMED WINNERS FOR BEST SHORT FILM, STUDENT SHORT AND ANIMATED SHORT

AND AUDIENCE AWARDS GO TO “AMAL” FOR NARRATIVE FEATURE, “THE BLACK LIST” FOR DOCUMENTARY AND “A DAY’S WORK” FOR SHORT