Preston Barta

Preston Barta has been a journalist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2010. He has contributed to several media outlets, including 92.1 KTFW, the North Texas Daily, Fresh Fiction, and the Denton Record-Chronicle. As a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association, he is actively involved in media critique.

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Melania Movie Spends Like a Blockbuster But Sells Like Leftovers in DFW

By Preston BartaFebruary 2, 2026

We had absolutely zero desire to see the film, so we didn’t. But we did look at ticket sales.

In the Land of Swagger and Spirit: Ric Roman Waugh’s Texas Roots Bleed Into Shelter

By Preston BartaJanuary 30, 2026

The once-Texas-based director brings authenticity and heart to Shelter, where Jason Statham delivers a surprising and emotional performance.

The Ultimate Guide to North Texas Family Fun in 2026

By Preston BartaJanuary 28, 2026

From Universal Kids Resort to World Cup fever at the Perot, discover the biggest family adventures hitting the Dallas area in 2026.

How To Live Like a Bridgerton in Dallas

By Preston BartaJanuary 28, 2026

From high tea to candlelit concerts, discover Regency-inspired delights in the area ahead of Bridgerton’s upcoming season premiere on Jan. 29.

Speaker on stage at the Denton Black Film Festival

You Need to Head North for the 2026 Denton Black Film Festival This Week

By Preston BartaJanuary 27, 2026

Your early look at one of the best festivals of the year, offering an immersion of creativity through film, music, spoken word and more from Black artists.

All That’s Left of You Filmmaker Cherien Dabis Confronts Palestine’s Unspoken History

By Preston BartaJanuary 23, 2026

Experience the quiet rebellion of humanity in a poignant exploration of generational trauma and resilience, now playing at the Angelika at Mockingbird Station.

Director Nola Goff on set for a commercial filming

How a North Texas Director Turns 30-Second Commercials Into Resonant Art

By Preston BartaJanuary 21, 2026

A true poet of prime time, Nolan Goff channels the spirit and scenery of North Texas into national commercials with stars like Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Dallas Artist Han Cao Stitches New Life into Forgotten Memories with Second Nature

By Preston BartaJanuary 20, 2026

The local fiber artist weaves memory, identity and transformation into her new solo exhibition at Art on Main.

How Dallas Echoes the Legacy of MLK Jr., How You Can This Weekend

By Preston BartaJanuary 16, 2026

From historic landmarks to vibrant community events, Dallas continues to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy.

popcorn buckets filled with movie popcorn

Where to Get Delicious Discounts at the Movies for National Popcorn Day

By Preston BartaJanuary 16, 2026

Good movies are even better with $5 popcorn. Here’s how to get the most out of the theater this long weekend.

Beat the Winter Blues With a Splashy Escape to a New Resort in Oklahoma

By Preston BartaJanuary 15, 2026

Trade the winter heatwave for a quick road trip to Oklahoma City, where indoor lagoons and lazy rivers await.

Big D at 185: Celebrating the Milestones That Built Dallas

By Preston BartaJanuary 14, 2026

From 185 years of Dallas grit to the shimmering legacy of Fountain Place, discover the milestones shaping our city’s past, present and future in 2026.

The Art of Renewal: North Texas Creatives Reflect on New Beginnings

By Preston BartaJanuary 13, 2026

Four local artists of various mediums explore transformation by finding inspiration in the blank canvas of a new year.

The Denim Diplomat: How One DFW Visionary is Weaving the Future of Western Wear

By Preston BartaJanuary 9, 2026

From Arlington’s design studios to farm and ranch stores across Texas, Gina Chancelor has redefined Western style.

How to Stick To Your Resolution and Go Green in 2026

By Preston BartaJanuary 5, 2026

Your practical guide to making small, sustainable swaps, from local refilleries and plant shops to getting your steps in on Dallas’ best trails.

Denton Bookstore Patchouli Joe’s Is Closing

By Preston BartaJanuary 2, 2026

The cherished family bookstore will take its final bow this March.

The 10 Movies We’re Most Excited for in 2026

By Preston BartaDecember 31, 2025

From big, stylistic swings to an A24 original led by a Dallas director, 2026’s film lineup has us ready to yell “action” on the new year.

Disc Deals in DFW: Where to Sell Your Old DVDs to Get the Best Bang for Your Buck

By Preston BartaDecember 19, 2025

We hit the road with the same four films to see which local shop pays top dollar for your cinema collection — field reporting, if you will.

The 10 Best Films of 2025

By Preston BartaDecember 17, 2025

From Texan triumphs to global masterpieces, these films defined 2025 with unforgettable stories, bold visions and cinematic magic.