Mom and dad, we’re going to the movies!
Grab the popcorn because the Phoenix Film Festival is this week.
Filmmakers and film enthusiasts from all over, including here in Arizona, will come together to watch dozens of films grace the screens at Harkins Theatre Scottsdale.
If you’re interested in film, or perhaps never been to a festival before, we’ve got five reasons you need to check it out.
ALL THE FEELS
There are more than 150 films being played across seven screens over a seven-day span. Some are dramas. Others are thrillers. Some may even be romantic comedies. With that big of a selection, you’re bound to find something you like and since you’re human, you’ll have a reaction to it. Crying and laughing are OK.
IT’S ESSENTIALLY A SNEAK-PREVIEW TO THE FUTURE
You can feel a little bit like a Hollywood insider when you see these films. Some of them have won awards at other major film festivals, including Sundance, like Morris from America or feature well-known actors, like Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) in The Man Who Knew Infinity. They haven’t made it to theaters yet, could.
Others are from the next up-and-coming cinematographers and directors. You could see some of their early work before anyone else. View movie listings and times.
TRAILER: THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY (IN THEATERS APRIL 29)
Starring Jeremy Irons, Dev Patel and Toby Jones. A boy from India is accepted to Cambridge University during World War I. He goes on to be a pioneer in mathematical theories.
TRAILER: THE MEDDLER
Starring Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne and J.K. Simmons. Synopsis: After the death of her husband, Marnie Minervini moves from New Jersey to Los Angeles to be closer to her daughter, Lori. But, soon someone feels a little smothered.
KID’S DAY (IT’S FREE)
On Saturday, April 9, it’s Kid’s Day at the festival. This is where children can learn a little bit about filmmaking and everything that goes into it. They’ll be able to dress up as different characters and make their OWN mini-movie. Best of all, it’s free! It’s April 9, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Scottsdale Harkins Theatre. For $5, the movie Shaun The Sheep will show.
ARTS DAY (IT’S FREE)
New this year is Arts Day. On Sunday, April 10 from noon to 5:30 p.m., several of Phoenix’s theaters and dance troupes will have free performances. This is a good way to learn about the different arts organizations around Phoenix. Scheduled to perform are Desert Dance Theatre, National Comedy Theatre, Voices of the Desert, and Desert Dance Theatre.
NETWORKING
Who knows who you’ll meet? Directors and filmmakers will be there to talk about their latest projects, how they came up with the storyline and why it was important to them. The Independent Feature Project – Phoenix is putting on a few free seminars and panels over the weekend. One will be a roundtable discussion from screenwriters on how they envision the movie magic. Another focuses on acting in independent films.
Last but not least, who doesn’t love popcorn and candy and the movies.
IF YOU GO:
Phoenix Film Festival
Where: Harkins Theatre Scottsdale 101 14, 7000 E Mayo Blvd.
When: April 7-14, ALL DAY.
Admission: $13 for a single movie ticket. Festival passes available.
