To celebrate the official start of the 2015 festival and the announcements of our films we are giving away one flex pass to the 2015 festival! Want to enter? Check out the Rafflecopter below - come back every day for an additional entry! a Rafflecopter giveaway
For the 2015 Phoenix Film Festival we encourage you to Find Your New Favorite Movie! As we approach the festival we’ve started a new series on our site where we ask some Phoenix Film Festival filmmaker alumni about some of their favorite movies.
Larry King called Arizona’s Joe Arpaio the “P.T. Barnum of Sheriffs”; Variety’s Dennis Harvey lauded Randy Murray’s award winning documentary, The Joe Show, “an equally entertaining … and infuriating overview of a very American self-made phenomenon whose means of enforcing the law often seem to trample upon it. This vivid warts-and-all portrait has good potential to attract niche home-turf theatrical (distribution), and broadcast sales in other select territories.”
Randy directed and co-produced The Joe Show, tagged as a documentary about “the world’s most famous and entertaining law enforcement officer,” and the film snagged the Copper Wing Award for Best Documentary at PFF 2014.
This week, Randy shares some of his favorite films with us.
What is your …
I have so many favorite comedies it is hard to pick just one. Being There is so wonderful in it’s ability to make gags work in a structure that very well may be the funniest story I have ever seen in a theater. Anything that Mel Brooks did could be classified as the funniest film ever, but The Producers is very special to me. As a film buff you have to love watching an accountant named Bloom bloom into a con-artist.
This is like asking an alcoholic for his favorite wine … (it’s) the one you are pouring. If forced, I would try to pick between The Godfather (you can pick the roman numeral) and They Shoot Horses Don’t They. Up until I saw They Shoot Horses I thought movies were about movie stars. When I saw that film I knew that movies could be about real people, and that they could touch my life. I was just never the same person after seeing that movie.
Dear Zachary (a film by 2012 PFF Copper Wing Feature Film winner Kurt Kuenne, who won that year for Shuffle). As real as it gets and well told.
Elaine Strich: Shoot Me. The power of that woman’s personality and venerability was totally engaging.
Funny, but with the exception of The Godfather, all the films I have listed here are mostly overlooked.
Do you have a favorite film poster?Got to be Jaws or The Silence of the Lambs. Simple designs that just make you want to see the films.
The Joe Show enjoyed a limited theatrical release in the US, aired on Discovery ID, and is now available on iTunes, Google Play and many other outlets. Randy says that Internationally the film is opening in theaters all across Canada this year, and will be at the Luxembourg City Film Festival in early March.
– Laurie Smith
As a non-profit, we rely on volunteers donating their time and expertise to the Phoenix Film Festival, and this year is no different! That's why we want YOU to volunteer for the 2015 Phoenix Film Festival March 26 - April 2, 2015 at the Harkins 101 in North Phoenix.
If you are a fun, outgoing and energetic person willing to commit at least 24 total hours of your time to this year's Festival, then you'd be perfect as a Festival volunteer!
Volunteers receive a 2015 Phoenix Film Festival t-shirt and a Festival Pass ($150 value).
Please note that if you are not able to volunteer at least 24 hours then we we encourage you to attend the festival as a patron; however, we will be unable to accept your application to volunteer.
If you are a New Volunteer (meaning you have never volunteered for the Phoenix Film Festival) we have scheduled two (2) New Volunteer Orientations to go over the specifics of volunteering at the Festival and answer any questions you might have. All new volunteers are required to attend one of these orientations.
If you are a Returning Volunteer (meaning you have volunteered for the Phoenix Film Festival for one or more years), you are not required to attend orientation this year. However, if you would like a refresher you can attend one of the new volunteer orientations scheduled and we will review key reminders. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to volunteer@phxfilm.com with your selected Orientation date and indicate in the RSVP email that you are a returning volunteer.
Thank you so much for your continued support of the film community in Phoenix. See you at the 15th Annual Phoenix Film Festival!
-Kim Rodhouse 2015 Phoenix Film Festival Volunteer Director
For the 2015 Phoenix Film Festival we encourage you to Find Your New Favorite Movie! As we approach the festival we’ve started a new series on our site where we ask some Phoenix Film Festival filmmaker alumni about some of their favorite movies.
Jake Squared has garnered critical acclaim from several outlets, but perhaps Netflix users sum it up best. In particular, one of the many 5-star reviews included this nugget: Jake Squared is a brilliant little film full of big ideas about love and relationships, and one man’s search for meaning. Reminiscent of early Woody Allen, the film is funny, thoughtful and provocative. Elias Koteas turns in a spot on performance as a neurotic filmmaker at various stages of his life. I highly recommend this film to any one who appreciates smart humor and great acting.
Elias Koteas received a Copper Wing Award at PFF 2014 for Special Jury Prize Acting Achievement.
This week, Howard Goldberg, the film's Producer/Writer/Director, shares a few of his favorite films to add to your ever-growing must-see list!
What is your …
Comedy is King, so it's really tough to pick a favorite. So (as I will in the other areas), I will pick favorites among favorites, because I have hundreds of favorites. With that cop-out in mind, I will say, Some Like it Hot, followed closely by The Producers. Why? Because I have seen them both dozens of times each, and because they're both effin funny!
I love Orpheé (Orpheus) by Jean Cocteau, and I adore Les Enfants du Paradis (The Children of Paradise) by Marcel Carné. They are both dramatic, mysterious, fantastical and magical. They take you into a world you never saw or knew but actually live in throughout the film.
Roger and Me by Michael Moore. It was the first documentary that showed me how much power one could wield and how much controversy one could stir up with a film. The camera is mightier than the sword!
Jake Squared. Oh wait ... that was my film. I guess that's not appropriate, so I'll have to pick another. :-( The King of Herrings by Eddie Jemison – I really enjoyed that, and thought he made a film that was the latter day spawn of Damon Runyon and Charles Bukowski.
Orphée! See above and then see the film. Or, if you have seen it, see Cocteaus' other masterpiece, La Belle et la Bete (Beauty and the Beast). Wow.
Casablanca. How could you not see this film!?
Howard tells us that since PFF 2014 Jake Squared was in quite a few other film festivals, “which was a blast!” It then opened theatrically in ten cities, and then went to iTunes, Amazon, Hulu and OnDemand. Currently, it's on Netflix. Watch it! Enjoy it! Rate it!
http://www.jakesquaredmovie.com/
– Laurie Smith
Tickets are only $30 per person and just $20 for members of the Phoenix Film Society.
Your ticket price includes:
Tickets are on sale now. But don't wait! Only 60 tickets will be sold to this event. All proceeds benefit the student education programs of the Phoenix Film Foundation.
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For the 2015 Phoenix Film Festival we encourage you to Find Your New Favorite Movie! As we approach the festival we’ve started a new series on our site where we ask some Phoenix Film Festival filmmaker alumni about some of their favorite movies.
Thomas Beatty, writer and co-director (along with Rebecca Fishman – who also happens to be his wife) took home a PFF 2014 Copper Wing Award for Best Ensemble for his film The Big Ask. Known as Teddy Bears at PFF, the Movie Guys tagged the film as: “One of the most fun indie films I’ve watched in a long time. Drama, Comedy, Drama, Comedy, Drama, Boom, Boom, Boom.” This week Thomas shares some of his favorites with us, as your must-watch list grows!
What is your …
Trouble in Paradise by Ernst Lubitsch … oldie but a goodie!
Pan's Labyrinth by Guillermo Del Toro. I think about this more than any other movie on an almost weekly basis.
Gotta go with The Thin Blue Line. So great. More recently, I loved A River Changes Course.
Little Hope Was Arson! What what!
Trouble In Paradise ...
Magnum Force.
Since PFF 2014, The Big Ask screened at some ten festivals, gathered a healthy handful of awards, was released by Tribeca Films, and is now available on Amazon Prime.
– Laurie Smith
These three favorite films represent three varied decades of favorite films.
From the 1970's is everyone's favorite teenage musical about the 1950's -- Grease!
Next, it's the decade of big hair and John Hughes movies. Representing the 80's is The Breakfast Club!
And finally, see The Dude like you may or may not have seen him before. It's 1998's The Big Lebowski!
All films will have a hosted discussion after the screening.
Three of your (and our) favorite movies on the big screen and the best part is, it's FREE!
So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now for these screenings:
When you become a Reel Friend of The Phoenix Film Festival, your annual contribution helps The Phoenix Film Foundation, the largest 501(c)3 non-profit film organization in the state of Arizona. Your annual tax-deductible donation supports the The Phoenix Film Foundation’s educational programs for grade school and high school students in Arizona.
Check out the benefits that the Reel Friends receive:
20% off Phoenix Film Festival Merchandise 20% off Phoenix Film Festival Passes Recognition on Phoenix Film Festival Website Recognition in the 2016 Phoenix Film Festival Program Recognition on The Phoenix Film Festival Wall(k) of Fame Invitation for one to a special preview screening with filmmaker before the 2016 Festival
All the benefits above PLUS: Invitations for two to special preview screenings throughout the year Early notification of films selected to play at the 2016 Phoenix Film Festival before the list is released to the public Early access to obtain 2016 Phoenix Film Festival screening tickets Competition Film Supporter: You will be recognized as the supporter of a specific competition film. Your name will be in the program and announced before each screening of your specific film!
All the benefits above PLUS: On-screen slide recognition in 2016 Festival screening theatres Invitation for two to 2016 Phoenix Film Festival Kick-off Event in February Showcase Film Supporter: You will be recognized as the supporter of a specific showcase film. Your name will be in the program and announced before each screening of your specific film!
All the benefits above PLUS: Two passes to the Opening Night Premiere Event
All the benefits above PLUS: Invitation for two to 2016 VIP Filmmaker Meet & Greet Dinner on the Wednesday night before the Festival Ticket Concierge to personally process your ticket requests and make film recommendations at the Festival Prime Showcase Film Supporter: You will be recognized as the supporter of one of our prime showcase films either on Opening, Closing, Friday, Saturday or Sunday Nights. Your name will be in the program and announced before each screening of your specific film!
Your donation to the Phoenix Film Festival is greatly appreciated.
To become a Reel Friend of the 2016 Phoenix Film Festival, just sign up below. You will have an option to pay online or you can send payment to the Film Festival office.
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The Phoenix Film Festival is a program under the 501(c)3 non-profit organization Phoenix Film Foundation, and is a sibling of the Phoenix Film Society, International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival, Peoria Film Fest, IFP/Phoenix, Arizona Student Film Festival and Phoenix Critics Circle. The Phoenix Film Foundation is dedicated to promoting diversity and education in the arts, elevating underrepresented voices, and driving the growth of independent film in Arizona. Through film showcases and accessible educational initiatives, we cultivate a vibrant, inclusive cinematic community, utilizing it as a catalyst for personal growth, creative expression, and positive social change.