Join us for our Opening Night Premiere Event

The Phoenix Film Festival is proud to announce that our Opening Night Film is Morris From America. A heartwarming and crowd-pleasing coming-of-age comedy with a unique spin, Morris from America centers on Morris Gentry (Markees Christmas, in an incredible breakout performance) a 13-year-old who has just relocated with his single father, Curtis (Craig Robinson) to Heidelberg, Germany. Morris, who fancies himself the next Notorious B.I.G., is a complete fish-out-of-water—a budding hip-hop star in an EDM world. To complicate matters further, Morris quickly falls hard for his cool, rebellious, 15-year-old classmate Katrin. Morris sets out against all odds to take the hip-hop world by storm and win the girl of his dreams.Morris-From-America

Written and directed by acclaimed up-and-coming filmmaker Chad Hartigan (This is Martin Bonner), Morris from America won two prizes at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, the Waldo Salt Screening Award and a Special Jury Award for Robinson, who has been receiving tremendous praise for his touching and nuanced performance in his first serious role. Poignant and funny in equal measure, Morris from America is a delightfully original take on growing up, following your dreams, and finding your voice.

Opening Night 7Once again, our opening night film will be shown in conjunction with our Opening night Premiere Event on April 7, a full night of food and celebration, beginning at the Party Pavilion with tastes from some of the best restaurants in town, great entertainment and some special silent auction items.

Then it's over to the theatre for our Opening Night Film, Morris from America.

Tickets for this Opening Night Event are $60 with all proceeds going to the Phoenix Film Foundation's education programs.

Please note that the Opening Night Event is not included in Single Tickets, Flex, Festival and VIP Passes.

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Tickets and Passes are on sale NOW!

Passes and tickets are available now for the 2016 Phoenix Film Festival! We have a great line up of films for you this year. Check out our SCHEDULE! The schedule is arranged by venue and gives you a great visual of when everything is happening.

And, of course, if you don't have your passes or tickets yet, CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

Purchasing your passes online through Brown Paper Tickets will allow you to choose what films you would like to see right on the web. Then when you come to the Phoenix Film Festival Ticket office, you can get your passes and tickets all at once! It couldn't be easier.

We are also available to help you purchase tickets at the Festival office by calling 480-513-3195.

See you at the Festival!

 

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Get to Know Your PFF Alumni-Scott Storm

As a Phoenix Film Festival alumni attendee, you may recall Scott’s award winning Best Documentary We Run Sh*t at PFF2012, or perhaps Ten Til Noon in 2006. His latest contribution is a #PFF2016 animated short – and already multi-award winner – The Apple Tree. Scott shares a bit of his experience with us below. ScottStorm

What projects are you currently working on?

Currently I'm hard at work at my next animated short, the dark, psychological medieval tale, Custodian.  I started it while still working on The Apple Tree because you have to start when inspiration strikes.  It's been a great way to deal with the delays of my next full-length feature, a political thriller, set in the world of Chicago politics, called OPPO.  It was written by Glenn Jeffers and will be produced by Anthony Miller and David Scott Hay.

What advice do you have for independent filmmakers?

I'm not one to give advice because I believe that every artist’s journey is unique, but I will say that you should always be working on something.  The independent film world is tough, highly competitive and not for the faint of heart.  Vacations are a waste of valuable time.  Surround yourself with good people, most often if they are smarter than you are, and have strengths in areas where you yourself have weaknesses.  Jettison any bad apples in your circle, even those that may once have been allies.  They will only bring you down.

Above all ... A. B. C.  Always.  Be.  Creating.

What are some rookie mistakes to be avoided?

Thinking you know more than you do and pretending you know something when you don't.  Always take meetings yourself, even if they are with crew-members, or financiers you'd rather not deal with. You must always be the face of your project.

What is your go-to camera and/or favorite piece of equipment? 

Adobe Photoshop.  For animation anyway.  I create in Photoshop and composite in After Effects.  When shooting live action, I leave the shooting to someone more knowledgeable than I.  I've never been much of a camera geek.  Whatever gets the job done and looking its best.  Trust your DP – even if it's yourself.

What’s one of your quirks on-set?

Talking loudly and being impatient.  I'm aware things take time, but time is money.  I tend to grow prickly if things take too long ... and this extends to the editing process.  I don't believe it should take a year to edit a feature film unless your shoot extends that period.  Another quirk is that I expect everyone else to work at LEAST as hard as I do.   It's a tad unrealistic, but it's something I rarely compromise on.  I have fired people for being lazy and not pulling their weight.  I've never regretted it.

As a filmmaker, what can you not live without?

I cannot live without my favorite movies, which I often look to for inspiration.  I cannot live without TIME to create.  It may sometimes appear selfish to friends and loved ones, but if I don't have long stretches of time to do what I love to do and what I do best, I transform into a hideous beast.

The Apple Tree screens thrice within the Animated Shorts Program at #PFF2016

Check out the schedule, and get your tickets here!

Learn more about the film … and Scott: www.scottstorm.net

 

Contributed by Laurie Smith

Scorpius Dance Theatre rocks the house Saturday Night!

catwalkScorpius logoThe Phoenix Film Festival welcomes Scorpius Dance Theatre for a one-night-only encore of their wildly popular show, CATWALK! Staged on a runway, this original contemporary dance production fuses funky, local fashions, sexy athleticism and the distinct choreography of Lisa Starry. Catwalk features different choreographic works that are connected by video montages and fashion runway spoofs.

Drawing inspiration from pop culture, Lisa Starry, director of Scorpius Dance Theatre created this all-original, contemporary dance production based on the popularity of today’s fashion scene and fashion television reality shows.

Scorpius hits the Catwalk at the Phoenix Film Festival's Party Pavilion on Saturday, April 9 at 9:30PM. Best part is, this amazing show is FREE to the public!

Come out to the Phoenix Film Festival's Party Pavilion on Saturday night to see Catwalk and stay for some drinks and fun because the party goes until 1am!

 

Get to Know Your PFF Alumni - Blayne Weaver

As we gear up for PFF 2016, we are asking Phoenix Film Festival alumni to offer their experience with an educational approach. This week we asked Blayne Weaver to share some tidbits with us. You may have seen Blayne in writer/director (and PFF Alum) Paul Osborne’s psychological thriller Favor at the 2013 Phoenix Film Festival.

Blayne

What projects are you currently working on?

At this moment most of my life is centered around getting Cut To The Chase out into the world. Though the film itself is done, there is still a lot of work for the independent filmmaker: posters, website, the trailer, etc. The job of shepherding your film does eventually slow down, but you're never truly finished.

I've got three future projects at different stages of development: Clip Joint is a crime thriller I wrote with PFF alum Paul Osborne. It's a really exciting and gritty script that I hope to direct next year. Then there is Future Perfect, a noir sci-fi film that I'm producing and starring in for writer/director Soren Bailey. And finally, I'm writing a psychological thriller called Last Fling that I would love to make with the "Chase" team.

What advice do you have for independent filmmakers?

My best advice is to remember to ask advice. The independent film world is a minefield but, luckily, there are tons of talented people who have been through it. A film festival is an ideal place to meet more experienced filmmakers. Ask questions, compare notes, you're not alone--the film-making community is a collaborative one.

What are some rookie mistakes to be avoided?

Most rookie mistakes occur for two reasons: ego or fear. Neither has any place in an artistic environment. Don't be unwilling to accept criticism, other's input or think yourself above the process, but also don't be afraid to stand your ground and fight for your film.

What is your go-to camera and/or favorite piece of equipment?

I defer to my Director Of Photography Rob Senska on this question. To me, the equipment is secondary to an understanding and communication with your D.P. When director and DP are on the same page it can create an almost psychic connection. I love that relationship.

What’s one of your quirks on-set?

I tend to be very enthusiastic on set. Lots of excited yelling and encouragement. I love making movies and I have a blast doing it.

As a filmmaker, what can you not live without?

Diet Coke.

 

Cut to the Chase offers three screenings at #PFF2016. Get your tickets today!

Learn more about the film: www.cuttothechasefilm.com

www.twitter.com/BlayneWeaver

www.instagram.com/blayneweaver

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2016 Phoenix Film Festival film announcements begin - Competition Features

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Get to Know Your PFF Alumni-Liz Manashil

Get to Know Your PFF Alumni-Liz Manashil  

We reachedLiz Manashil Pic out to Liz Manashil, director of last year’s festival selection Bread and Butter, to get her thoughts on the Phoenix Film Festival.

What projects are you currently working on?

My movie, Bread and Butter was just released by The Orchard and it's playing on VOD almost everywhere. We also just landed an awesome airline deal so we'll be in the skies as well!

While we continue to spread the word about that movie, I'm finishing up the script for my second feature. It's a one location, four character surreal drama about facing Death. I'm incredibly proud of it and excited to make a movie that is pro-age. I find there are far too little movies that show the strength of seniors.

What are some of your all-time favorite PFF screenings? 

I saw Wildlike at PFF as well as Listening. Great movies. Recently I watched another PFF alum film called Seven Hours in Heaven and I was really impressed by its quality as well. PFF curates great films, we're proud to be among those chosen!

What are you hoping to see more of at this year’s Festival? 

Honestly, the people. I Love the PFF staff--they are positive, supportive, a lot of fun, and full of energy. I also have fallen in love with the city of Phoenix; so I'm a fan of it being in such a great location.

What’s your favorite genre at PFF? 

I didn't get to see enough of them but I love that PFF has a whole subset devoted to genre films. It's great that the festival can support so many different types of film!

What wbread-and-butter-posteras your biggest take-away from last year’s festival? 

That there are good people out there who want to and have the resources to support indie films--it's rare. It's rarer than people may assume, but the amazing community that supports the PFF consists of some of the friendliest, kindest and indie-friendly movie goers I have ever met.

I made friends with several people in the audience of my films that I still keep in touch with on a weekly basis today. We got to go to several festivals with Bread and Butter, and got to experience several different types of festivals. The infrastructure at Phoenix is... stellar.

Which PFF event did you most enjoy attending, and why?

I liked the pre-festival filmmaker dinner. Looking back on it, I got to meet other filmmakers who were on the circuit with me for months, and it was great to connect with them before the festival began.

 

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Congratulations to the winners of the 2017 Phoenix Film Festival Short Screenplay Search

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Thank you to all who submitted their screenplays to the 2016 Phoenix Film Festival Short Screenplay Competition. We are very excited to announce this year's winners!

First Place: Half an Inch by Michael Orton from Nipomo, Alabama

Two men with differing views of faith and destiny struggle to land a damaged aircraft.

  • $250 from the Phoenix Film Foundation
  • One InkTip.com Script Listing and one InkTip Magazine Script Listing from InkTip.com. InkTip Script Listings provide writers with the opportunity to get their scripts read by InkTip’s extensive network of producers, reps, manager, agents, and other qualified industry professionals.
  • Script review and consultation from Script Pipeline for potential industry circulation
  • 3 free entries to any Script Pipeline writing or idea competition
  • A Phoenix Film Festival prize pack
  • Listing on Phoenix Film Festival website
  • Two VIP Passes to the 2017 Phoenix Film Festival (accommodation and air fare not included).

Second Place: The Fable of Nathan Gooch by Ronald Ecker from Palatka, FL

A nerdy college boy who can’t get a date tries using some animal courtship techniques, with surprising results.

  • One InkTip.com Script Listing and one InkTip Magazine Script Listing from InkTip.com. InkTip Script Listings provide writers with the opportunity to get their scripts read by InkTip’s extensive network of producers, reps, manager, agents, and other qualified industry professionals.
  • One free entry to any Script Pipeline writing or idea competition
  • A Phoenix Film Festival prize pack
  • Listing on Phoenix Festival website
  • Two VIP Passes to the 2017 Phoenix Film Festival (accommodation and air fare not included).

Third Place: Cheeseburgers by Will Berry from Nashville, TN

An unwanted step-son strives to survive one more evening with his disintegrating family.

  • One InkTip.com Script Listing and one InkTip Magazine Script Listing from InkTip.com. InkTip Script Listings provide writers with the opportunity to get their scripts read by InkTip’s extensive network of producers, reps, manager, agents, and other qualified industry professionals.
  • One free entry to any Script Pipeline writing or idea competition
  • Listing on Phoenix Film Festival website
  • Two VIP Passes to the 2017 Phoenix Film Festival (accommodation and air fare not included).

Top Ten Finalists:

Nothing Is Free by Rebecca Brillhart from Brooklyn, NY

Nothing is free unless everything is.

Flight by Sheri Davenport from Oakland, CA

What starts out as a simple plan to steal a dog and free it from abuse turns into the ultimate escape for a troubled young teen.

Mia by Sheri Davenport from Oakland, CA

Medicine Show Blues by Jeffrey Howe from Ladue, MO

SAIRA by John Kontoyannis from New York, NY

Saira, a Jethwa/attobite hybrid alien, the first of her kind mysteriously appears in the middle of Hugo Crane’s farm. She is, at first, thought to be a sinister being but it quickly becomes evident that she is here to save us. But from what or whom remains a mystery.

The Proposal by Charles Lo Manto from Hamilton, Ontario Canada

"If music be the food of love, play on."

12-8-80 by Alex Simon from Los Angeles, CA

A junior high student in suburban Phoenix learns some hard lessons the day John Lennon is murdered.

Contact information for winning screenplays is available for producers by emailing submissions@phxfilm.com.

Donate to the Phoenix Film Foundation.

Help us continue our mission of promoting independent film in Arizona by donating today!

Phoenix Film Foundation

7000 E. Mayo Blvd., #1059
Phoenix, AZ  85054               480-513-3195

Questions? Contact us.

Press inquiries click here.

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.

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