​​​​​​​PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THE INAUGURAL PEORIA FILM FEST TO BE HELD IN OCTOBER OF 2018

The Phoenix Film Foundation and Phoenix Film Festival are thrilled to announce the start of a brand new festival. The Peoria Film Fest presented by the City of Peoria will be held October 19 to 21, 2018 at the Harkins Arrowhead Fountains 18 Theatre in Peoria, AZ. 

“We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved over the last 18 years with the Phoenix Film Festival and our year-round film education and screening events.” said Phoenix Film Foundation Executive Director Jason Carney. “We’ve been looking to host an event in the North Valley and Peoria made the most sense. The growth of the City of the Peoria combined with the gorgeous Harkins Arrowhead Fountains 18 Theatre gives us a great backdrop to showcase some amazing new films.”

The event will be held over three days; screening a mix of independent and upcoming studio releases.

The Peoria Film Fest is also excited to partner with the City of Peoria as the festival’s Presenting Partner of the event.

“The City of Peoria is thrilled to host the Film Foundation’s October film festival,” said Mayor Cathy Carlat. “Peoria is an exceptional community, and with the nationally ranked Huntington University Arizona Center for Digital Media Art in our lively P83 district, our community is the perfect backdrop for this iconic festival. We look forward to welcoming the talented film and production companies who make this event successful, and the many cinematic enthusiasts to the heart of the North Valley.” 

You can stay up to date on the festival at PeoriaFilmFest.com

About Phoenix Film Foundation

The Phoenix Film Foundation is a 501c3 Non-profit Organization whose mission is to support and develop the artistic appreciation, educational opportunities and growth of independent film within Arizona. The Foundation’s primary functions through its programs are to promote the exhibition of independent films and conduct educational programs that teach the art of independent filmmaking.

Join us April 5 for our Opening Night Premiere Event

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

Our Opening night Premiere Event on April 5, is 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.

After you've had your fill, we all head on over to the theatre where we present this year's Visionary Award to Founder and Executive Director of Local First Arizona, Kimber Lanning.

Then it's our Opening Night Film, Lean on Pete.

From acclaimed filmmaker Andrew Haigh (Weekend; 45 Years), and based on the beloved novel by Willy Vlautin, comes Lean on Pete—a deeply moving story about love, loneliness, family, and friendship, told through the unique prism of one boy’s connection to a very special racehorse.

Fifteen-year-old Charley Thompson (Charlie Plummer) arrives in Portland, Oregon with his single father Ray (Travis Fimmel), both of them eager for a fresh start after a series of hard knocks. While Ray descends into personal turmoil, Charley finds acceptance and camaraderie at a local racetrack where he lands a job caring for an aging Quarter Horse named Lean On Pete. The horse’s gruff owner Del Montgomery (Steve Buscemi) and his seasoned jockey Bonnie (Chloë Sevigny) help Charley fill the void of his father’s absence—until he discovers that Pete is bound for slaughter, prompting him to take extreme measures to spare his new friend’s life. Charley and Pete head out into the great unknown, embarking on an odyssey across the new American frontier in search of a loving aunt Charley hasn’t seen in years. They experience adventure and heartbreak in equal measure, but never lose their irrepressible hope and resiliency as they pursue their dream of finding a place they can call home.

Featuring an incredible breakout turn by Charlie Plummer (The Dinner; King Jack; Ridley Scott’s All The Money in the World) and memorable supporting work by indie stalwarts Buscemi, Sevigny and Steve Zahn, Lean on Pete is a compassionate and heartrending look at the desire for love, family, and acceptance that drives all of us.

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.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2018 Phoenix Film Festival Short Screenplay Search

Thank you to all who submitted their screenplays to the 2018 Phoenix Film Festival Short Screenplay Competition. We are very excited to announce this year's winners!

First Place

The Siberian Trap by Jeffrey Howe

An FBI agent investigating the death of a gay Chechen refugee masters chess to extract what she needs from an informant -- and learns the true meaning of "pawn sacrifice."

Second Place

Stranger by Shervin Kermani

An old, deep, nonchalant voice resounds throughout a papier maché mock up of the universe, filled with planets and stars. Far from serious, this is a quirky, rough voiced but sentimental “God” here to tell his most upsetting tale: a great love story that never happens.

Third Place

Saline County, Illinois by Jeffrey Howe  

A meticulous 1890s stationmaster finds a widow and her young children abandoned on his station platform.

Finalists

Ozzy by Chris Hoshnic

A disobedient dachshund attempts to train himself for his new owner when a dog-shaped gift is placed under the Christmas tree.

Costume Drama by Ben Gruner and Tyler Garn 

A young girl gets more than she bargains for on Halloween when things get a little too real.

The High Dive by Brian Patterson

Four generations of Soliz men take in the sun at the water park. Two of them, Eddie and his great-grandfather, Naldo, each face an important rite of passage.

The Rental by L. P. Lee

A London tenant must find a new place to live or be forced to make a life-changing sacrifice.

The Confectionery Prince by Jeffrey Howe

When the Queen's Steward tries to kill the newborn heir to the throne, the Royal Confectioner finds herself entangled in a plan to stop him -- but destiny comes in more than one flavor.

Going Back by Rebecca Semik

Bobbi faces the choice between her past first love and her present fiance. Her future depends on whether she can find closure with her past.

Here to stay by John Kestner and Bill Pierce

The sad final ending to one of America's first rockers: Danny Rapp abruptly ends a tour and takes his own life in a Quartzsite, Arizona motel room. Based on a true story.

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

Harkins Unveils Newly Remodeled Scottsdale 101 Theatre

Upgrades Include In-Lobby Bar, Harkins Ultimate Loungers™, Reserved Seating & More!

Harkins Theatres announced today the first phase completion of the highly-anticipated remodel at Harkins Scottsdale 101.  The newly remodeled theatre offers brand new upgrades including Ultimate Lounger™reclining seats, in-lobby bar, reserved seating, mobile ticketing and entirely new and upgraded interior décor!  

“As we approach our fifteen year anniversary at our Scottsdale 101 location, we reflect on the wonderful support from our loyal moviegoers over the years,” says Dan Harkins, Owner of Harkins Theatres.  “These new state-of-the-art amenities show our commitment to our loyal guests and our promise to always provide the Ultimate Moviegoing experience.”

The in-lobby bar at Harkins Scottsdale 101 serves cocktails, wine and beer, including craft selections from local favorites Papago and Four Peaks Brewing.  Guests are invited to relax and explore Harkins’ custom-built drink menu at the bar.  All drinks purchased at the in-lobby bar are welcome inside the auditorium.  Moviegoers can reserve their Ultimate Lounger and bypass the box office using Harkins’ mobile ticketing. 

To celebrate 84 years of Ultimate Moviegoing, Harkins is treating guests to $5 movies Friday September 1 through Monday September 4.  Moviegoers are invited to experience the newly remodeled Scottsdale 101 theatre and reserve their seats to any show this weekend for only $5!

The second phase of the ongoing remodel is now underway at Scottsdale 101 and will include continued upgrades to the theatre, including an upgraded and enhanced Cine Capri auditorium and museum. 

The Phoenix Film Festival is excited to make its home at the Scottsdale 101 and look forward to watching some of the best in independent cinema in some of the newest and most comfortable theatres around!

Big News

Join us in 2018 as we expand the festival from eight days to eleven days!

This is the biggest expansion of the Phoenix Film Festival since it expanded from four days to eight in 2006.

The expansion of the eleven day festival will now feature over 250 screenings, giving an opportunity for an even wider variety of film programming.

So mark your calendars, because 2018 will be the biggest year yet!

2018 Phoenix Film Festival
April 5 - 15, 2018
Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theaters
7000 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85054. 

Philanthopist Bob Parsons awarded with the 2017 Phoenix Film Foundation Visionary Award

L-R: Matthew Earl Jones, Bob Parsons, Stephanie Dowling, Jason Carney

Because of his commitment to the film industry in Arizona, his love for the state and his support of the the newly re-established Arizona Office of Film and Digital Media, the Phoenix Film Foundation is pleased to announce that the recipient of its 2017 Visionary Award is Bob Parsons.

In 2016, Parsons founded SNEAKY BIG Studios, a state-of-the-art production studio in Scottsdale with a recording studio, audio mix, editing suites and one of the largest sound stages in Arizona. As a fully integrated, 4k one-stop facility, SNEAKY BIG was built by Parsons to handle the growing creative needs of his own businesses, as well as the resurgence in Arizona’s film industry. His support of the film industry is further evidenced by his contribution to the newly re-established Arizona Office of Film and Digital Media, which aims to show the world that Hollywood-level production is available right here in Arizona.

In 2012, Parsons and his wife Renee founded The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, which has awarded more than $120 million in critical funds to charitable organizations. The Foundation focuses its support on nonprofit organizations that are successfully addressing issues associated with at-risk youth, homelessness, education, veterans’ needs and medical care for underserved populations.

Parsons founded YAM Worldwide Inc. in 2012 and today, Parsons’ core businesses mirror the industries he is most passionate about which include: Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG), Scottsdale National Golf Club, Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson, GO AZ Motorcycles, GO AZ Motorcycles West, Spooky Fast Customs, BIG YAM: The Parsons Agency, YAM Capital, YAMWOOD Foundry and YAM Properties.

Thank you, Mr. Parsons, for your commitment to film in Arizona.

Congrats to the 2017 Phoenix Film Festival Award Winners

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

Thank you to all who submitted their screenplays to the 2017 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 Prescott, Arizona

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, FLorida

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, TenNessee

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 & Terry Milner  from New York, 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.