The Five - Animal-Led Movies

The Five - Animal-Led Movies

Written by Jose Castaneda

Compiled by Jose Castaneda and Okechi Apakama

Hello and welcome to another edition of “The Five.” Today’s list features the latest and greatest animal actors that have pawed, swam and slithered into our film-loving hearts. Due to the short nature of our list (and to avoid a nine-hour heated debate over Disney’s track record), we decided not to include any fully-animated films into our consideration. Also, while we would love to include flicks like Life of Pi and Jaws on the list, we concluded that the animals must be sentient and well-rounded in order to be considered.  Finally, CGI animal films are included in our list because who doesn’t love a dash of human expression?

Honorable mentions: Charlotte’s Web, Mowgli and Cats & Dogs

5. Air Bud (1997)

Air Bud centers on the story of Blue, a golden retriever who is cast out to the perils of the dog pound after his previous owner becomes dissatisfied with his performance at a child’s birthday party. On the way to the pound, Blue’s kennel falls out of the truck and he becomes homeless.  Meanwhile, newcomer Josh (Kevin Zegers) becomes the manager of his middle school basketball team after shying away from trying out or making friends. Soon after, Josh meets Blue while he is practicing in a makeshift basketball court. Josh renames him “Buddy” and brings him home after he discovers Buddy’s talent for shooting hoops.  Air Bud remains as a constant staple in pop culture’s book of beloved animal movies. The film’s childish charm, memorability and ability to make the audience ignore physics and the overall plausibility of a dog’s ability to play basketball earn it a spot on our list.

4. Stuart Little (1999) and Stuart Little 2 (2002)

This pair of films tells the story of the unorthodox relationship between Stuart Little, an anthropomorphic little white mouse, and his new adopted family. The movies also focus heavily on the strained and dynamic relationship between Stuart and his brother George (Jonathan Lipnicki).  These charming films connected with families as they touch upon relatable themes through a fantastic scenario. They are filled with humor and amazing visual effects that earned Stuart Little a visual effects Oscar nomination, which is no small feat.

3. Scooby-Doo: The Movie (2002)

This film showcases the first live-action adaption of the Hannah-Barbera animated series, Scooby-Doo. The movie picks up on the Scooby-Doo gang after years of solving mysteries. The team disbands after its members become fed-up with the tropes imposed on them during the animated series (Daphne is tired of getting kidnapped and Velma is never credited for her ideas). After a couple of years, the members of Mystery Inc. unknowingly reconvene when they are all separately invited to solve a mystery on the popular (and aptly-named) vacation spot of Spooky Island. The gang decides to come back together for another adventure when trouble arises on the resort.  While this film was not critically well-received, it offered a fun and campy story that served as a spot-on translation of the animated series. The visual effects that rendered Scooby-Doo were great for the era in which the movie was released. This movie is worthy of any amount of Scooby Snacks and if you’re even considering watching it, please Doo.

2. The Jungle Book (2016)

The Jungle Book retreads the path that the 1967 animated original cleared for it. It follows the story of Mowgli (Neel Sethi), an orphan boy who is forced to leave his home after he is pursued by the steely and dangerous tiger, Shere Khan (Idris Elba). Mowgli is guided in his journey by a multitude of animal compatriots, including the brown bear Baloo (Bill Murray) and the black panther Bagheera (Ben Kingsley). While Jon Favreau stays true to the origin of the story, he contributes his own directional voice and direction. The stunning visuals, great voice cast and a fresh retelling of a beloved story give this film a spot on our list.

1.  Babe (1995)

This film follows Babe, the smart orphaned pig who is adopted by a border collie after he is brought onto a farm. The film follows the various animals of the farm and their mishaps and adventures, while mainly focusing on Babe and his newfound ability to herd sheep. The film tackles themes and subjects that overshadow the film’s G rating. While the main character of Babe gave the movie its spot on this list, we have to commemorate all of the 48 pigs that played the role of Babe during production. In addition to being a timeless classic, Babe was also nominated for seven Academy awards including best picture, best director and best visual effects.  If Babe hasn’t already infiltrated your list of top five animal-led movies, then it will be bacon its way there soon.

Behind the Screens – Part Two

Behind the Screens – Part Two

By: Cameron Galvin

A week closer, we keep trucking along in the Pre-Production process. A weekly update of ‘behind the screens’ at the Phoenix Film Festival, we give the film connoisseur’s or just the movie lover an in-depth look into what it takes to put on a film festival. We have some fun new developments that our mix of interns and staff, have been working on this past week in preparation of the 11 day April phenomenon. So, let’s dive in.

Unfortunately, we are still in the rejection process. With so many creative submissions, there just isn’t enough room for all of them. Rejection letters are still being sent out, as we are take one step closer to finalizing the 2019 lineup. We encourage these filmmakers to keep pushing forward as they continue to embark on their artistic journey. On a lighter note, we are in the process of selecting all of the films to be in our ‘showcase features.’ These are non-competition films that we personally recruited from studios, distributors and filmmakers. Like Vito Corleone said in the Godfather: “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.” These extraordinary projects deserve to be seen on the big screen, to give these creative minds the recognition they deserve. An exciting event no doubt, as many will make their world premieres and Arizona premieres.

We also have a new daily item called ‘The Five.’ Our crack team of film nerds picks the top five films every day from a different category such as: The top five musicals or top five time-travel films, to just name a few we have done so far.  The process can be rigorous and sometimes heated when it comes to someone’s top five. In the end, we generate a list with some honorable mentions that didn’t make the cut and one of our skilled team members writes it up. We give brief description of the criteria for the films and the selection process. We then list the films we have chosen with a small blurb about the film and what makes it so special. A nice read and potential reminder to re-watch or see for the first time some of the best films made, for our dedicated fans.   

The Five - Time Travel Movies

The Five - Time Travel Films

Written by Cameron Galvin

Compiled by Cameron Galvin, Brionna Raum

Welcome to another edition of the Phoenix Film Festival’s daily Top 5. Today we picked our list of the Top 5 Time Travel Films. This list is a nice mix of comedies and sci-fi classics, ranging from 1985 to 2014. Our team of sci-fi wizards only set one rule; the film had to have some sort of time travel in it. There was a long list of films for us to choose from and unfortunately we had to leave some out. Here are some of the movies that did not crack the Top 5: Groundhog Day, Donnie Darko, Interstellar, and Looper. After much deliberation, we present to you the Top 5.

5. Hot Tub Time Machine

This movie is definitely one of the funnier ones on the list. A man with his two friends and his nephew travel up to a ski resort, where they used to party as teens to relive the glory days. A malfunctioning hot tub takes them back to 1986, where they must relive an eventful night without altering the future. With funny performances throughout and plenty of 80s nostalgia, the movie leaves you wondering, what would you do if you had a second chance?

4. Edge of Tomorrow

This film takes the concept of Groundhog Day and turns into a sci-fi thriller, where the military must fight a world dominating alien race. Tom Cruise gets to relive the same day over and over again, the day restarting every time he dies. But as each day is relived, Cruise’s skills become better as he gets closer every new day to defeating the enemy. This film takes a deeper look into having to constantly wake up every day, and know you are going to die again.

3. The Terminator & Terminator 2

With one having to do with the other, it was too hard not to have both of these films together as one. The original Terminator takes place in 1984 when an android from the future is sent back in time to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son will lead humanity in the war against the machines in the future. While a soldier of that war (who is actually the father of the boy) is sent back to save her. Fast forward to years later in Terminator 2, the same cyborg is sent back to now protect the born son (John) of Sarah Connor, from another more advanced cyborg to kill him. These films were so groundbreaking for the time they came out, as they ate looking at the idea that machines might eventually rise up and take over the world.

2. Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure

This cult classic comes in at number 2 and is without a doubt the funniest film on the list. Two airhead teenagers must get an A on their final history presentation in order to stay in school. With time running out, a time machine appears (this time in the form of a phone booth) to help them round up some of history’s most influential figures. Once they get back to present day with their project all ready to go, the figures crash the local mall where they run wild. Bill and Ted pull off their presentation and later find out they needed to pass in order to keep their band The Wild Stallions together, because their music unites the world together in the future. This movie hits the inner child in all of us when it comes to having to pass a class no matter what it takes. Definitely not a deep story, but it will be sure to make you laugh. A Lot.

1. Back to the Future

At number 1 we think most people can agree with this. Marty McFly, a teen that everyone at some point wanted to be is sent back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by the crazy scientist Doc Brown. There Marty runs into his parents, where he runs the risk of not ever being born because his mom has the hots for him (don’t worry she doesn’t know he’s her son). Marty will stop at nothing to make sure his parents meet at the famous Enchantment of the Sea dance where they share their first kiss. With great music throughout, this movie hits home with the 80s power and even the 50s nostalgia. It’s film that shows us, it’s cooler to stand up to bullies than to be one.          

The Five - Musicals

The Five - Musicals

 Written by Amy Cable

Compiled by Amy Cable, Hannah Ehrlich and Kyley Warren

            When deciding on the musicals for this list, we did not have much debate as there were very strong titles that stole our hearts. We steered away from Disney’s musical films because we believe that they deserve their own list. These titles were chosen from a list of public favorites and were used on our list based on their spectacular overall composition. When choosing the musicals we took several elements into consideration: public popularity, cinematic devices, casting, and musical score. We also examined how the title relates to its theatrical version and how much they tributed to their original platform on stage. We decided to have La La Land (2016) as the honourable mention due to its mesmerizing cinematic techniques and its entrawlling musical score.

5. West Side Story (1961)

This misfortunate love story follows two starstruck lovers, Maria (Natalie Wood) and Tony (Richard Beymer), on their quest to run away together. The narrative is based on William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet (1597). We chose this musical for its popularity and its astounding score that rings in the audience’s ear long after the finally. Due to when the film was made it lacks visual appeal and deserves to be remade with today’s improved technology. The main appeal of this film is the hope that the two lovers bring to the audience, despite their chaotic and conflicting surroundings.

4. Annie (1982)

Despite the efforts of the most recent 2014 adaptation of Annie, we believe that the original film deserves the place of this list. The story begins with a young orphan girl named Annie (Aileen Quinn), who is trapped by the cold, unforgiving, orphanage caretaker, Miss Hannigan (Carol Burnett). Her life is turned around when she steals the heart of billionaire Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks (Albert Finney). This heartwarming tale brought joy to many younger audiences and the score enlightened many older generations, that could potentially relate to Annie’s cruel surroundings during the Great Depression. We believe that this film eclipsed the original theatre production as it proved to be more inventive and increasingly immersive for audiences.

3. Grease (1978)

Much like West Side Story (1961), this story has audiences dreaming of a love that cannot be. Innocent, Austrlian Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) transfer to school in the USA and falls for bad boy Danny (John Travolta). Due to social conformities within the highschool they are torn apart. This time-honoured musical brought teenage entertainment into the mainstream and made visiting the cinema a typical weekend activity for young adults and teens. Grease inspired generations to love who they are and explore new ideals of themselves, which was why it deserved a prime spot on our list. This comedic structure had audiences rooting for the love of Sandy and Danny and their friends struggles to find happiness and security in highschool cliques.

2. Les Miserables (2012)

This iconic, memorable musical follows a range of different characters as they interfere with Jean Valjean’s (Hugh Jackman) extraordinary life. The narrative takes place during the lead up to the French Revolution. This film was chosen for its popularity with public audiences and how it drew interest from a range of audiences of all ages. This film also demonstrated beautiful cinematic techniques that captured the hearts of audiences. The cinematic devices used allowed us to feel involved in the actions and connected to the characters. Despite this we would have liked to see more of the original production reflected in the cinematic adaptation, which could have been achieved with a little bit more creativity. However, the cinematic adaptation increased audience attachments to the characters, which was definitely needed considering there is a very vast cast.

1. Phantom of the Opera (2004)

The scene is set in 19th century Paris where Christine (Emmy Rossum) becomes the rising star of the Opera House, unknowingly catching the attention of the Phantom (Gerard Butler). Christine becomes torn between the Phantom and her more realistic love Raoul (Patrick Wilson). This film stood out to us as number one from the beginning of the decision process. We give tremendous credit to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber for the score of this cinematic adaptation. The film was also cast spectacularly, with Rossum playing the innocent, deer in the headlights, Christine, and strong willed Butler as the thrillingly dangerous Phantom. The film also portrays the narrative with rich flavour and heavily reflects on the original theatrical production.

The Five - Underrated Disney Animated Features

The Five - Underrated Disney Animated Features

Written by Okechi Apakama

Compiled by Okechi Apakama, Jose Castaneda and Kyley Warren

Welcome to the Phoenix Film Festival’s first daily Top 5, today we picked our list of Top 5 Underrated Disney Films. For this list, we agree on the boundaries of not well-known or underappreciated films within the Disney realm. This list does not include Pixar titles because those movies deserve their own list. We had a team of devoted critics (i.e a trio of Disney film nerds) discuss in extreme prejudice, but don’t worry no one was physically injured. The movie list spans as far back as the 1970s up until the 2000s. We tried to steer clear of early Disney movies because so many of them are well-known. That being said there was a long list of movies we had to choose from and unfortunately some movies we loved couldn’t make the cut. Here are some of the loved ones that did not make it: Treasure Island ,101 Dalmatians, The Rescuers, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, A Goofy Movie.

5. The Aristocats   

This movie is one of our jazzier ones on the list, with a story of Dutchess and three kittens having to travel to Paris with the help of some friends along the way. There is also a greedy butler who is after the cats the entire time. This movie has very catchy music and songs. The entire ensemble cast is great with the exception of the regressive representation of the Siamese cats. The movie is basically a light-hearted Disney musical rom-com and it completely sells you on that story line.     

4. The Hunchback of Notre Dame

This movie follows disfigured Quasimodo who is the bell-ringer of the Notre Dame Cathedral and longs for a connection with Gypsy Esmeralda. Quasimodo’s master Frollo is also after Gypsy Esmeralda and it is up to Quasimodo to stop him from getting her within his clutches. This movie is about an underdog who is judged based on his looks and the movie tell us not to judge a person based on their looks. This movie tends to be overlooked when it comes to Disney princess movies. We consider Esmeralda as a Disney princess, don’t @ us. It had a great message that in our relationships with others, it’s from the heart that matters.

3. Brother Bear 

This movie was about a tale of a man named Kenai who hates bears because his brother was killed by a bear and then he becomes a bear. He has to become human again so he journeys to a mystical mountain with a small cub. This is happening while his other brother is trying to kill him for being bear. It was a perfect movie of the dynamic between brotherly connection. Kenai gained a greater appreciation for bears and it was a movie that had a lot of heartwarming moments. It is definitely one of those movies that you have to watch again to appreciate it.  

2. Meet The Robinsons

It followed the story of a boy genius Lewis that gives up after one of his inventions doesn’t work then he is taken into the future by another boy Wilbur Robinson. He spends the day with an exotic family and is shown many wonders of the future. This movie could have been number one on our list with a message that has a great underlying meaning to never give up. It really taps into the wonders of Disney and it displays there is no limit to our creativity. It also serves as a solid time travel movie with little to no plot holes. This is definitely a movie that the whole family can appreciate. 

1. The Emperor's New Groove 

Taking the number one spot on our list is a movie that all of us agree was overlooked. It stars a selfish and arrogant Emperor Kuzco who is transformed into a llama by his adversary. Kuzco is then matched up with Pacha and his family and he learns compassion and caring for others. This is all happening as Kuzco tries to take the throne back from the sinister Yzma. This movie had great comic moments while also having a wholesome message about being friendly with one other. There is a great scene where Pacha warns Kuzco "Someday you’re gonna wind up all alone and you’ll have no one to blame but yourself." It is a very gut wrenching moment and it showed how well Disney can balance different themes within their movies.

Behind the Screens at the Phoenix Film Festival

Pre-Production for PFF by Kyley Warren

Managing a world-renowned film festival is no small feat. Every day, our team of film aficionados is forging new paths and brainstorming fresh ideas, with the common goal of cultivating an 11-day festival that is not only better than prior years, but one that also continues to celebrate the extraordinary, creative talents of daring filmmakers and artists – both on a local and international scale. Now, we’re offering our loyal fans a ‘behind the scenes’ look at some of the exciting developments that are taking place through our team in preparation for the 2019 Phoenix Film Festival, which is slated to take over the Valley this April.

Each year, aspiring creatives from around the world will send their masterpieces to us, in the hopes of being considered for a spot in the festival lineup. Our team has the opportunity to bear witness to imaginative greatness, as we are often bombarded by unique features that have been developed and produced by true trailblazers. Though there is certainly no shortage of great films, our festival accepts only the best. Rejection letters have officially been sent out to filmmakers whose work did not make the cut for this year’s lineup. While it’s often difficult to qualify a creative’s work as either “worthy” or “unworthy” of inclusion within a festival, it’s an inevitable part of the job. Fortunately, it means that we are one step closer to releasing the official schedule for the 2019 Phoenix Film Festival. And to all those whose creative efforts might now feel strained because of this rejection, just remember Scarlett O’Hara’s famed final line from Gone with the Wind: “After all, tomorrow is another day.” A single body of work cannot define an artist’s career, so continue to push forward and challenge your boundaries as a visionary.

On a more positive note, the team behind the Phoenix Film Festival is now boasting the likes of a few new faces. As the festival continues to grow, so must the team behind it. This season, we have taken on a number of interns, with each one possessing an unparalleled love for great cinema and a borderline-unhealthy knowledge of witty quotes courtesy of cinematic classics. Here’s looking at you, Pulp Fiction. These interns have a number of different tasks and obligations – with everything from creating website content to working the actual festival in April. It takes a village to manage a film festival – or at least in this case, a group of film nerds who are simply passionate about great movies. Regardless, we’re looking forward to training the next generation of media professionals and seeing their individual visions take shape in the exciting season that lies ahead!

Here They Are -- the Official 2019 Phoenix Film Festival Posters!

Hot off the presses, here are the 2019 Phoenix Film Festival's official posters:

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Great Scott!

If you’re going to make a poster with homage to Back to the Future, you might as well do it with some style.

Designed by Alex Patrick Merrill.

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You call yourself a wild thing.

We don’t have to look at the sky because we’re focused on how amazing this poster is designed by Brittney James and photographed by NBMA Photography.

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I am the Pumpkin King.

Designed by Lisa Marie Lara with photography by NABA Photography, this poster was simply meant to be.

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What’s it going to be then, eh?

We can always rely on Amy Bornstein for a killer poster! This masterpiece was inspired by the film, A Clockwork Orange.

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BUT WAIT! There is one more.

Marty Freetage has designed a poster for the International Horror and SciFi Film Festival that shows Camera Head as you'd hoped to never see him!

​​​​​​​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.