At PFF you’re sure to find…
More Than Movies
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The 2025 Phoenix Film Festival is excited to welcome the return of More Than Movies - a series of special events you won’t want to miss. This year, we have curated a series of events featuring incredibly talented individuals that all showcase their expertise and insight on what it means to be a fan of all that goes into the art of filmmaking. Be sure to save some room for them in your festival schedules! Click the buttons below to grab you tickets to each special event. For these events and more, be sure to take a look at the full festival SCHEDULE.
The Fabulous Film Olympics EXTRAVAGANZA
Saturday, March 29 at 8:35pm
Sure, you like movies. (You're at a film festival.) But are you ready to win the BIGGEST film face-off since Cage met Travolta? Join local drag sensation Barbra Seville as she hosts the ultimate film trivia Olympics. Compete in multiple games but remember...there can only be one Fabulous Film Champion at this Festival!
The Art of Cinematography
Sunday, March 30 at 1:10pm
Step into the world of filmmaking in a "Behind the Scenes" session where local filmmaker Nick LaRovere shares his favorite cinematography moments. Discover the creative processes, technical challenges of natural light, and inspiring stories behind some of the most visually stunning scenes in cinema. This event is a must-attend for film enthusiasts and filmmakers alike.
The Art of the Trailer
Monday, March 31 at 12:15pm Saturday, April 5 at 3:55pm
The movie trailer is one of filmmaking's most underrated art forms. Join us for a unique screening of memorable and creative trailers and thoughtful discussion on how these short previews captivate audiences and shape cinematic experiences. Hosted by Monte Yazzie, International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival Director and Film Critic Extraordinaire, Matthew Robinson.
Laughs & Reels:
A Night of Comedy and Cinema
Friday, April 4 at 6:35pm
Stand up just got cinematic! Join local comedian Gene Moore and friends for 90 minutes of stand-up comedy, hilarious short films and laughter through the night. Featuring comedians Gene Moore, Hillary Grady, Lamar Mitchell Jr., and Joseph Marino with films by David Starr, Jonason Pauley, Kirby Soderberg and Tannis Starr.
How I Made It:
Depicting Mental Health On Screen
Saturday, April 5 at 1:25pm
Join us for an insightful session with filmmaker Ben Tedesco and esteemed Arizona mental health professionals as they discuss current trends, best practices and sensitivities in depicting mental health on screen. This event promises to offer a unique perspective on the intersection of film and mental health awareness. Featuring "Obit", a short film by Ben Tedesco.
The PFF Prickly Picture Show
Saturday, April 5 at 7:25pm
Some movies are good, and some movies are so bad they're great. Join International Horror and Sci-Fi Program Directors Danny Marianino and Brandon Kinchen as they host (and provides hilarious commentary) for a very special screening of Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter (1966).
Let's Build a FANchise!
Sunday, April 6 at 1:30pm
“What’s your favorite movie?” From the merch to the marketing and all of the cultural moments in between, there’s power in a franchise that knows and speaks to their audience — or what we call a FANchise.
Hear from local actress and podcast host Kelcy Valletta and podcast host and digital marketing professor Abby Zufelt as they dive into what makes a movie or series turn into a fan-obsessed success. They’ll bring interesting insights and stories with a Q&A alongside casting director and founder of the Southwest Actors Conference Bella Hibbs (The Sintern) and actress Phuong Kubacki (The Bikeriders, Captain America Brave New World).
Make sure to bring your friends because Movie Trivia Bingo will also be part of the session to test your film fandom knowledge. This is a session for the superfans!
