PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT
MARCH 27, 2025
The Opening Night Premiere Event will begin at 6:00 PM followed by the Opening Night Film Screening beginning at 7:30 PM
Don't miss the legendary Phoenix Film Festival Opening Night Premiere Event. We kick off the evening in the PFF Party Pavilion with food tastings from some fantastic restaurants. In addition to the great food, you can enjoy a cocktail, a little music, and join in the bidding on our Silent Auction. When you stop by the silent auction, be sure to ask where you can see the full selection of auction items and how to place your bids!
The best part is that the Opening Night Premiere Event supports the educational programs of the Phoenix Film Foundation. So you can join in on the party and grab some tasty food while supporting a great cause at the same time!
After the cocktail party, guests will transition from the Party Pavilion to the Harkins Cine Capri Theatre for the screening of PFF’s Opening Night film - The Ballad of Wallis Island.
THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND
Directed by: James Griffiths
Starring: Tom Basden, Tim Key, Sian Clifford, Akemnji Ndifornyen and Carey Mulligan
Synopsis: THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND follows Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden & Carey Mulligan) back together. His fantasy turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig.
Food and festivities will be held in the Party Pavilion with tastes from our amazing food industry partners including:
OPENING NIGHT MUSIC BY LIZZIE
"Lizzie" is a 19 year old Tucson born and raised indie folk musician. Her brand new EP "Turn it into Art" is out now! It navigates themes of growing up, friendship, and heartbreak, while showing how music can be a way to process these things, heal, and bring us all together. She has been a finalist in the 2024 Tucson Folk Festival Songwriting Competition, part of the 2024 Tucson Rock Lottery, was recently a part of the Dusk Music Festival 2024 Battle of the Bands as a finalist, and just won Alice Cooper’s Proof is in the Pudding 2024 Competition and opened for him on December 7th at The Celebrity Theater!
GET READY FOR YOUR CLOSE UP!
Don’t forget to stop by and visit Nader Abushhab of NBMA Photography for an Opening Night portrait!
After you grab some tasty food and treats, you can stop by a special photo op area and work that camera. It’s a great way to commemorate this exciting event at the Phoenix Film Festival.
STOP BY OUR SILENT AUCTION
Check out a selection of our silent auction items in person and see if there is something you just can’t live without! Proceeds from the auction go to Phoenix Film Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to support and develop the artistic appreciation, educational opportunities and growth of independent film within Arizona.
