Phoenix Film Festival features 267 movies at Harkins Scottsdale 101
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More than 260 films are taking over Harkins Scottsdale 101 for the annual Phoenix Film Festival.
From comedy to international films to short films and documentaries, the film festival will feature 267 films over the 11-day event. The festival will also feature 11 “centerpiece showcase” films that have not premiered yet in theaters.
Activities include a Kid’s Day where young guests can walk the Bookman’s Red Carpet or participate in the acting workshop hosted by the Valley Youth Theatre. Visitors can also attend a Film Prom in formal attire for an evening of dancing and live music.
Films to look out for include “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” which stars Nicolas Cage as Nick Cage in the film. “Montana Story” features Arizona native and actress Haley Lu Richardson and “Cha Cha Real Smooth” won the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
“There’s a community effect of watching films,” Jason Carney, Phoenix Film Festival director, said. “A film festival is great because everyone is talking about what they’ve seen and everyone is wanting to get each other’s impact. They want to be the person who discovers the next great film. And also, nobody wants to go to the movies by themselves. It’s energizing.”
See Phoenix Film Festival’s website for a complete schedule. Here is your complete guide to the event.
How can I get tickets to the Phoenix Film Festival?
Ticket prices vary depending on which package you buy. Single film screening tickets start at $15. Flex passes include four films. Super Flex passes include 10 movie screenings. Guests can also purchase a pass that covers the full event, in addition to a VIP pass.
Pricing for the tickets and festival passes are:
- Single Ticket: $15.
- Flex Pass: $45 – cannot be used for the opening or closing night films.
- Super Flex Pass: $120.
- Festival Pass: $200.
- VIP Pass: $400.
- Platinum Pass: $450 – will be the only pass/ticket for access to the Opening Night Film.
Passes and tickets for the 2022 Phoenix Film Festival can be purchased by calling 480-513-3195 or visiting phoenixfilmfestival.com.
Can I get a single ticket for the festival?
Yes. Single tickets cost $15 dollars. This includes one ticket for one film screening.
What films can I see at the festival?
The festival will feature more than 267 screenings over 11 days. From short films to features and world cinema features, several movies will premiere with the filmmakers in the room for Q&A sessions.
“There’s literally something for every taste,” Carney said.
The festival will also feature several “centerpiece films” which have not yet arrived in theaters. Visitors can see these movies as a “sneak peek” before they are distributed to studios and theaters, Carney said.
Here is a complete list of festival centerpiece films:
- “The Duke” (with Helen Mirren and Jim Broadbent).
- “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” (with Jenny Slate, Rosa Salazar, Thomas Mann, and Isabella Rossellini).
- “The Phantom of the Open” (with Mark Rylance, Rhys Ifans, and Sally Hawkins).
- “A Love Song” (with Dale Dickey, Wes Studi, and Michelle Wilson).
- “After Yang.”
- “892” (with John Boyega, Michael K. Williams, Connie Britton).
- “Summering” (with Lake Bell, Megan Mullally, Ashley Madekwe, Sarah Cooper).
- “Scarborough” (with Liam Diaz, Mekiya Fox, Anna Claire Beitel).
- “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” (with Nicolas Cage, Pedro Pascal, Sharon Horgan, Ike Barinholtz, Neil Patrick Harris, and Tiffany Haddish).
What events will be at the party pavilion tent?
The Party Pavilion Tent will feature activities from March 31-April 2nd. Events include:
- Opening Night Party, Thursday, March 31 from 6-7 p.m.: The event will feature small plates from Phoenix eateries, an open bar, and musical entertainment. Visitors can also participate in a silent auction prior to the opening night film screening. This event is exclusively for opening night ticket holders.
- Industry Night, Friday, April 1, 6 p.m.-12 a.m. - Actors, producers, filmmakers, and agents are invited to this networking event to meet new and old friends. The event is free.
- Kid’s Day, Saturday, April 2nd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. See below for details.
- VIP Happy Hour, Saturday, April 2, 6-7 p.m. All VIP pass holders are invited to the Party Pavilion for drinks and music in between screenings.
- Film Prom, Saturday, April 2nd, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. It’s a time to put on formal attire for drinks and dancing at the annual Phoenix Film Festival “Film Prom.” There will be a prom photo booth at the event.
What can I expect from opening and closing night at the film festival?
Those that want to attend opening night must purchase a $60 ticket for the event. The evening will feature an opening night party from 6-7 p.m. prior to the movie screening of “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” the winner of the 2022 Sundance Film Festival U.S. Dramatic Audience Award. Eateries including The Capital Grille, Melting Pot, and Cien Agaves will serve small plates at the Pavilion Party Tent at the opening party.
Closing night on April 10 will feature “Montana Story” which stars Arizona native and actress Haley Lu Richardson. The film will premiere in theaters on May 13. Separate tickets do not need to be purchased for this event.
Will there be on-screen captioning at the festival?
Yes. There are five on-screen captioned filmed scheduled for the event to make the films accessible for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, have difficulty understanding spoken language, or prefer captions while watching films.
An ASL interpreter will be present at each screening both for film introductions and post-screening Q&A sessions.
The following films will have on-screen captions:
- “Straighten up and Fly Right”, Friday, April 1st at 5:10 p.m.
- “What We Leave Behind”, Saturday, April 2nd at 5:35 p.m.
- “Ferryman”, Sunday, April 3rd at 5:05 p.m.
- “18 ½, Sunday”, April 10th at 11:20 a.m.
- “Take the Night” – Sunday, April 10th at 3:00 p.m.
Visit: www.phoenixfilmfestival.com/on-screen-captioning for additional information.
Are there events for kids at the Phoenix Film Fest?
Yes. Kid’s Day will take place on Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Party Pavilion Tent. The event is free for kids of all ages. Activities will include:
- Stop motion animation by Glendale Community College.
- A green screen photo booth courtesy of Arizona State University.
- Storyboard workshop provided by Huntington University.
- Story Time with the Scottsdale Public Library.
- An acting station by Valley Youth Theatre.
- Photos taken on Bookman’s Red Carpet.
- A makeup and face painting station.
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa County Injury Prevention Program will also host a free car seat check seminar for expectant mothers and newborns to children under 4’9.’ Certified specialists will be available to answer questions about transportation safety.
See here for more details about Kid’s Day.
What are the COVID-19 precautions for the Phoenix Film Festival?
The event is following all safety protocols put in place by Harkins Theatres. Masks are not required but are strongly encouraged.
Phoenix Film Festival
When: March 31-April 10.
Where: Harkins Scottsdale 101, 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix.
Cost: Tickets start at $15 for a single-day pass.
Details: See https://www.phoenixfilmfestival.com/ for a full calendar and schedule of events.
Reach the reporter at [email protected] Follow her on Instagram @sofia.krusmark
