Wednesday, March 30

5 Films to Check Out at The Phoenix Film Festival

 IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN!!! THE PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL MARCH 31-APRIL 10, 2022

 


It’s my favorite of time of the year again. The Phoenix Film Festival alongside the International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival opens up in just a few days!!! I’ve been excited for this for a long time.

I’ve put together this quick post, highlighting some of the coming features that I’m most excited about this year. These are just a small handful of the films that I’ll end up seeing in the very near future. I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention how exciting it is to have the Party Pavilion back this year. I like to wander about the tent and browse all of the Silent Auction items. Kid’s Day and Film Prom are back this year. And don’t forget to check out some of the Filmmaker Panels.

For me, The Phoenix Film Festival is certainly not only about the films. There are a handful of amazing people in the community that I only see once or twice a year. I always overschedule myself for the films because I know that inevitably, I’ll miss a screening or two because I’d rather catch up with someone over a taco at Cien Agaves, or an Americano and dessert from Café Pino. I’ve only grown to cherish these interactions more and more as the years go by so if you see me walking around, come say hi. I’ve been missing you.

The festival takes place March 31st – April 10th, 2022 at the Harkins Ciné Capri.

 

THE GRAND BOLERO


Directed by Gabriele Fabbro

Screening Times: Friday, April 1st @ 12:05 PM, Saturday, April 2nd @ 9:30 AM, Sunday, April 3rd @ 4:50 PM, Tuesday, April 5th @ 12:15 PM

An Italian ‘romantic thriller’ that takes place during the Covid-19 lockdown about a pipe organ restorer. The trailer shows a beautiful marriage of sight and sound that I’m very excited to experience on a big screen. Winner of Best Feature at the Apra International Film Festival as well as the Open Jury Award at the Linea d’Ombra Festival. I’ve got a good feeling about this one.   


 


DOWN WITH THE KING


Directed by Diego Ongaro

Screening Time: Friday, April 1st @ 7:10 PM, Friday, April 8th @ 11:45 AM

I think I first starting listening to Freddie Gibbs’ music when he recorded Piñata with Madlib. He has a unique sound that oozes talent. I was quite surprised to see that he stars in a film at the festival. Everything I’ve heard excites me about his performance. Winner of the Audience Award at the American Film Festival and the Grand Special Prize at the Deauville Film Festival.



THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT




Directed by Tom Gormican

Screening Times: Saturday, April 9th @ 7:30 PM

I don’t really see why I should articulate why I’m excited for this film. I am not a closeted Nic Cage fan… And I’m certainly not one that appreciates his work on an ironic level. No, I am an out, loud and proud admirer of his career and have been for many years. This feels less like a film and more like an invitation to a new Cage fan club meeting. And I’m pretty OK with that.



 

LET ME BE ME



Directed by Kyle Westphal

Screening Times: Saturday, April 2nd @ 4:40 PM, Tuesday, April 5th @ 9:50 PM

I always find great docs at the festival. This looks like the most interesting one on this year’s slate. It looks to be a feel good story about the successes of some form of radical autism therapy. I’m down for that, all day.




WE BURN LIKE THIS



Directed by Alana Waksman

Screening Times: Friday, April 8th @ 4:30 PM, Saturday, April 9th @ 2:10, Sunday, April 10th @ 12:00 PM

I’ve been impressed with the work of Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs since her performance in the criminally underrated RHYMES FOR YOUNG GHOULS. Her star is on the rise now thanks to FX’s “Reservation Dogs” series and I’m excited to see it continue. Plus, the subject matter her feels rather poignant. This film won the Jury Prize at the Buffalo International Film Festival, Best Narrative Feature as well as the Ruth Landfield Award at the Fargo Film Festival and Alana Waksman took home the Best Emerging Film Maker Award at the Woods Hole Film Festival.


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