Tuesday, March 18

Phoenix Film Festival 25th Anniversary Events

This March has brought in some crazy weather to Arizona. And you know what the best thing to do is during bad weather? See a movie!

Luckily for us, Phoenix Film Festival is just around the corner on March 27 – April 6 at Harkins Scottsdale 101.

This year marks their 25th anniversary and if you have never attended before, this is the year to fix that.

With 11 days full of over 250 diverse films from around the globe to specials events, kids’ day for the whole family and the opportunity to rub elbows with filmmakers, actors and more, it’s time set time aside on your calendar this silver jubilee!

Since this is a special year, I will be highlighting the three must-attend events in this article, and then the must-see films in another one.

First, there’s opening night to kick things off on Thursday, March 27 at 6 p.m.

Opening night will feature a special screening of THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND.

Directed by James Griffiths, 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.

In addition to this screening, tickets to the Opening Night Premiere Event include access to the party pavilion located directly outside Harkins Scottsdale 101. The party pavilion is a lively celebration filled with live music, a silent auction, and complimentary cocktails and food tastings from top local restaurants.

Grab your Opening Night tickets now for $60 per ticket or with the purchase of a Platinum Pass for $350!

If opening night didn’t quite entice you, this next incredible screening event may just do the trick.

On Saturday, March 29 at 7 p.m., the Phoenix Film Festival will host a special reunion event dedicated to Oliver Stone and the1986 classic PLATOON.

After screening the movie, attendees will have the opportunity to partake in a panel discussion and Q&A session featuring writer/director Oliver Stone along Capt. Dale Dye (Technical Advisor / “Capt. Harris”), Keith David (“King”), Corey Glove (“Francis”), Paul Sanchez (“Doc”), Mark Ebenhoch (Assistant Military Technical Advisor) plus others.

In December 1986, the groundbreaking film PLATOON burst onto the cinema scene, earning a perfect four-star rating from the legendary film critic Roger Ebert, setting the stage for its phenomenal success. The film quickly captivated audiences and critics alike, securing eight Oscar nominations and clinching four awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for the cinematic legend Oliver Stone.

This electrifying journey will culminate at the Phoenix Film Festival where Oliver Stone will be honored with the prestigious Copper Wing Tribute Award at the grand finale of this premiere event. Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of film history!

Grab your tickets now for $60 per ticket or with the purchase of a Platinum Pass for $350!

Lastly, this next film event will surely provide a good time for the whole family.

That’s right, Kids’ Day is back on Saturday, March 29 at the Party Pavilion Tent from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.


This FREE family event is a perfect way to get the whole family involved in the art of film with a blockbuster lineup of age-appropriate, hands-on activity stations focusing on different aspects of film production.

This year, families will have the opportunity to participate in:

  •          Acting Station: Unleash your inner actor in this chance to shine in the limelight!
  •          Animation Workshop: Discover the fundamental basics of the exciting art of animation!
  •         Green Screen Photo Booth: Step into your favorite movie scene through green screen technology!
  •         Makeup and Face Painting Station: Be transformed using the power of cinematic makeup!
  •        Red Carpet: Experience the thrill of stardom as you strike a pose on a dazzling "Hollywood Premiere" red carpet!
  •         Storyboard Workshop: Delve into the art of filmmaking by creating your very own illustrated storyboards

And there’s so much more to do than just the three events listed above.

Take a look at all the events and then schedule a movie in the in-between time!

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