Have you ever watched a movie musical and wished you could join in on the fun? Well, get ready to cut loose (Footloose) at the Musical Mayhem Singalong! Join host Killian Davies for a revue filled with singing, dancing, and trivia from all your favorite movie musicals.
“Movie Match” is a lively, audience-driven night of movie debate and unlikely friendships! Bring your spiciest Movie Hot Takes, pass judgment on others, and find your Ultimate Movie Best Friend. By the finale, we’ll crown our most compatible match...plus you’ll leave with laughs and new friends. Come for the debate, hang for laughs, and get connected!
It’s back! Don’t miss this year’s revival of “The Art of the Trailer.” Trailers tease and entice us, and often become as memorable as the movie itself. Your hosts have curated an eclectic selection of movie trailers from the archives, packed with fun and nostalgia.
After the screening, stay for a lively discussion on the craft and impact of trailers in the film industry.
“Beyond the Festival” invites filmmakers, film lovers, and creatives to connect beyond the screenings. This FREE community event showcases everything Phoenix Film Festival offers year‑round, including PFS and IFP memberships, programs, and events that support storytellers at every stage. Join us for a behind‑the‑scenes look at how we champion independent film, build creative community, and create opportunities to learn, network, and share stories. Whether you’re curious about membership, looking to get involved, or simply want to meet fellow film fans, “Beyond the Festival” is your open invitation to discover what we do - and make a few new friends along the way.
In need of some levity after watching a heart wrenching drama? Join Phoenix's funniest comedians for 90 minutes of laugh-out-loud stand-up comedy, movie clips, and short films. We promise to turn that frown upside down!
Pull back the curtain on what it really takes to make a low‑budget movie - from first idea to final cut. This practical, behind‑the‑scenes session walks through each phase of indie filmmaking, breaking down real timelines, real decisions, and real costs. Learn proven strategies for keeping budgets lean without sacrificing quality, and see actual numbers that demystify where the money goes. Designed to be interactive and accessible, the event invites audience questions, discussion, and shared problem‑solving. Whether you’re developing your first script or planning your next project, this session offers clear insight, honest advice, and actionable takeaways.
Sure, you like movies. (You're at a film festival.) But do you have what it takes to win the biggest film face-off since Cage met Travolta? Join our host, local drag sensation Barbra Seville, and test your movie knowledge in a variety of trivia games. But remember, there can only be one Fabulous Film Trivia Champion at this Festival!
Don’t miss this rare chance to meet an animation legend. The tender true story Hello Maggie! illuminates the friendship between a bird named Maggie and a young boy, Shig, as his family struggles to survive at the WWII Heart Mountain internment camp in Wyoming. Based on Shigeru Yabu’s children’s book—and informed by Ito’s own childhood experiences in the internment camps—the film brings history to life through animation. From Lady and the Tramp to The Jetsons and Hong Kong Phooey, Ito’s work shaped generations. Afterward, stay for a discussion with Willie Ito and Kevin Sandler, Associate Professor of Film and Media Studies at ASU.
Join us for a live recording of Making Movies is HARD!!! with Liz Manashil and Alrik Bursell, an honest conversation about independent filmmaking in all its forms. From writing, producing, and directing to life on set as crew, this special podcast episode will explore the craft - and the reality - of building a career in film. This isn’t just about success stories; it’s about rejection, self‑doubt, resilience, and the long road between projects. Hear candid insights, personal stories, and lessons learned, plus special guests who are forging their own paths. Come be part of the conversation and experience the podcast live.
