A QUICK GUIDE TO CENTERPIECE FILMS
These films are sure to be a great addition to your festival screening schedule! The 2026 Phoenix Film Festival Centerpiece Films are higher profile showcase films that may be showing soon in a theatre near you, may have some familiar faces, or have been garnering critical acclaim on the festival circuit. We’re thrilled to include these films as a part of our 2026 lineup and hope you enjoy a few while you’re at the festival!
Power Ballad
When a past-his-prime wedding singer and a fading boy-band star cross paths, it leads to bonding and betrayal.
Starring Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd.
American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez
Through political resistance and industry skepticism, this film tracks the journey of Chicano stories from the fields to the film screen.
Narrated by Edward James Olmos
Normal
From the Creators of John Wick, Nobody, and High Rise and starring Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler, and Lena Headey.
A sheriff with a troubled past moves to a small town and stumbles upon an explosive discovery.
The Christophers
Starring Ian McKellen, Jessica Gunning, and Michaela Coel.
A retired artist’s children concoct a scheme to forge their father’s works and sell them off posthumously.
Late Fame
Starring Willem Dafoe and Greta Lee.
When Ed Saxberger's forgotten works suddenly gain fame and appreciation, an actress eagerly tries to get his attention.
Billy Knight
Starring Al Pacino, Charlie Heaton, and Diana Silvers.
Follow two young filmmakers as they go through their budding careers, when Alex discovers his father’s box of unfinished scripts.
A Safe Distance
The thrilling adventure about a dangerous entanglement with notorious fugitives.
Carolina Caroline
Starring Samara Weaving from Ready or Not and The Babysitter
Join her as she falls for a charismatic con man and leaves a path of crime and passion across the American Southeast in her wake.
The Last Viking
Join Mads Mikkelsen on a journey of self discovery.
After release from prison, Anker attempts to find the money from his heist he entrusted his brother to hind, but he ends up discovering far more.
Tuner
A piano teacher’s life drastically changes when he realizes his piano tuning skills are transferable to cracking safes. Featuring Dustin Hoffman and Jean Reno.
I Swear
Based on the life story of Tourette's Syndrome campaigner John Davidson.
Follow the impacts of this disorder at every stage in his life.
