Join us on July 2 for Phoenix Loves Sci-Fi

Phoenix Loves Sci-Fi celebrates the best and brightest sci-fi, fantasy and animated films that have been produced or screened in Phoenix throughout the last year. The one-night event highlights a variety of official selections from community partners including the Phoenix Film Festival, Filmstock Film Festival, International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival and the Independent Feature Project Phoenix.

Most of these Arizona projects feature local casts and crews, and highlight a community of talented filmmakers whose unique voices have found a broader audience outside the desert.

The Phoenix Loves Sci-Fi program also includes eye-popping, award-winning, live-action and animated films from around the world, all utilizing diverse styles and exploring fantastic characters, worlds and themes.

The program features Arizona live-action, sci-fi shorts, such as “Alone,” directed by Tony Severe; “Focus,” directed by Matt Chesin; “Hoyt’s Awakening,” written and directed by Boise Esquerra; “Ouroboros,” directed by Alexander Broderick; “Reprogrammed,” directed by Daniel Jones; “The Rogue Animal,” directed by Adolpho Navarro; and “Vault of Souls: The Pact,” directed by Kevin R. Phipps.

For genre filmmakers whose journeys are vast and varied, taking a story from concept to script to screen, Phoenix Loves Sci-Fi is a celebration of those efforts and a proud call to “geek on.”

DATE: Thursday, July 2, 2015 TIME: 6:00PM - 9:30 PM LOCATION: Cronkite School of Journalism, ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus 555 S Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85004

Tickets are $5, and proceeds benefit the Phoenix Film Foundation’s youth education program.

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Your Favorite Movies - Anthony Grippa

What are Your Favorite Films?

As PFF 2015 has wrapped up, we encourage you to continue to Find YOUR New Favorite Movie … there are SO many amazing films to choose from and we'll be back in 2016 with plenty more to choose from.

Writer/Director Anthony Grippa’s film HALF BROTHER, a PFF 2015 Feature Competition Film, screened at the 2015 Phoenix Film Festival. Anthony was at the festival, and was on hand for post-screening Q&A.

And here, Anthony shares some of his favorite films!

• Favorite Comedy

SIDEWAYS: Alexander Payne is my favorite director. I love all of his movies, but Sideways is my favorite. Paul Giamatti is heartbreaking, and I just love the subtle blend of humor and pathos throughout this entire film.

• Favorite Drama

I can't name just one, but anything by the Dardenne Brothers. The stories they tell seem so simple on the surface, but they execute them in such a powerful way that you feel blindsided by how emotionally devastating their work can be.

• Favorite Documentary

I saw the Roger Ebert documentary LIFE ITSELF a few months ago and I thought it was pretty great.

• What film were you looking forward to seeing at PFF 2015 (besides your own of course!!)?

I'm looking forward to seeing MANGLEHORN because I'm a big fan of filmmaker David Gordon Green.

• What is a favorite film that you think most people have never seen, but should? Speaking of David Gordon Green films, ALL THE REAL GIRLS, starring Paul Schneider and Zooey Deschanel is a really great movie that I don't think many people have seen.  It's probably my favorite love story of all time.
• Do you have a favorite film poster?

THE SQUID AND THE WHALE.  It's also one of my favorite comedies and the poster is great too!

HALF BROTHER is a story about a family going through a divorce.  It's a personal story that Anthony hopes a lot of other people will be able to connect with. 

Anthony tells us that he is hopeful that Half Brother will be released later this year. After that, he will be shooting a comedy about a band who reunite for a friend's wedding.  

www.halfbrothermovie.com

– Laurie Smith

Sign up NOW for our FILM SUMMER CAMPS

Please note that all four of our Film Summer Camps are currently sold out with full waiting lists and we are not taking any additional registrations. In the mean time, keep making movies and check out our Arizona Student Film Festival HERE  or learn about our Eduational Outreach program at the Phoenix Film Festival HERE.

Each week-long camp guides students (ages 12-18) in applying the fundamentals of filmmaking to creating their own original short film.

Students will develop the ability to collaborate with one another and learn how to leverage the strengths of their team.

Through hands-on learning, students will actively participate in the technical elements of digital filmmaking from pre- to post-production.

Cost of the camp is $25 per week-long session which includes lunch.

This year we will have 4 sessions. Each session is limited to 10 students. Because of the limited space, we request that each camper only sign up for one of the sessions.

The session dates for 2015 are:

June 15 - 19, 2015  SOLD OUT 

June 22 - 26, 2015  SOLD OUT 

July 13 - 17, 2015 SOLD OUT 

July 20 - 24, 2015 SOLD OUT 

All camps are located at the Phoenix Film Foundation office:

7000 E Mayo Blvd, Suite 1059

Phoenix, AZ 85054

602-955-6444 Once all of the camps are finished, we will all gather together for a one-night-only exclusive screening of our four Summer Camp films on the big screen  at Harkins. More information will be given to our campers. So what are you waiting for? We will see you at camp!

The Phoenix Film Foundation needs your support on Arizona Gives Day - April 7, 2015!

Arizona Gives Day is a powerful 24 hour online giving experience that unites Arizonans around causes they believe in -- like the Phoenix Film Foundation. Hosted by the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and the Arizona Grantmakers Forum, Arizona Gives Day is a great way for nonprofits like the Phoenix Film Foundation to connect to the larger community, learn how to use new digital tools and strategies, and generate excitement and resources for our mission.

The Phoenix Film Foundation is excited to be participating in this year's Arizona Gives Day and hope that you will be able to support us. Any and every monetary donation helps.

You can participate in Arizona Gives Day by clicking here.

Thank you so much in advance for your support!

Your Favorite Movies - Frank Ferendo

What are Your Favorite Films?

As PFF 2015 kicks off, we encourage you to Find YOUR New Favorite Movie … there are SO many amazing films to choose from! See the complete schedule here. We have asked filmmakers who will be screening their films at this year’s festival about some of their favorite movies.

Frank Ferendo is co-director/producer of PFF 2015 Feature Competition Film ANGEL OF NANJING. Frank and co-director/producer Jordan Horowitz are here at PFF, and will be attending all three screenings, with a Q&A after each. Check screening times here. Frank recently shared some of his favorite films with us, and began by telling us …

For my favorites, I limited it to just this year... otherwise I may have a brain aneurysm trying to pick even my top five in each category. But this year was really quite easy for me. I gage my favorites on emotional impact. I want to be moved in some way.

• Favorite Comedy

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: Struck a cord with my childhood sense of adventure.

• Favorite Drama

WHIPLASH: The writing is superb, Miles Teller's playing is fantastic, and J.K. Simmons is mesmerizing.

• Favorite Documentary

POINT AND SHOOT: Blurs the lines between documenting and participating.

• What film(s) are you looking forward to seeing at PFF 2015 (besides your own of course!!)?

BAD EXORCISM: I am currently working on a paranormal thriller that involves demonic possession and revolves around a group of high school kids. I'm curious to see a comedic approach to the genre.

• What is a favorite film that you think most people have never seen, but should? IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: Yes we have all seen it on TV while flipping through the channels during the holiday season. However, most people have never really sat down and watched it from beginning to end... and they should.

• Do you have a favorite film poster?

I've only ever had one movie poster that I really ever cared about … FIGHT CLUB. Perhaps there are other posters out there that I think are much better designed; however, this one was on my wall because it is my favorite movie of all time.

ANGEL OF NANJING

The Yangtze River Bridge in Nanjing is one of the most famous bridges in China. It is also the most popular place in the world to commit suicide. For the past 11 years, Chen Si has been patrolling this bridge, looking to provide aid for those who've gone there to end their lives. Incredibly, he has saved over 300 people since he began - nearly one every two weeks.

www.angelofnanjing.com

Frank tells us that after PFF he is switching gears completely and starting to work on a feature narrative. He has written three scripts in the past year, and is hoping to shoot one of them in the next year. 

You can check out what’s in development at:

www.Balance-Films.com

– Laurie Smith

Your Favorite Movies - Gorman Bechard

What are Your Favorite Films?

As PFF 2015 kicks off, we encourage you to Find YOUR New Favorite Movie … there are SO many amazing films to choose from! See the complete schedule here. We have asked filmmakers who will be screening their films at this year’s festival about some of their favorite movies.

Gorman Bechard is the writer/director/editor of PFF 2015 Feature Competition Film A DOG NAMED GUCCI. He will be in attendance for Q & A sessions at all three screenings. In the meantime, Gorman shares a few of his favorite films with us.

• Favorite Comedy

ANNIE HALL.  Basically, Woody Allen redefined what the modern comedy should be by combing the snark of Groucho Marx and the sympathy of Charlie Chaplin.  I've seen the film over 100 times, and it never gets old.  The writing is as sharp as any film ever made.  The cast is perfect.  And Diane Keaton just steals my heart.  Love this film.  LOVE this film.  I FREAKIN' LOVE THIS FILM! Gorman, so how do you feel about the film?

• Favorite Drama

THE SEVENTH SEAL.  Every frame of Ingmar Bergman's masterpiece could hang as a still photo on a wall.  There's never been a more beautiful film, and perhaps because of the way religion so affects the world in so many ways, I'm not sure there's ever been a more important film.  How much do I love it?  Well, at the end of the film Death dances off on the hilltop with a bunch of the characters.  I turned that into a tattoo, but changed the characters.  So instead Death is dancing off with Brian (from Family Guy), Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Kurt Vonnegut, Spongebob Squarepants, and Bob Stinton (of The Replacements).

• Favorite Documentary

THE DEVIL AND DANIEL JOHNSTON. Not only the greatest rock doc of all time, the greatest documentary, period.  Jeff Feuerzeig had amazing access to the life of the very trouble Johnston, and created a look at masterful art, family, mental illness, genius, and rock and roll.  The film will break your heart one moment, then make you laugh the next.  It was the film that made me want to move from narrative to documentaries.

• What film(s) are you looking forward to seeing at PFF 2015 (besides your own of course!!)? ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL. (PFF Saturday Night Film) I've read so much about this film, and without question it's the one I'm most excited about.

• What is a favorite film that you think most people have never seen, but should?

STARLET.  Sean Baker created the perfect indie film for this generation.  Beautifully acted and written.  Surprises around many corners … and an ending much like life itself.  (Plus the DVD extras are a must watch!)

• Do you have a favorite film poster?

Of recent posters I would definitely go with STARLET.  It beautifully said everything you needed to know.

From survivor to rock star, A DOG NAMED GUCCI is the story of a puppy set on fire and the brave man who came to his rescue. But for Doug James saving Gucci was just the beginning. Together they would forge a forever bond of devotion and perseverance and work to change the non-existent animal cruelty laws in their home state, proving that justice is a dog’s best friend.

Once PFF is over Gorman tells us that he will “finally” get to do the sound mix and add a very special song over the closing credits … one sung by some of the biggest animal-loving rock stars in the business.  

www.ADogNamedGucci.com

Gorman’s blog: www.GuyWithTypewriter.com

www.WhatWereWeThinkingFilms.com

• Laurie Smith

Your Favorite Films - Kurt Kubicek

What are Your Favorite Films?

For the 2015 Phoenix Film Festival we encourage you to Find YOUR New Favorite Movie! We have asked filmmakers who will be screening their films at this year’s festival about some of their favorite movies.

Kurt Kubicek is the director of 1/10 of a Second, a PFF 2015 Arizona Feature Film. He is currently writing a biography that he tells us is in the same vein as WOLF OF WALL STREET for a client, and he is also writing and developing a television mini-series.

• Favorite Comedy

TOMMY BOY ~ the 1995 road comedy film directed by Peter Segal.

• Favorite Drama

SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, Frank Darabont, director.

• Favorite Documentary YOU DON'T KNOW BO: THE LEGEND OF BO JACKSON, featured as an episode of ESPN Films' unprecedented documentary series 30 for 30.

• What film(s) are you looking forward to seeing at PFF 2015 (besides your own of course!!)?

I'm looking forward to seeing WHERE HOPE GROWS (Showcase Feature ~ A story about a self-destructive former pro ball player is given a serious lesson in living life with courage when he befriends a grocery store clerk with Down syndrome). I loved the trailer, and it looks like a powerful story.

• What is a favorite film that you think most people have never seen, but should?

One of my favorite pictures that I believe a lot of people haven't seen would have to be SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH, starring Paul Newman. Incredible story by Tennessee Williams, and Newman was spectacular.

• Do you have a favorite film poster?

Shawshank Redemption 1/10 OF A SECOND takes us through the tumultuous rise, fall and redemption of the country's oldest professional motorcycle racer ~ the enigma that is Johnny Rock Page. 

After winning his first few races on the track as a young man, including a win at Daytona, Johnny ran out of money and his dream was stripped from him before it had even began. But Johnny would stop at nothing to one day become a Professional Superbike Racer, and compete with the best in the country. 

By thirty-five years old, Johnny built a multi-million dollar company and had now set out to pursue his dream of racing. Little did he know that accomplishing what he wanted would end up costing him everything, including his family, his business, and his mind. Through the storm he finally finds his true purpose in the world. 

Kurt will be attending both screenings of his film on Saturday and Tuesday.

https://m.facebook.com/onetenthofasecondthemovie

– Laurie Smith

Tickets and Passes are on sale NOW!

Passes and tickets are available now for the 2015 Phoenix Film Festival! We have a great line up of films for you this year. Check out our SCHEDULE! The schedule is arranged by venue and gives you a great visual of when everything is happening.

And, of course, if you don't have your passes or tickets yet, CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

Purchasing your passes online through Brown Paper Tickets will allow you to choose what films you would like to see right on the web. Then when you come to the Phoenix Film Festival Ticket office, you can get your passes and tickets all at once! It couldn't be easier.

We are also available to help you purchase tickets at the Festival office by calling 602-955-6444.

See you at the Festival!

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