The Five - Musicals

The Five - Musicals

 Written by Amy Cable

Compiled by Amy Cable, Hannah Ehrlich and Kyley Warren

            When deciding on the musicals for this list, we did not have much debate as there were very strong titles that stole our hearts. We steered away from Disney’s musical films because we believe that they deserve their own list. These titles were chosen from a list of public favorites and were used on our list based on their spectacular overall composition. When choosing the musicals we took several elements into consideration: public popularity, cinematic devices, casting, and musical score. We also examined how the title relates to its theatrical version and how much they tributed to their original platform on stage. We decided to have La La Land (2016) as the honourable mention due to its mesmerizing cinematic techniques and its entrawlling musical score.

5. West Side Story (1961)

This misfortunate love story follows two starstruck lovers, Maria (Natalie Wood) and Tony (Richard Beymer), on their quest to run away together. The narrative is based on William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet (1597). We chose this musical for its popularity and its astounding score that rings in the audience’s ear long after the finally. Due to when the film was made it lacks visual appeal and deserves to be remade with today’s improved technology. The main appeal of this film is the hope that the two lovers bring to the audience, despite their chaotic and conflicting surroundings.

4. Annie (1982)

Despite the efforts of the most recent 2014 adaptation of Annie, we believe that the original film deserves the place of this list. The story begins with a young orphan girl named Annie (Aileen Quinn), who is trapped by the cold, unforgiving, orphanage caretaker, Miss Hannigan (Carol Burnett). Her life is turned around when she steals the heart of billionaire Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks (Albert Finney). This heartwarming tale brought joy to many younger audiences and the score enlightened many older generations, that could potentially relate to Annie’s cruel surroundings during the Great Depression. We believe that this film eclipsed the original theatre production as it proved to be more inventive and increasingly immersive for audiences.

3. Grease (1978)

Much like West Side Story (1961), this story has audiences dreaming of a love that cannot be. Innocent, Austrlian Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) transfer to school in the USA and falls for bad boy Danny (John Travolta). Due to social conformities within the highschool they are torn apart. This time-honoured musical brought teenage entertainment into the mainstream and made visiting the cinema a typical weekend activity for young adults and teens. Grease inspired generations to love who they are and explore new ideals of themselves, which was why it deserved a prime spot on our list. This comedic structure had audiences rooting for the love of Sandy and Danny and their friends struggles to find happiness and security in highschool cliques.

2. Les Miserables (2012)

This iconic, memorable musical follows a range of different characters as they interfere with Jean Valjean’s (Hugh Jackman) extraordinary life. The narrative takes place during the lead up to the French Revolution. This film was chosen for its popularity with public audiences and how it drew interest from a range of audiences of all ages. This film also demonstrated beautiful cinematic techniques that captured the hearts of audiences. The cinematic devices used allowed us to feel involved in the actions and connected to the characters. Despite this we would have liked to see more of the original production reflected in the cinematic adaptation, which could have been achieved with a little bit more creativity. However, the cinematic adaptation increased audience attachments to the characters, which was definitely needed considering there is a very vast cast.

1. Phantom of the Opera (2004)

The scene is set in 19th century Paris where Christine (Emmy Rossum) becomes the rising star of the Opera House, unknowingly catching the attention of the Phantom (Gerard Butler). Christine becomes torn between the Phantom and her more realistic love Raoul (Patrick Wilson). This film stood out to us as number one from the beginning of the decision process. We give tremendous credit to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber for the score of this cinematic adaptation. The film was also cast spectacularly, with Rossum playing the innocent, deer in the headlights, Christine, and strong willed Butler as the thrillingly dangerous Phantom. The film also portrays the narrative with rich flavour and heavily reflects on the original theatrical production.

The Five - Underrated Disney Animated Features

The Five - Underrated Disney Animated Features

Written by Okechi Apakama

Compiled by Okechi Apakama, Jose Castaneda and Kyley Warren

Welcome to the Phoenix Film Festival’s first daily Top 5, today we picked our list of Top 5 Underrated Disney Films. For this list, we agree on the boundaries of not well-known or underappreciated films within the Disney realm. This list does not include Pixar titles because those movies deserve their own list. We had a team of devoted critics (i.e a trio of Disney film nerds) discuss in extreme prejudice, but don’t worry no one was physically injured. The movie list spans as far back as the 1970s up until the 2000s. We tried to steer clear of early Disney movies because so many of them are well-known. That being said there was a long list of movies we had to choose from and unfortunately some movies we loved couldn’t make the cut. Here are some of the loved ones that did not make it: Treasure Island ,101 Dalmatians, The Rescuers, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, A Goofy Movie.

5. The Aristocats   

This movie is one of our jazzier ones on the list, with a story of Dutchess and three kittens having to travel to Paris with the help of some friends along the way. There is also a greedy butler who is after the cats the entire time. This movie has very catchy music and songs. The entire ensemble cast is great with the exception of the regressive representation of the Siamese cats. The movie is basically a light-hearted Disney musical rom-com and it completely sells you on that story line.     

4. The Hunchback of Notre Dame

This movie follows disfigured Quasimodo who is the bell-ringer of the Notre Dame Cathedral and longs for a connection with Gypsy Esmeralda. Quasimodo’s master Frollo is also after Gypsy Esmeralda and it is up to Quasimodo to stop him from getting her within his clutches. This movie is about an underdog who is judged based on his looks and the movie tell us not to judge a person based on their looks. This movie tends to be overlooked when it comes to Disney princess movies. We consider Esmeralda as a Disney princess, don’t @ us. It had a great message that in our relationships with others, it’s from the heart that matters.

3. Brother Bear 

This movie was about a tale of a man named Kenai who hates bears because his brother was killed by a bear and then he becomes a bear. He has to become human again so he journeys to a mystical mountain with a small cub. This is happening while his other brother is trying to kill him for being bear. It was a perfect movie of the dynamic between brotherly connection. Kenai gained a greater appreciation for bears and it was a movie that had a lot of heartwarming moments. It is definitely one of those movies that you have to watch again to appreciate it.  

2. Meet The Robinsons

It followed the story of a boy genius Lewis that gives up after one of his inventions doesn’t work then he is taken into the future by another boy Wilbur Robinson. He spends the day with an exotic family and is shown many wonders of the future. This movie could have been number one on our list with a message that has a great underlying meaning to never give up. It really taps into the wonders of Disney and it displays there is no limit to our creativity. It also serves as a solid time travel movie with little to no plot holes. This is definitely a movie that the whole family can appreciate. 

1. The Emperor's New Groove 

Taking the number one spot on our list is a movie that all of us agree was overlooked. It stars a selfish and arrogant Emperor Kuzco who is transformed into a llama by his adversary. Kuzco is then matched up with Pacha and his family and he learns compassion and caring for others. This is all happening as Kuzco tries to take the throne back from the sinister Yzma. This movie had great comic moments while also having a wholesome message about being friendly with one other. There is a great scene where Pacha warns Kuzco "Someday you’re gonna wind up all alone and you’ll have no one to blame but yourself." It is a very gut wrenching moment and it showed how well Disney can balance different themes within their movies.

Behind the Screens at the Phoenix Film Festival

Pre-Production for PFF by Kyley Warren

Managing a world-renowned film festival is no small feat. Every day, our team of film aficionados is forging new paths and brainstorming fresh ideas, with the common goal of cultivating an 11-day festival that is not only better than prior years, but one that also continues to celebrate the extraordinary, creative talents of daring filmmakers and artists – both on a local and international scale. Now, we’re offering our loyal fans a ‘behind the scenes’ look at some of the exciting developments that are taking place through our team in preparation for the 2019 Phoenix Film Festival, which is slated to take over the Valley this April.

Each year, aspiring creatives from around the world will send their masterpieces to us, in the hopes of being considered for a spot in the festival lineup. Our team has the opportunity to bear witness to imaginative greatness, as we are often bombarded by unique features that have been developed and produced by true trailblazers. Though there is certainly no shortage of great films, our festival accepts only the best. Rejection letters have officially been sent out to filmmakers whose work did not make the cut for this year’s lineup. While it’s often difficult to qualify a creative’s work as either “worthy” or “unworthy” of inclusion within a festival, it’s an inevitable part of the job. Fortunately, it means that we are one step closer to releasing the official schedule for the 2019 Phoenix Film Festival. And to all those whose creative efforts might now feel strained because of this rejection, just remember Scarlett O’Hara’s famed final line from Gone with the Wind: “After all, tomorrow is another day.” A single body of work cannot define an artist’s career, so continue to push forward and challenge your boundaries as a visionary.

On a more positive note, the team behind the Phoenix Film Festival is now boasting the likes of a few new faces. As the festival continues to grow, so must the team behind it. This season, we have taken on a number of interns, with each one possessing an unparalleled love for great cinema and a borderline-unhealthy knowledge of witty quotes courtesy of cinematic classics. Here’s looking at you, Pulp Fiction. These interns have a number of different tasks and obligations – with everything from creating website content to working the actual festival in April. It takes a village to manage a film festival – or at least in this case, a group of film nerds who are simply passionate about great movies. Regardless, we’re looking forward to training the next generation of media professionals and seeing their individual visions take shape in the exciting season that lies ahead!

Here They Are -- the Official 2019 Phoenix Film Festival Posters!

Hot off the presses, here are the 2019 Phoenix Film Festival's official posters:

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Great Scott!

If you’re going to make a poster with homage to Back to the Future, you might as well do it with some style.

Designed by Alex Patrick Merrill.

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You call yourself a wild thing.

We don’t have to look at the sky because we’re focused on how amazing this poster is designed by Brittney James and photographed by NBMA Photography.

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I am the Pumpkin King.

Designed by Lisa Marie Lara with photography by NABA Photography, this poster was simply meant to be.

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What’s it going to be then, eh?

We can always rely on Amy Bornstein for a killer poster! This masterpiece was inspired by the film, A Clockwork Orange.

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BUT WAIT! There is one more.

Marty Freetage has designed a poster for the International Horror and SciFi Film Festival that shows Camera Head as you'd hoped to never see him!

​​​​​​​PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THE INAUGURAL PEORIA FILM FEST TO BE HELD IN OCTOBER OF 2018

The Phoenix Film Foundation and Phoenix Film Festival are thrilled to announce the start of a brand new festival. The Peoria Film Fest presented by the City of Peoria will be held October 19 to 21, 2018 at the Harkins Arrowhead Fountains 18 Theatre in Peoria, AZ. 

“We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved over the last 18 years with the Phoenix Film Festival and our year-round film education and screening events.” said Phoenix Film Foundation Executive Director Jason Carney. “We’ve been looking to host an event in the North Valley and Peoria made the most sense. The growth of the City of the Peoria combined with the gorgeous Harkins Arrowhead Fountains 18 Theatre gives us a great backdrop to showcase some amazing new films.”

The event will be held over three days; screening a mix of independent and upcoming studio releases.

The Peoria Film Fest is also excited to partner with the City of Peoria as the festival’s Presenting Partner of the event.

“The City of Peoria is thrilled to host the Film Foundation’s October film festival,” said Mayor Cathy Carlat. “Peoria is an exceptional community, and with the nationally ranked Huntington University Arizona Center for Digital Media Art in our lively P83 district, our community is the perfect backdrop for this iconic festival. We look forward to welcoming the talented film and production companies who make this event successful, and the many cinematic enthusiasts to the heart of the North Valley.” 

You can stay up to date on the festival at PeoriaFilmFest.com

About Phoenix Film Foundation

The Phoenix Film Foundation is a 501c3 Non-profit Organization whose mission is to support and develop the artistic appreciation, educational opportunities and growth of independent film within Arizona. The Foundation’s primary functions through its programs are to promote the exhibition of independent films and conduct educational programs that teach the art of independent filmmaking.

Join us April 5 for our Opening Night Premiere Event

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

Our Opening night Premiere Event on April 5, is a full night of food and celebration, beginning at the Party Pavilion with tastes from some of the best restaurants in town, great entertainment and some special silent auction items.

After you've had your fill, we all head on over to the theatre where we present this year's Visionary Award to Founder and Executive Director of Local First Arizona, Kimber Lanning.

Then it's our Opening Night Film, Lean on Pete.

From acclaimed filmmaker Andrew Haigh (Weekend; 45 Years), and based on the beloved novel by Willy Vlautin, comes Lean on Pete—a deeply moving story about love, loneliness, family, and friendship, told through the unique prism of one boy’s connection to a very special racehorse.

Fifteen-year-old Charley Thompson (Charlie Plummer) arrives in Portland, Oregon with his single father Ray (Travis Fimmel), both of them eager for a fresh start after a series of hard knocks. While Ray descends into personal turmoil, Charley finds acceptance and camaraderie at a local racetrack where he lands a job caring for an aging Quarter Horse named Lean On Pete. The horse’s gruff owner Del Montgomery (Steve Buscemi) and his seasoned jockey Bonnie (Chloë Sevigny) help Charley fill the void of his father’s absence—until he discovers that Pete is bound for slaughter, prompting him to take extreme measures to spare his new friend’s life. Charley and Pete head out into the great unknown, embarking on an odyssey across the new American frontier in search of a loving aunt Charley hasn’t seen in years. They experience adventure and heartbreak in equal measure, but never lose their irrepressible hope and resiliency as they pursue their dream of finding a place they can call home.

Featuring an incredible breakout turn by Charlie Plummer (The Dinner; King Jack; Ridley Scott’s All The Money in the World) and memorable supporting work by indie stalwarts Buscemi, Sevigny and Steve Zahn, Lean on Pete is a compassionate and heartrending look at the desire for love, family, and acceptance that drives all of us.

Tickets for this Opening Night Event are $60 with all proceeds going to the Phoenix Film Foundation's education programs.

Please note that the Opening Night Event is not included in Single Tickets, Flex, Festival and VIP Passes.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2018 Phoenix Film Festival Short Screenplay Search

Thank you to all who submitted their screenplays to the 2018 Phoenix Film Festival Short Screenplay Competition. We are very excited to announce this year's winners!

First Place

The Siberian Trap by Jeffrey Howe

An FBI agent investigating the death of a gay Chechen refugee masters chess to extract what she needs from an informant -- and learns the true meaning of "pawn sacrifice."

Second Place

Stranger by Shervin Kermani

An old, deep, nonchalant voice resounds throughout a papier maché mock up of the universe, filled with planets and stars. Far from serious, this is a quirky, rough voiced but sentimental “God” here to tell his most upsetting tale: a great love story that never happens.

Third Place

Saline County, Illinois by Jeffrey Howe  

A meticulous 1890s stationmaster finds a widow and her young children abandoned on his station platform.

Finalists

Ozzy by Chris Hoshnic

A disobedient dachshund attempts to train himself for his new owner when a dog-shaped gift is placed under the Christmas tree.

Costume Drama by Ben Gruner and Tyler Garn 

A young girl gets more than she bargains for on Halloween when things get a little too real.

The High Dive by Brian Patterson

Four generations of Soliz men take in the sun at the water park. Two of them, Eddie and his great-grandfather, Naldo, each face an important rite of passage.

The Rental by L. P. Lee

A London tenant must find a new place to live or be forced to make a life-changing sacrifice.

The Confectionery Prince by Jeffrey Howe

When the Queen's Steward tries to kill the newborn heir to the throne, the Royal Confectioner finds herself entangled in a plan to stop him -- but destiny comes in more than one flavor.

Going Back by Rebecca Semik

Bobbi faces the choice between her past first love and her present fiance. Her future depends on whether she can find closure with her past.

Here to stay by John Kestner and Bill Pierce

The sad final ending to one of America's first rockers: Danny Rapp abruptly ends a tour and takes his own life in a Quartzsite, Arizona motel room. Based on a true story.

Contact information for winning screenplays is available for producers by emailing submissions@phxfilm.com.

Harkins Unveils Newly Remodeled Scottsdale 101 Theatre

Upgrades Include In-Lobby Bar, Harkins Ultimate Loungers™, Reserved Seating & More!

Harkins Theatres announced today the first phase completion of the highly-anticipated remodel at Harkins Scottsdale 101.  The newly remodeled theatre offers brand new upgrades including Ultimate Lounger™reclining seats, in-lobby bar, reserved seating, mobile ticketing and entirely new and upgraded interior décor!  

“As we approach our fifteen year anniversary at our Scottsdale 101 location, we reflect on the wonderful support from our loyal moviegoers over the years,” says Dan Harkins, Owner of Harkins Theatres.  “These new state-of-the-art amenities show our commitment to our loyal guests and our promise to always provide the Ultimate Moviegoing experience.”

The in-lobby bar at Harkins Scottsdale 101 serves cocktails, wine and beer, including craft selections from local favorites Papago and Four Peaks Brewing.  Guests are invited to relax and explore Harkins’ custom-built drink menu at the bar.  All drinks purchased at the in-lobby bar are welcome inside the auditorium.  Moviegoers can reserve their Ultimate Lounger and bypass the box office using Harkins’ mobile ticketing. 

To celebrate 84 years of Ultimate Moviegoing, Harkins is treating guests to $5 movies Friday September 1 through Monday September 4.  Moviegoers are invited to experience the newly remodeled Scottsdale 101 theatre and reserve their seats to any show this weekend for only $5!

The second phase of the ongoing remodel is now underway at Scottsdale 101 and will include continued upgrades to the theatre, including an upgraded and enhanced Cine Capri auditorium and museum. 

The Phoenix Film Festival is excited to make its home at the Scottsdale 101 and look forward to watching some of the best in independent cinema in some of the newest and most comfortable theatres around!