At PFF you’re sure to find…
More Than Movies
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The 2026 Phoenix Film Festival is excited to welcome the return of More Than Movies - a series of special events you won’t want to miss. This year, we have curated a series of events featuring incredibly talented individuals that all showcase their expertise and insight on what it means to be a fan of all that goes into the art of filmmaking. Be sure to save some room for them in your festival schedules! Click the buttons below to grab you tickets to each special event. For these events and more, be sure to take a look at the full festival SCHEDULE.
Musical Mayhem Singalong
Friday, April 10 at 8:30pm
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.
Caturday
Saturday, April 11
Stop scrolling through cat reels on your phone and instead watch them on the big screen with Cat Video Fest, check out a series of cat centric short films courtesy of the New York Cat Film Festival, and sit back and enjoy two incredible feature documentaries 25 Cats from Qatar and Cat Daddies!
Meet Your Movie Match
Saturday, April 11 at 12:30pm
“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!
The Art of the Trailer
Saturday, April 11 at 7:50pm
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
Sunday, April 12 at 12:30pm
“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.
Laughs & Reels:
A Night of Comedy and Cinema
Friday, April 17 at 6:30pm
In need of some levity after watching a heartwrenching 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!
How I Made It: Shoestring Budgets/Indie Films
Saturday, April 18 at 12:30pm
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.
The Fabulous Film Trivia Olympics
Saturday, April 18 at 7:45pm
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!
A Legendary Animator
Sunday, April 19 at 9:00am
Hello Maggie! illuminates the love and friendship between a bird named Maggie and a little boy, Shig, during his family’s survival at the WWII Heart Mountain internment camp in Wyoming, USA. Based on a children’s book of the same name by Shigeru Yabu, the true story is brought to life by Walt Disney and Hanna-Barbera animator Willie Ito and informed by his own experiences in the internment camps. Ito will be in person to discuss the film.
Making Movies is HARD!!!
Live Podcast Recording
Sunday, April 19 at 12:30pm
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.
