It’s that time of year again! Peoria Film Fest is returning for its second year. This year’s festival will run from Thursday, October 10 to Sunday, October 13. The four-day event will be held at Harkins Arrowhead Fountains Theatres located at 16046 North Arrowhead Fountains Center Drive, Peoria, AZ 85382. “We’re excited to be returning to the City of Peoria. It’s an honor to be able to present great films in the Northwest Valley,” said Phoenix Film Foundation Executive Director Jason Carney.
If you are a movie lover, this is an event not to be missed. The Peoria Film Festival’s Opening Night begins at 6 p.m. with a pre-festival cocktail party hosted at Modern Round in the P83 Entertainment District on 83rd Avenue, just south of Bell Road. Opening night guests will be treated to Modern Round’s extensive combination of chef-inspired items as well as a new spin on some timeless dishes. Along with the great food, guests will be entertained by our opening night act.
Immediately following the cocktail party, attendees will transition directly across from Modern Round to the newly renovated Harkins Arrowhead Fountains to hear opening remarks from Executive Director Carney beginning at 7:30 p.m. Next, attendees will enjoy a screening of 101 Studios’ “The Current War: Director’s Cut”, starring a stellar cast that includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Shannon, Tom Holland, Katherine Waterston and Nicolas Hoult.
“I am thrilled to announce the return of the Peoria Film Fest!” said City of Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat. “Last year, we welcomed several gifted film and production companies, and our passion for movies and the power of a good story has only grown. I can’t wait to see the talent and creativity that we will experience as we head into this outstanding four-day festival.”
Day two is Family Film Day which begins on Saturday, October 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. located at and sponsored by Huntington University (8385 W Mariners Way, Peoria). Family Film Day is a great way for kids of all ages to come out and experience the festival. Guests can select from a series of hands-on activity stations focusing on different aspects of film production and geared to various age and ability levels. Stations are age appropriate and run the gamut of the filmmaking process. Best yet, it’s FREE!
Some of the fun activities include:
• Animation and Design Workshop, which utilizes Huntington’s industry quality Wacom Cintiq drawing tables to create one’s own art with the high-end digital pens and software.
• Lights! Camera! Action! Shoot a live talk show or an exciting movie scene in one of Huntington’s two studios. Be on-air talent, direct the scene or operate the camera – perhaps try them all!
• Free screening of THE LEGO® BATMAN MOVIE (65 free tickets will be distributed at the Family Film Day for the screening of the film).
“Huntington University is enthused about being part of the Peoria Film Fest for the second year but additionally excited to open our digital media arts building to the public for a workshop on Saturday morning.” says Jeff Berggren, Huntington University Director of Arizona Operations. “Family Day at the festival will be fun for everyone, but young students ages 10 and up will really enjoy some hands-on activities at HU. Parents and other adults are welcome to stop by for a tour of the Huntington facility while the workshop festivities are taking place.”
For a full list of each day’s activities, movie titles and times, and to purchase tickets, visit www.peoriafilmfest.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person on Thursday, October 10 at the Peoria Film Fest Ticket Center in the lobby of Harkins Arrowhead Fountains Theatre. Tickets range in price from $10 for a single screening to $75 for a VIP Pass. For more information call 480-513-3195.
The Peoria Film Fest is a program under the 501©3 non-profit organization Phoenix Film Foundation, and is a sibling of the Phoenix Film Festival, the Phoenix Film Society, the International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival, IFP/Phoenix, the Arizona Student Film Festival and the Phoenix Critics Circle. Their mission is to support and develop the artistic appreciation, educational opportunities and growth of independent films 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 filmmaking.
For 19 years, the Phoenix Film Festival and Phoenix Film Foundation have been leading non-profit arts organizations that celebrate film by bringing the art of film from all over the world to Arizona film-lovers. With over 300 screenings annually, The Foundation presents feature films, documentaries, foreign films, shorts and artistic cinematic works from both emerging and seasoned filmmakers at the yearly Phoenix Film Festival at Harkins Scottsdale 101.
