Phoenix Film Festival 2025 Top 7 Films to See

Phoenix Film Festival 2025

Top 7 Films to See

Seven. My favorite number and a fantastic thriller.

It’s also the number of films I’ve chosen to highlight for the 25^th anniversary of the Phoenix Film Festival.

There are some big-name films with some big name actors, directors and writers such as THE FRIEND, HOLLAND, PLATOON, and ON SWIFT HORSES lined up this year. All fantastic choices to watch at the festival.

However, I’m going to focus on the lesser knowns as well as the darker, intriguing features as those almost always end up topping my annual film lists over the big names.

So, if you’re into genre films and want to support the festival and some of the festival program directors, add these seven films to your ticket list.

 

FREAKY TALES

One name: Pedro Pascal. That’s all you need, right? Well, if not, FREAKY TALES has a star-studded cast that should satisfy just about any filmgoer in this wild pulp film set in the 80’s.

Friday, March 28 at 8:10 p.m.

Directed by: Ryan Fleck & Anna Boden
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, Ji-young Yoo, Angus Cloud, and Tom Hanks

Synopsis: Set in 1987 Oakland, Freaky Tales is a multi-track mixtape of colorful characters — an NBA star, a corrupt cop, a female rap duo, teen punks, neo-Nazis, and a debt collector — on a collision course in a fever dream of showdowns and battles. Executive produced by hip-hop pioneer Too $hort, and featuring an all-star ensemble including Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, Ji-young Yoo, Angus Cloud, and Tom Hanks, this pulpy blend of explosive action, edgy humor, gory kills, and sly twists and turns makes for one wild ride.

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MESMERIZED

Dark, tragic sci-fi films really get under my skin and leave a long, lasting impression. COYOTE was one of those films at 2023’s Phoenix Film Festival and MESMERIZED might just join it based on its synopsis.

Friday, March 28 at 8:30 p.m.
Friday, April 4 at 11:10 a.m.
Sunday, April 6 at 11:10 a.m.

Directed by: October
Cast: Katie Leclerc, Ari Boyland, Elyse Levesque, Miracle Laurie

Synopsis: A young woman searches for her lost childhood sister that only she can remember. After their parents’ death, Kate Hawthorne returns with her brother Alan to the mountain where they spent their childhood summers seeking to unravel the mystery of her sister’s disappearance – and whether Alan is behind it.

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SISTER MIDNIGHT 

This film sounds like my personal hell so I’m already ready to root for the main character Uma and support director Karan Kandhari’s vision.

Wednesday, April 2 at 6:45 p.m.
Friday, April 4 at 9:25 p.m.

Directed by: Karan Kandhari
Cast: Radhika Apte, Ashok Pathak, Chhaya Kadam, Smita Tambe, Subhash Chandra, Navya Sawant

Synopsis: Rebellious small-town misfit Uma arrives in Mumbai to find herself totally unsuited to life as a housewife. At odds with her prying neighbors and under the constant oppressive noise and heat of the city, she decides to break free from the shackles of domesticity and follow her own path in this bold, unpredictable, and darkly funny debut. 

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JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE (Subtitled)

How many of you have been burned by Jane Austen? Yes, me too. There may be glimpses of Darcy in my partner but damn you Jane for setting us up for failure. JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE may help those feeling a bit bitter at real life versus Austen’s world.

Thursday, April 3 at 7:00pm

Directed by: Laura Piani
Cast: Camille Rutherford, Pablo Pauly, Charlie Anson

Synopsis: Agathe is a hopelessly clumsy yet charming young woman who works in the legendary Shakespeare & Co. bookshop in Paris, while she dreams of being a successful writer, and of experiencing love akin to a Jane Austen novel, she finds herself desperately single and plagued by writer's block. When Agathe’s best friend gets her invited to the Jane Austen Writers' Residency in England, she finally has her Jane Austen moment…and is caught in a very unexpected romantic triangle. Agathe must let go of her insecurities to decide what she really wants for herself, and to achieve her romantic and professional dreams.

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SÉANCE

SÉANCE’s one sentence synopsis could not be more chilling. I’ll be drinking a dark red wine with my popcorn at this feature.

Friday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 5 at 3:45 p.m.
Sunday, April 6 at 1:55 p.m.

Directed by: Vivian Kerr
Cast: Scottie Thompson, Jilon VanOver, Connor Paolo, Vivian Kerr

Synopsis: In 1892 California, a female novelist and her second husband are forced to take refuge from a storm at the home of her first husband and his unstable wife, who claims to be haunted by their dead child.

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DEAD LOVER

Campy, weird and for those who love midnight features, DEAD LOVER takes the FRANKENSTEIN story and turns it on its head. DEAD LOVER made its premiere at Sundance Film Festival and is ready to attract more fans from the Phoenix area.

Friday, April 4 at 8:35 p.m. 
Sunday, April 6 at 5:25 p.m.

Directed by: Grace Glowicki
Cast: Grace Glowicki, Ben Petrie, Leah Doz, Lowen Morrow

Synopsis: A lonely gravedigger who stinks of corpses finally meets her dream man, but their whirlwind affair is cut short when he tragically drowns at sea. Grief-stricken, she goes to morbid lengths to resurrect him through madcap scientific experiments, resulting in grave consequences and unlikely love.

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The PFF Prickly Picture Show

This is a special MST3K-style screening of JESSE JAMES MEETS FRANKENSTEIN'S DAUGHTER and my personal highlight of the festival. Filmgoers are in great hands with Danny and Brandon. Everyone pack the theater so this isn’t a one-time event!

Saturday, April 5 at 7:25 p.m.

Some movies are good, and some movies are so bad they're great. Join International Horror and Sci-Fi Program Directors Danny Marianino and Brandon Kinchen as they host (and provide hilarious commentary) for a very special screening of JESSE JAMES MEETS FRANKENSTEIN'S DAUGHTER (1966).

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Phoenix Film Festival 25th Anniversary - Pro Tips

By Emery Snyder

The Phoenix Film Festival alongside the International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival is upon us once again and I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve been attending since 2011 and I can honestly say that my experiences with these festivals have been better and better over the years. My hat is off to the festival directors and all the dedicated personnel that put this together and I extend my most sincere congratulations on this milestone anniversary. Bravo!

Typically, I’ll give a list of films I’m most excited about. But this year, I’ve switched it up a bit. My schedule this year is, as usual, insanely ambitious and there are loads of films I’m extra excited about. But over the past 14 years of attending, I’ve developed a few insights and tricks to get the most out of my time and experience. I thought this could be a great time to share. So, let’s take a look at the 2025 Phoenix Film Festival: Pro Tip Edition.

The festival takes place March 27^th – April 6^th, 2025 at the Harkins Ciné Capri.

 

PRO TIP #1 – Don’t Sleep on The Docs

-          Every year, I make a schedule of all the screenings I’m going to attend. I tend to put documentaries in as filler, never too excited about them. Then, every year, multiple doc screenings blow me away and end up favorites of the festival. Last year it was David Redmon & Ashley Sabin’s KIM’S VIDEO and Hadley Austin’s DEMON MINERAL. Previously, we’ve been treated to films like Skye Borgman’s ABDUCTED IN PLAIN SIGHT, Hassan Fazili’s MIDNIGHT TRAVELER, Penny Lane’s HAIL SATAN? and Scott Gawlik’s SET!. The list is extensive. This year, I’m looking forward to Dan Struman’s THE STAMP THEIF as well as Vincent DeLuca’s DESERT ANGEL but there is more than a good chance that I’ll be amazed by something else that’s not even on my radar at the moment.

PRO TIP #2 – IHSFF Is Your Friend (or maybe even like a cool older cousin)

-          The International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival is held every year in conjunction with the Phoenix Film Festival and it somehow seems to keep getting better. Coralie Fargeat was nominated for Academy Awards this year in both the writing and directing categories for her work on THE SUBSTANCE. Well, we festival goers were treated to her first film, REVENGE way back in 2018. In previous years, I’ve seen Eli Craig’s TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL, Ryan Prows’ LOWLIFE, Shin'ichirô Ueda’s ONE CUT OF THE DEAD & Bill Watterson’s DAVE MADE A MAZE all at this festival. These are all films that I still revisit often. This year’s festival has new films from genre stars like Joe Begos’ JIMMY & STIGGS and Alexandre O. Philipe’s CHAIN REACTION.

PRO TIP #3 – Short Films Are a Great Value

-          Both the PFF and the IHSFF showcase different blocks of interesting short films. For the PFF, I typically enjoy the Word Cinema Shorts. I’ve got both A and B blocks on my schedule. But there is also two blocks of African American Directed Shorts, as well as blocks of LatinXDirected, Native American Directed, GenXX Directed (women of GenX generation), College Directed, LGBTQIA+ Directed, Live Action & Documentary Shorts. If you’re purchasing single tickets this year or either of the Flex Passes, I would highly suggest mixing in some of these short film blocks. This world has no shortage of stories to tell and I’ve found some of the most fascinating subjects explored from distinct perspectives that have stayed with me over the years.

PRO TIP #4 – There’s More Than Just Movies

-          At some point, you may fatigue of sitting in dark theaters, staring at the dancing images illuminated on the screen. The PFFParty Pavilion is there to provide respite as well as a change of pace and scenery. Come out for Filmmaker Panels, the Silent Auction, Industry Night and Kid’s Day. And there’s even a Film Prom Saturday, March 29^th that’s friendly to all wallflowers. Check Theresa Dillion’s article for more information.  

PRO TIP #5 – Make Time to Eat

-          Look, nobody wants to have their cinematic experience interrupted by your grumbling tummy in the next seat. And take it from me, this may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to fill your entire schedule with films and activities and then you wonder why you’re so grumpy and almost fell over when you tried to stand up to head to your next screening. You’ve got to make time and a plan. Schedule meals. Luckily, there’s some great options. Pino, right next door to the theatre, has great desserts and they make a mean Americano. I also love the Bento Boxes from Bop + Roll and the Shawarma from AZ Kabob House. And don’t forget to download the Harkins Theaters App onto your phone and enjoy their concessions. You’ll earn points and rewards.

    HAPPY FESTIVAL Y'ALL!!!

    

Phoenix Film Festival 25th Anniversary Events

This March has brought in some crazy weather to Arizona. And you know what the best thing to do is during bad weather? See a movie!

Luckily for us, Phoenix Film Festival is just around the corner on March 27 – April 6 at Harkins Scottsdale 101.

This year marks their 25^th anniversary and if you have never attended before, this is the year to fix that.

With 11 days full of over 250 diverse films from around the globe to specials events, kids’ day for the whole family and the opportunity to rub elbows with filmmakers, actors and more, it’s time set time aside on your calendar this silver jubilee!

Since this is a special year, I will be highlighting the three must-attend events in this article, and then the must-see films in another one.

First, there’s opening night to kick things off on Thursday, March 27 at 6 p.m.

Opening night will feature a special screening of THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND.

Directed by James Griffiths, THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND follows Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden & Carey Mulligan) back together. His fantasy turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig.

In addition to this screening, tickets to the Opening Night Premiere Event include access to the party pavilion located directly outside Harkins Scottsdale 101. The party pavilion is a lively celebration filled with live music, a silent auction, and complimentary cocktails and food tastings from top local restaurants.

Grab your Opening Night tickets now for $60 per ticket or with the purchase of a Platinum Pass for $350!

If opening night didn’t quite entice you, this next incredible screening event may just do the trick.

On Saturday, March 29 at 7 p.m., the Phoenix Film Festival will host a special reunion event dedicated to Oliver Stone and the1986 classic PLATOON.

After screening the movie, attendees will have the opportunity to partake in a panel discussion and Q&A session featuring writer/director Oliver Stone along Capt. Dale Dye (Technical Advisor / “Capt. Harris”), Keith David (“King”), Corey Glove (“Francis”), Paul Sanchez (“Doc”), Mark Ebenhoch (Assistant Military Technical Advisor) plus others.

In December 1986, the groundbreaking film PLATOON burst onto the cinema scene, earning a perfect four-star rating from the legendary film critic Roger Ebert, setting the stage for its phenomenal success. The film quickly captivated audiences and critics alike, securing eight Oscar nominations and clinching four awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for the cinematic legend Oliver Stone.

This electrifying journey will culminate at the Phoenix Film Festival where Oliver Stone will be honored with the prestigious Copper Wing Tribute Award at the grand finale of this premiere event. Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of film history!

Grab your tickets now for $60 per ticket or with the purchase of a Platinum Pass for $350!

Lastly, this next film event will surely provide a good time for the whole family.

That’s right, Kids’ Day is back on Saturday, March 29 at the Party Pavilion Tent from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This FREE family event is a perfect way to get the whole family involved in the art of film with a blockbuster lineup of age-appropriate, hands-on activity stations focusing on different aspects of film production.

This year, families will have the opportunity to participate in:

•          Acting Station: Unleash your inner actor in this chance to shine in the limelight!
•          Animation Workshop: Discover the fundamental basics of the exciting art of animation!
•         Green Screen Photo Booth: Step into your favorite movie scene through green screen technology!
•         Makeup and Face Painting Station: Be transformed using the power of cinematic makeup!
•        Red Carpet: Experience the thrill of stardom as you strike a pose on a dazzling "Hollywood Premiere" red carpet!
•         Storyboard Workshop: Delve into the art of filmmaking by creating your very own illustrated storyboards

And there’s so much more to do than just the three events listed above.

Take a look at all the events and then schedule a movie in the in-between time!