It's Film Fest time and the hardest part of making it through this "grueling" week of non-stop films is picking the right films to watch.
Decisions, decisions! If only we could see them all!
As an FYI, films in the prime evening slots around 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. are usually the "must-see's" on the Film Fest Director and Screeners' lists. They are also usually the first to sell out so if you want to see one, go to http://www.sedonafilmfestival.com/ and get your tickets now.
For those who like a well-rounded meal of film "soulfood" a healthy mix of daytime and evening films might satisfy your cravings. We've combined a list of film descriptions and trailers to help you decide which of the films will make your must-see list.
Don't forget to take time to come up for air in between films - for a list of things to see & do between films scroll down to the next post. Also, if you're in Sedona this week, be sure to tune into RED ROCK TV CHANNEL 16 anytime day or night for our Virtual Tour of What to See & Do in Sedona! Or visit www.sedona.tv to view our online video portal to Sedona with over 100 videos.
New York Lately Harkins 5 Saturday, February 28, 2009 - 7:30 PM
The movie trailer for New York Lately hints at a complex intertwining of relationships and the ever present pursuit of happiness. See for yourself!
New York Lately is a feature film drama following multiple characters as they weave through their daily lives struggling to find happiness. However, happiness to each of them is defined differently. The effect is a sprawling mosaic of New york City and its everyday people, living everday lives.
Buddha's Lost Children Harkins 6 Saturday, February 28, 2009 - 11:35 AM
The movie trailer on YouTube has been viewed worldwide over 27,000 times - that's gotta say somethin'!
Buddha's Lost Children covers a year in the life of a small roving monastic community in northern Thailand. The film is more than just a portrait of a monk and his novices, touching on larger, more universal themes. One particular goal was to explore the nature of compassion, and what it actually means. The film is also a 'coming of age' story, and looks to capture the struggle of youth coming to knowledge of itself.
Lord, Save Us From Your Followers Sedona Red Rock H.S. Saturday, February 28, 2009 - 8:00 PM
Though nine out of ten Americans claim a belief in God, public expression of faith is more contentious than ever. Even as discussion of religion floods the media like never before, the rhetoric is divisive and hyper. Lord, Save Us From Your Followers is an energetic, accessible documentary that explores the collision of faith and culture in America. In the tradition of "entertaining documentaries" like Super Size Me, Bowling For Columbine and What the Bleep Do We Know?, Lord, Save Us From Your Followers, employs the language of pop culture to create a provocative, funny and redemptive viewing experience.
The Garden Harkins 1 Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - 3:15 PM Nominated for an Academy Award® for "Best Documentary, Features"
From the ashes of the Los Angeles riots arose a lush, 14-acre community garden, the largest of its kind in the United States. South Central Farmers have created a miracle in one of the country's most blighted neighborhoods. Growing their own food. Feeding their families. Creating a community. Now bulldozers threaten its future. The Garden is an unflinching look at the struggle between these urban farmers and the City of Los Angeles and a powerful developer who want to evict them and build warehouses.
We'll keep you up to date this week on more films that are the "ones to watch"! Check back often!
Sedona International Film Festival - Enjoy the Show! (And make sure you see Sedona, too!)
The Sedona International Film Festival officially kicked off tonight with a new addition to the week's festivities, the "Oscars on the Rocks" hosted by Harkin's Theatres. Independent film lovers cheered wildly as the film of the year, Slumdog Millionaire took home EIGHT little gold men. What a fitting start to the week ahead, sure to be jam-packed with dozens of inspiring films, exciting festivities, celebrity sightings, workshops and more.
The Sedona International Film Festival gives film lovers a rare opportunity to rub elbows with filmmakers, directors, actors, and cinematographers from all over the world. Imagine, for example, if you could watch Slumdog Millionaire and then as the credits rolled, in walked Frieda Pinto, Dev Patel and Danny Boyle to answer your questions on their inspiration and involvement in the movie.
Although Slumdog is not on the Sedona Film Festival ticket this week, many exciting Oscar-nominated films following in its footsteps will be screened over a course of 6 solid days of non-stop film-euphoria. Actors Jane Seymour, James Keach, Robert Osborne, and Marla Sokoloff will also be in Sedona for the screenings of their new movies so keep your eyes peeled for celebrity sightings. Previous celebrity attendees have included Ned Beatty, Nick Nolte, Ed Asner, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, and Lainie Kazaan to name a few.
If you plan to live on popcorn and nachos all week long so you won't miss a single film, read ahead to see how you can squeeze a little "Sedona" into your week as well. If you'd like to catch a flavor of the Film Fest, pick a film and attend - it's impossible not to get caught up in the contagious enthusiasm of the week. Scroll down for a complete list of this week's festivities.
Be forewarned, many films have already SOLD OUT or will soon so head straight to http://www.sedonafilmfestival.com/ to book your tickets now if you want to attend!
Before, After or In-between Films, Squeeze in a Little Bit of Sedona (Within walking or short-driving distance of the Film Festival)
SHOPPING: Right next door to Harkin's Theater is the Art Mart of Sedona featuring the works of dozens of local artists and retailers. Discover handmade jewelry, designer women's and children's clothing, furniture, home decor and more at artist direct prices. The highly sought-after Sedona International Film Festival Posters will also be available at the Art Mart.
EATS: Java Love Cafe is the place where the locals go for fresh coffee roasted right on site, gourmet breakfast and lunch choices at deli prices, wi-fi, and nightly entertainment. I heard a rumor they were getting a liquor license soon so you might even be able to grab a brew while you're there! Looking for a local brew, specialty pizzas and delectable desserts? Try Picazzo's of Sedona where PIZZA IS ART! My favorite is The Vortex which is a step-up from a supreme-style pizza. For an appetizer, try "Mama's Meatballs", for dessert - yes, you are required to order dessert - you MUST try a giant cookie fresh out of the oven, covered in ice cream and gooey chocolate topping. Part of the proceeds from your delightful cookie purchase go to support Breast Cancer Research!
HEALTH & DINING: New Frontiers Natural Marketplace, FESTIVAL SPONSORS - the best Natural Health Food and Sedona's favorite deli. Choose from breakfast, lunch and dinner specialties off the menu or grab a healthy snack from the Salad Bar or Grocery Department.
FUN: Jeep Tours! You can't come to Sedona and NOT go on a jeep tour of the red rock country! There's no better way to see the hoodoos, spires and formations of Sedona's beautiful red rocks. Last year, Pink Jeep was offering pick-up and drop-off in the Harkin's Theater parking lot. Will they be there again this year? If not, just call 282-5000.
Want to learn more about Sedona in general? Visit http://www.sedona.tv/ or watch our Sedona Overview video below:
Film Festival Schedule of Events for the Rest of the Week: Monday, Feb. 23 is Preview Night with a reception at the theatre. The Festival officially begins Tuesday, Feb. 24 with a full day of screenings, a tribute to Seymour and Keach and the Opening Night Party at Sedona Rouge.
Screenings continue the rest of the week with Osborne’s Classic Series starting Wednesday, Feb. 25 with Singin’ In the Rain. A Meet the Filmmakers Reception is scheduled that evening at the Festival Pavilion, sponsored by the Sedona Film Office/Sedona Chamber of Commerce.
On Friday, Feb. 27, the “Cast Party” Gala and Honoree Tribute is scheduled at the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. A filmmaker party on Saturday, Feb. 28 promises to be an exciting gathering of the “who’s who” of the festival.
Festival award-winners will be announced at the annual Awards Brunch at L’Auberge de Sedona on Sunday, March 1. A very special closing night film is planned for Sunday, March 1 followed by the closing ceremonies at Reds Restaurant at Sedona Rouge.
Tickets can be purchased online at our Purchase Passes Link or by calling (928) 282-1177. For additional information, call (928) 282-1177.
2009 Sedona International Film Festival begins Feb. 22
From Sedona.tv Host of "Out & About with Megan" Megan Aronson: The Sedona Interntaional Film Festival is a week long blockbuster event at Harkin's Theater. It gets bigger and bigger every year. The films are always amazing, thought-provoking films for the thoughtful mind that enjoys "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" style films like the latest independent hit Slumdog Millionaire. You can see 1 movie or 20, meet the filmmakers and actors, attend workshops, gala events and much more. I always enjoy the Gala event each year. I've had the rare opportunity to interview some pretty big celebrities like Nick Nolte, Ed Asner, Ned Beatty, Lainie Kazaan (she played the Mom in My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Rick Schroeder and more. Celebrity guest appearances this year include James Osbourne from TMC, Jane Seymour (who was just here promoting her art work and the new Camp Soaring Eagle in November too!), James Keach, and many more.
Here are the links to "Out & About" recaps of previous year's Film Fests! Be sure to check back for more info on the 2009 Flim Fest.
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