Movie buffs, film critics and lovers of the arts — there is still time to attend the Sedona International Film Festival (SIFF). In fact, you don’t even need to be a cinema enthusiast to enjoy the myriad of happenings at SIFF 2023. The event, which kicked off last week (February 18), runs through Sunday, February 26.
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During the past week, the festival has hosted ongoing film screenings at several theater venues including Harkins, Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre, Mary D. Fisher Theatre and Sedona Performing Arts Center.
Concurrent with short and full-length film screenings is the Filmmaker Conversation Workshop Series. The series incorporates various film-related, interactive workshops facilitated by industry-leading directors, agents, costume designers and more. Saturday attendees can participate in the Working with Actors workshop at 10 a.m. and/or the “Collaborating with the Costume Department” workshop at 1 p.m. at the Yavapai College Sedona Center.
Earlier in the week, festival-goers were treated to screenings of two movies featuring breathtaking performances by actress Jaqueline Bisset, to whom the SIFF bestowed a lifetime achievement award. After “Loren & Rose” (2022) and “Sleepytime Gal” (2001) audiences participated in Q&A sessions with Bisset and directors Russell Brown and Christopher Munch.
Additionally, film festival honoree Karen Allen — known for her roles in iconic films such as “Animal House” and “Indiana Jones” — participated in screenings and Q&As for “A Stage of Twilight” and “White Irish Drinkers.” Joining the latter screening were Allen’s costars Stephen Lang (“Avatar”) and Peter Riegert (“Animal House”).
On Saturday, guests of the festival can attend the screening of “Condition of Return” at 7 p.m., starring AnnaLynne McCord (“90210”), Dean Cain (“God’s Not Dead”) and Natasha Henstridge (“Species”), which includes a Q&A with the trio after the movie.
In addition to the previously mentioned Saturday film screening and Q&A, the festival will continue to showcase additional movies at its designated theater locations throughout the day and evening, adding more shows on Sunday.
What you’re sure to love about the Sedona International Film Festival, in addition to its star-studded lineup and engaging activities is the setup which provides an intimate feel, inviting a unique and memorable experience for attendees. This is largely in part to Patrick Schweiss, executive director of Sedona International Film Festival, who is at the helm of orchestrating the festival.
From the films to the volunteers, film judges and even food, Schweiss has created a well-oiled machine in SIFF, making it one of the most recognized, elevated and praised international film festivals.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Photo (from left): Lynette Carrington, marketing & event specialist for AZ Big Media; Stephen Lang, actor; Karen Allen, actress; Erin Thorburn, staff writer for AZ Big Media and Peter Riegert, actor.
