Northeast Phoenix Goes Hollywood for the Phoenix Film Festival

Big events accomplish a few things for northeast Phoenix.

They provide entertainment that’s just a short drive away, bring new visitors to our area and act as an economic catalyst for the businesses involved.

The upcoming Phoenix Film Festival is that kind of major event.

From April 7 to 10, at the Harkins on Scottsdale Road and the 101, festival organizers say 11,000 people will attend Phoenix’s big celebration of the big screen.

“This is our fifth anniversary,” said festival Executive Director Chris LaMont. “We’ve been doing this for five years and the quality improves every year.”

LaMont said they screened about 800 films this year before making their picks. I’m not going to try do a Roger Ebert impersonation and run you through the selections, but you can visit www.phoenixfilmfestival.com or call 602-955-6444 to learn a lot more about the specific films and buy tickets and passes.

Beyond the artistry and fun, the festival is a big economic winner for our part of the city. Festival organizers say this is the largest film festival in the state. And many attendees will stick around for more than just one film and a bucket of popcorn.

“The idea is that you come out there and spend the day,” said LaMont.

Movie watchers will stop in at nearby restaurants to have a bite and debate the ups and downs of the films. They’ll make their first visits to neighboring stores, enjoy their discoveries and return in the future.

The festival puts up a big tent in the parking lot, for music, film workshops and more. Friday, April 8, is a special event that could spark our young people to become future Steven Spielbergs.

“We have an educational day,” said LaMont. “Students actually get to meet filmmakers, actors, directors and writers. It’s a field trip.”

I had the chance to speak to some of the students who attended last year. It’s a fantastic experience for our youth, giving them a rare and unique peek at how films are made.

And that’s really the point of the whole festival. The films give all who attend a chance to see some neat new movies. Those who spend more time get an education about a fascinating industry.

The icing on the cake (butter on the popcorn?) is that the festival is an economic engine.

We’re pleased that this major event calls northeast Phoenix home.

Please join us for our next Issues and Info Breakfast at 7 a.m. Friday, April 29, at Jillian’s in the Desert Ridge Marketplace.

Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Neely represents District 2, which encompasses most of Northeast Phoenix. She can be reached at 602-262-7445 or by e-mail at council.district2@phoenix.gov