Almost every year, Arizona is home to one of the biggest film showcases in world. The Arizona International Film Festival had displayed more than 2,600 films representing 90 different countries, and 2017 marks it’s 26^th anniversary. This year’s fest features films from not only the United States but also from the UK, Vietnam, France, Brazil, Australia, Ethiopia, and Mexico (and that’s not even close to all of them). Considering the fact that over 152,000 patrons in Southern Arizona have attended this internationally known event, I became remarkably curious and decided to find out more about the festival myself.

After a recent interview with Mia Schnaible, the Director of Marketing and Development for the festival, I realized how much effort is made towards assembling the festival every single year and making it nothing less than spectacular for its attendees.

Schnaible explained that the Selection Committee looks for films with a good story. She said, “Without a good story, you have nothing.” The overall theme of the festival is “Bridging Cultures,” therefore, the goal is to promote independent spirit and to share other cultural stories that deserve to be heard (and viewed). The information I learned that struck me the most in my interview with Schnaible was the fact that the festival receives over 700 submissions each year, while only capable of screening about 100. This goes to show that very tough decisions had to be made throughout the screening process.

As an amateur, I asked Mia what her suggestions were for new visitors at the festival this year. She recommended grabbing a Festival Program and start circling films that capture one’s interest. The pdf form of this year’s catalog can be found here.

Otherwise, trailers are now available on the AZ Film Festival’s website. Single tickets are available for purchase, but Savers passes are a $25 steal for five films and All-Access Passes sell for $100. For those who are planning on attending the event, Schnaible recommends simply chatting up motion pictures with other film lovers in order to build friendships and share similar interests. Apparently, the overall atmosphere of the event is nothing short of friendly and enjoyable. The Screening Room now serves beer and wine provided to those with a valid ID, and Empire Pizza can be ordered from next door! There are also Music Cafes at night that offer a venue to relax, listen to music produced by local musicians, and share one’s thoughts of the daily festival with others.

The Tucson Happening is a new addition to the festival this year, which offers a mixture of film, music, and live performances. It will take place on Closing Night (April 30, 2017) at the Rialto Theatre in Downtown Tucson. Tucson Hot Damn will be screened on the night of this big event; it is a short film that showcases the variety of Tucson’s Arts Scene. Attendees will meet various artists, musicians, acrobats, poets, outlaws, and many other significant figures represented in the heart and soul of Tucson.

The list of key films for visitors to look out for grows daily, according to Schnaible. Currently, filmmakers from South Korea and Switzerland are expected to make an appearance, and the Director from Man in Camo Jacket will be attending for Q & A sessions and friendly discussions about the festival.

The 2017 Arizona Film Festival will take place April 19-30 at the Screening Room in downtown Tucson, located at 127 Congress. Closing night will be held on the 30^th at the Rialto Theatre downtown as well.

The festival has completely captivated my interest so much that I have decided to attend myself. After the conclusion of the showcase, I plan on writing a second article based on my new experience attending. So far, it seems to me that the festival is an amazing opportunity for select filmmakers to show off their natural creativity and love for filmmaking, as well as an opportunity for guests to support the independent expression of art.