Sherry Anne Rubiano
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 28, 2007 12:00 AM
Dozens of local filmmakers will showcase their works this weekend during the inaugural Peoria Film Festival.
Out of the nearly 80 films being shown Thursday through Sunday, the majority were made by residents and students living in the Valley.
Films also came from California, Illinois, Canada, Denmark and India.
"We're trying to focus in on helping the local filmmaker," festival director Helen McCready said. "By doing that, it shows off Arizona.
Part of that is showing our neighbor Hollywood that we have some talent here." The four-day festival at Harkins Arrowhead 18, near Bell Road and 83rd Avenue, kicks off Thursday night with a screening of the director's cut version of Forget About It.
This 2006 movie stars Burt Reynolds, Raquel Welch, Robert Loggia and Charles Durning.
A discussion with the film's producer and director, BJ Davis, and Durning will follow the screening. Durning will be presented with a grand achievement award.
A full slate of screenings and workshops are scheduled through Sunday, and restaurants will host parties each night.
The festival will showcase drama, horror, music videos and comedies. Awards will be presented in three categories: Short film, student film and feature film.
A best-picture award will be handed out. McCready said the Best Picture winner receives a limited distribution with a reputable distributor, $500, a paid entry fee into the next local festival of their choice and a waived permit fee if they choose to shoot in Peoria.
The festival concludes Sunday with a screening of The Phoenix Lights Documentary and a question-and-answer session with its producer and director, Lynne Kitei.
The Peoria Chamber of Commerce's Film Office is hosting the event. McCready serves as the film office's commissioner.
Event proceeds will go toward the chamber's new building near Bell Road and 87th Avenue.
News RSS