Oscar party will kick off 15th annual celebration, now expanded to six full days
Lovers of independent films will celebrate the best in cinematic art, amid unparalleled scenic beauty, Feb. 24 – March 1 in Sedona. The occasion is the 15th annual Sedona International Film Festival, named the “Fest to Impress” by MovieMaker Magazine. This year’s extravaganza promises to be bigger and better than ever — now expanded to six full days! With the annual Oscar party kicking off the festivities, the 15th anniversary celebration is now nearly a week of film activities and screenings!
Advance passes are now on sale for the festival. Festival goers can save up to 20% on most pass levels with holiday discounts through Dec. 31. For the film lover on your holiday list, film festival passes make the perfect gift!
Whether you want an all-access priority Platinum Pass, a priority seating Gold Pass, or the flexibility of a 10- or 20-Pack Film Ticket Package, we have the perfect way for you to enjoy the festival. And new this year: All passholders and Ticket package holders will be able to get their tickets for individual films prior to the start of the festival! No more long lines! No more early-morning ticket scrambles!
World premieres? Be there!
Gala parties? Be there!
Stimulating conversation? Be there!
Already recognized by filmmakers and audiences as one of the top festivals in the nation, the 2009 edition will continue a tradition of honoring those whose love for making timely, moving films drives them. The festival honors filmmakers motivated by passion for their art, not box office revenues.
From comedy to tragedy, from small-town America to places around the world, independent filmmakers take audiences on journeys to emotional and geographic places many have not visited.
The festival kicks off with the annual “Evening at the Academy Awards” on Sunday, Feb. 22, followed by Monday night preview films, that are sure to get film enthusiasts in the mood for more than 135 of the best independent films over the next six days.
With commitments to attend from Jane Seymour, James Keach, Robert Osborne, Oscar-winning director John Zaritsky, Oscar-winning animator John Canemaker and many others, the festival is shaping up to be the best in the organization’s history.
Opening night on Tuesday, Feb. 24, will include a tribute to Seymour and Keach as well as a sneak preview screening of their new film “Waiting For Forever” and other Seymour/Keach titles in adjacent theaters.
Back by popular demand, Robert Osborne — host of Turner Classic Movies television network, — will bring his vast knowledge of movies to the Sedona International Film Festival. Like last year, Osborne plans to add a new dimension to the increasingly popular film festival by introducing the classic films “Singin’ In the Rain”, “The Greatest Show on Earth” and “Notorious” to be shown on the big screen, much like he does for his own classic film festival in Athens, Georgia. He will also host celebrity chats, filmmaker discussions and the festival honoree events.
Several additions are in store for the 2009 event including scheduling a series of workshops at festival central “so the public can interact with filmmakers and learn about what it takes to create, market and distribute,” said executive director Patrick Schweiss.
And after a few hours of watching film magic, what could be better than great food, cool drink and make-me-dance music at one of the festival galas?
• Opening Night Kick-off party at Reds at Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa
• Filmmaker Party in the Pavilion, hosted by the Sedona Film Office
• Filmmaker Pizza/Pasta Party at Troia’s Pizza Pasta Amoré
• Friday night Gala at the Hilton
• Saturday night soiree hosted by Amara Resort
• Sunday morning Awards Brunch presented by L’Auberge de Sedona
• Closing night dinner at Reds at Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa
• plus other exciting public parties at Festival Central
In addition to the signature galas, many smaller gatherings will give film lovers a chance to talk and party with others who share their passion.
Tickets, tickets, tickets
Early-bird tickets for the not-to-be-missed 15th annual Sedona International Film Festival are now on sale. Log on to
SedonaFilmFestival.com for information and to order passes.
And remember, Film Sedona members enjoy additional savings on festival passes and other benefits year-round. The complete festival program will be available in late January.
To purchase tickets or more festival information, call (928) 282-1177.
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