THIS ARTICLE APPEARS IN THE RED ROCK NEWS

February 9, 2024

 

In just two weeks, the Sedona International Film Festival (SIFF) will be celebrating its 30th anniversary on February 24 – March 3 with 150 films, 125 filmmakers and 120 volunteers in tow.

What first began as a three-day exhibition of inspiring filmmakers of tomorrow, SIFF is now a nine-day world-renowned event that is the crown jewel of Sedona’s cultural life and the largest single annual event in the community.

Every year, many of Sedona’s businesses step up to offer donations to support the film festival — whether it’s hotel rooms for the filmmakers and celebrities, restaurants donating food, venues offering their spaces to host parties, or even monetary contributions. Executive Director Patrick Schweiss is grateful for the generosity of our community.

This year’s presenting sponsors include Seven Canyons, Yavapai College, Cleaner Quicker Car Wash, the city of Sedona, Linda Goldenstein, BMO Bank, Northern Arizona Healthcare, Hillside Sedona and the Kling Family Foundation.

“We are very blessed that so many businesses and organizations support the festival. Honestly, it’s because of their generosity that has built our festival over these 30 years,” Schweiss noted.

Additionally, SIFF attracts multi-night visitors who frequent our restaurants, shops and spas throughout the week, while branding Sedona’s reputation as a town that values cinematic art. Arts and culture have always been a part of our Sedona DNA, along with wellness and outdoor recreation. We are thrilled that we have such a rich history in the arts.

We are so fortunate to have Patrick Schweiss at the helm of SIFF. He and his team have created a well-oiled machine making this one of the most recognized, elevated and praised international film festivals. The festival includes narrative features, shorts, documentaries, a concert film as well as workshops and seminars.

Each year, Schweiss delivers a star-studded lineup and engaging activities, and this year promises to be another memorable experience. Celebrities such as Diane Ladd, Wendie Malick, Mary Stuart Masterson and Andrew McCarthy are scheduled to attend. There will be special screenings and events that will celebrate Henry Mancini’s 100th birthday, Lucie Arnaz LIVE!, a Grease Sing-Along and a Free Live Concert featuring The Watters with Sedona natives Daniel and Jenna Watters.

Schweiss elaborates that, “every single year, it’s not about the celebrities, it’s about the films that are represented during the festival.”

Additional films may be added to the lineup that now include 32 narrative features, 36 documentary features, 38 documentary shorts, 34 narrative shorts, one animated feature and one animated short film. Filmmakers from across the country and several foreign countries, including Turkey and Macedonia, will travel to Sedona this year.

Over the nine-day festival, more than 10,000 people will partake in the festivities, which include many of Sedona’s residents. Beyond the festival, residents have access to quality independent films year-round at Mary D. Fisher and the Alice Gill Sheldon Theatres. Schweiss’ passion for the Sedona community and film has brought our arts and culture to another level.

Attend this year’s 30^th Sedona International Film Festival and hobnob with filmmakers, celebrities, industry guests and film buffs from all around the world as Sedona takes center stage with its biggest celebration of film yet!

If you are interested in attending SIFF, purchase your tickets at sedonafilmfestival.com. Some of our hoteliers are offering special film festival rates for out-of-town guests, so be sure to check out the travel and lodging section of the festival’s website.

–Michelle Conway Kostecki, President/CEO

Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

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