Phoenix Film Festival returns for 2026 with stacked lineup

It’s time to put down the remote and close your streaming services. The Phoenix Film Festival (PFF) is starting this week, and they have a stacked lineup of movies to enjoy in the theater.

Beginning on April 9 and going through April 19, Harkins Scottsdale 101 is hosting the annual festival. PFF celebrated its silver anniversary in 2025, and as special as that event was, this year promises to be even better.  

“We have a whole new batch of shiny films which is always fun,” says Jason Carney, PFF CEO and executive director. “But we’ve specifically added two new shorts categories. One is music videos, giving audiences an opportunity to see that the world of music videos still exists, and particularly on the independent level. Plus, there’s plenty of local flavor in the group. And we also have the deaf Directed Shorts category, putting the films from deaf directors on a bigger stage. We’re proud to be able to engage further with the Deaf community.”

This year, PFF will show 268 features and shorts in total. The opening night event starts at 6 p.m. in the PFF Party Pavilion near the theater. Attendees will enjoy a variety of food tastings from local restaurants, beverages and live musical performances, then they’ll head to the theater for opening night film “Power Ballad” starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas. 

The following evening is Industry Night. From 6 to 10 p.m., fans and admirers of cinema will get a chance to rub elbows with leaders in the world of film. DJ MattyRob is on deck to provide the musical entertainment while Pinwheel and The Pizza Butcher 29 will open up its food trucks to supply the noshing. 

There are plenty of intriguing films on the festival schedule, so many that Carney can’t choose which ones to highlight.

“There’s a Mads Mikkelsen film called ‘The Last Viking’ that’s a dark comedy that’s very entertaining. And of course, the Bob Odenkirk film ‘Normal’ is definitely something you want to catch,” he contends. “Oh, and ‘I Want Your Sex’ with Cooper Hoffman and Olivia Wilde. Plus, there’s a few smaller films I’d love people to discover, including ‘A Safe Distance,’ ‘If I Go Will They Miss Me?’ and ‘Our Hero, Balthazar.’ This list will quickly get out of control if I don’t stop now.”

Carney has a soft spot in his heart for short films, and this year he’s included a record 25 different shorts in the program.

“It fascinates me the different ways filmmakers can tell stories in a short time frame,” he says. “Plus, if there is one in there that you don’t love, another one will start in just a few minutes. One that stands out for me this year is called ‘Soft Boil’ and it’s part of our Smorgasbord Shorts program. So funny!” 

The selection of feature-length films is no slouch either.

“The great thing about festival films is they always have to tell great stories because there’s no big budget to hide behind,” Carney says. “Additionally, the experience of a festival involves a shared experience with fellow movie lovers along with the filmmakers who created the films we’re watching.” 

The Phoenix Film Festival has something for every movie buff, including the horror heads; the International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival runs concurrently with the main festival. 

But at this year’s event, Carney suggests branching out and exploring the unknown. 

“Just for people to come to the festival open-minded,” he advises. “Check out some films without watching a trailer and go in fresh. It’s still a fun experience and at the Phoenix Film Festival you’re part of a community of film fans.”

Phoenix Film Festival. Thursday, April 9, through Sunday, April 19. Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theatres, 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. Tickets are $19 per film (not including the opening night premiere event). Packages and passes range from $50 to $350.