Didn't make it to Sundance this year? No plans to attend Cannes in May? Cheer up, Charlie. There's a great film festival coming up and it's only a short drive away. The 21st Annual Sedona Film Festival runs from Saturday, February 21 through Sunday, March 1 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre and other locations in Sedona. With a mix of classic films, insightful documentaries, new independent films and more, it's worth the trip. Here are five great reasons why.
See also: 5 Must-See Movies in Metro Phoenix this February
Citizen Kane and all things Welles
Whether you agree that Citizen Kane is the greatest movie of all time (it currently holds the number one spot on the AFI greatest movies of all time list) or just want to learn more about the man behind the film, keep an eye out on the schedule for a series of screenings and retrospectives of Welles' work coordinated by his daughter, Beatrice, who lives part-time in Sedona. In addition to Citizen Kane on Saturday, February 28, at 3 p.m., Welles' classic films to be screened include Othello on Monday, February 23, at 3:10 p.m. and Touch of Evil on Saturday, February 21, at 6 p.m. Several documentaries and panel discussions also are planned, as well as Q&A sessions with Beatrice and others.
Oh my, Takei
With one of the most popular Facebook pages in existence, George Takei is a voice for equality, positivity, humor and more. In the documentary To Be Takei (screening on at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, February 25), you can get to know him even better with a glimpse at the many roles he has played in his 77 years and into his personal life. With his husband Brad by his side, Takei has made great strides in the battle for marriage equality, highlighting homophobia through television interviews and hilarious skits.
Mr. Holland himself
That's right: Richard Dreyfuss will be in attendance at this year's festival. With screenings of the classic Goodbye Girl at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, and beloved drama Mr. Holland's Opus at 6 p.m. Monday, February 23, you can watch two great films with one of the stars in the room. Ever wanted to ask Dreyfuss how many times people tell him he's going to need a bigger boat? Now's your chance.
John Waters live
Director John Waters (Hairspray, Serial Mom, Pink Flamingos), will perform his one-man show, John Waters: This Filthy World on Sunday, March 1 at 6:00pm, a look at his remarkable 50-year career. We know he's awesome behind the camera, but this unique opportunity to see him perform live is truly a treat for festival-goers. Waters is known for his unconventional style and thinking, Waters is anything but mainstream and there's never been a better chance to get to know him.
Ed Asner, on-screen and in the house
With almost 60 years in show business under his belt, Ed Asner has shown no signs of slowing down. Not only is he in the cast of two of the films screening at Sedona International Film Festival, he'll perform a two-man show (Oxymorons at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 21) and a one-man show (FDR on Sunday, February 22, at 3 p.m.) during the festival (did we mention the man is 85, for crying out loud?). Asner is a television legend who has endeared himself to audiences over the years playing, for lack of a better term, crotchety old men, perhaps most lovably so when he voiced Carl in Pixar's Up.
The 21st Sedona International Film Festival runs from Saturday, February 21, through Sunday, March 1, at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre in Sedona. Ticket prices start at $105 for a 10-ticket pass with discounts for members and students. Visit the Sedona International Film Festival website for more information.
