Lights, camera, action! Here’s what you need to know about the 2026 Phoenix Film Festival

PHOENIX — It’s showtime, movie lovers.

The long-running Phoenix Film Festival is back for its 26th year, starting Thursday and running through April 19 at the Harkins Scottsdale 101 theaters at 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. in Phoenix.

The big-ticket item on opening night will be “Power Ballad,” a musical comedy drama about a boy band star who steals a wedding singer’s song and turns it into a hit.

Starring Nick Jonas as the star and Paul Rudd as the wedding performer, director John Carney’s movie is a feel-good story about friendship and ambition.

That’s just one of more than 250 films playing over the 11-day celebration, which was founded in 2001 by local filmmakers.

Want to support local filmmakers? Two Arizona Features documentaries fit the bill: “Little Singer,” which explores Navajo culture near Winslow, and “Unfinished Work,” which follows an artist confronting family tragedy.

The festival offers a variety of ticket options, from $19 single showings to multiple film flex passes to full access tiers.

What else does the 2026 Phoenix Film Festival have to offer?

There’s much more to do than simply watch movies.

The festival includes a party pavilion, kids’ day, film prom and other events. There are also two new competition categories for 2026: music videos and deaf-directed shorts.

Those who love movie trivia should know about The Fabulous Film Trivia Olympics on April 8, hosted by drag queen Barbra Seville. There’s also Laughs & Reels: A Night of Comedy and cinema, in which Phoenix comedians entertain for 90 minutes.

There’s also a “Footloose” sing-along slated for Friday, plus several shows meant to help aspiring filmmakers learn how to succeed.

In addition to trivia and other games, there will also be filmmaking seminars and student workshops for more than 15,000 attendees.

The full list of events and movies can be found in the nonprofit’s digital program.

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