The Sedona International Film Festival is celebrating a big milestone in 2024: The festival is turning 30. Get ready for many events that commemorate the festival’s three decades in existence. “We’re trying to really pull out all the stops and bring back some people that have been really instrumental in our formative years,” says Patrick Schweiss, executive director of the Sedona International Film Festival. One of the special stops includes a screening of the film “Aisle of Hope” that features three actors – Diane Ladd, Mary Stuart Masterson and Andrew McCarthy – who all have been honored by the festival in the past. On opening day, television star Wendie Malick will be in attendance to promote her new film “7,000 Miles.” The festival will also feature a tribute to composer and conductor Henry Mancini. One of his notable works is the jazz theme for the film “Pink Panther.” His daughter, Monica Mancini, will be doing a retrospective show for her late father, who would have turned 100 in April of 2024. Clips from films Henry scored will be shown, and audience members can anticipate hearing behind the scenes stories about each one.
Special events aside, festival attendees also can look forward to screenings of over 150 films in addition to 10 complimentary workshops and nightly parties. One special workshop will honor the iconic film “Grease.” The director of “Grease,” Randal Klesier, along with a few cast members will be in town. Randal will teach a workshop about directing. On the closing night of the festival on March 3, The Phoenix-based Waters band is slated to perform a special concert at the Sedona Performing Arts Center in West Sedona to close out this year’s film festival.
The festival has come a long way from its inaugural year in April of 1995 when the festival was two-and-a-half days long and featured about 30 films. “We’re here for three decades because of this community and because of our sponsors, and because of the outpouring of support that our audience has given us,” says Patrick. “This is more than just a celebration of our 30 years. It’s a celebration of this community, allowing us to be part of the cultural history and fabric all year with our theaters here.” − Teresa K. Traverse
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