The 2007 Phoenix Film Festival came to a close last night after 8 days of screenings, parties, networking, and awards. Our 2 shorts “The Long Shot” and “Stabbing Stupidity” each screened one more time, on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. Not great times (9:20 pm both nights), but there was a really strong crowd for each film nevertheless. Once again, both films got a great reception, lots of laughs, and good feedback afterwards.

All in all, this was the best Phoenix Film Festival yet - both generally and personally. Getting that Copper Wing on Sunday was a career highlight. Now the rest of 2007 is going to have to be about building from that success and gathering the funding and momentum for another feature film. Stay tuned right here for all the developments - and thanks for your continued support!

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Last night at the Phoenix Film Festival’s Copper Wing Awards, I took home the trophy for Arizona Filmmaker of the Year! I am so overwhelmed at this point… this is something I have wanted since The Falls was an official selection at the Festival in 2004.

Thanks so much to all of you who helped me get here. I could not have done it without you!

The awards ceremony was held after a sold-out screening of Arizona Shorts Program B - featuring our film “Stabbing Stupidity.” Great audience, lots of laughs, and once again, great feedback afterwards. We also had a morning screening of “The Long Shot” which went well despite the early hour.

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Yesterday’s screening of “The Long Shot” at the Phoenix Film Festival was an enormous success! The film closed out the “Arizona Shorts A” program, playing to a near packed house. Audience reaction was enthusiastic and even some of the more esoteric humor got laughs. (Hooray for smart moviegoers!) I got great feedback afterwards and this morning as well. General consensus is that the 19-minute film is entertaining throughout, and most people are totally surprised when I tell them it is 100% student work (with the exception of my writing and directing, of course).

This morning, “Stabbing Stupidity” played as part of “Arizona Shorts B” at a 9:10 am screening. The theatre was about half full, not bad for such an early show. (Figure most of the Festival die-hards were partying into the wee hours last night.) I expect the Sunday screening to be significantly better-attended.  But those hardcore early risers who did see the film really enjoyed it - lots of laughs, and again lots of great feedback afterwards.

Now, don’t forget - if you have missed our first two screenings at the Phoenix Film Festival, there are 2 more of each film coming up!

“The Long Shot” Arizona Shorts Program A - Sunday April 15 @ 9:00 am; Tuesday April 17 @ 9:20 pm (more info)

“Stabbing Stupidity” Arizona Shorts Program B - Sunday April 15 @ 4:45 pm; Wednesday April 18 @ 9:20 pm (more info)

Hope to see you there!

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Here’s the interview I shot yesterday about the Phoenix Film Festival and my films. Interviewer Yetta Gibson says I have four films in the festival - which is sort of true if you count the 2 I directed (“The Long Shot” and “Stabbing Stupidity”) and the 2 films made by my students at UAT (”Pirate Booty” and “Peephole”).

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The 2007 Phoenix Film Festival kicked off last night and it already is bigger and better than all previous years. There is a tangible feeling that this community has raised itself up several notches even since last year - there are so many more local filmmakers making quality films, promoting themselves, and raising the stakes for Arizona filmmaking.  It’s an exciting feeling to be part of it!

My UAT crew was there in full force, 20 or so of us, all handing out our promo cards for the FOUR films we have in the Festival - including the 2 I directed, “The Long Shot”and “Stabbing Stupidity.” Building brand-name awareness! And of course Briscoe was with us - now that he lives here in AZ! It was great to be attending the Festival with him for the first time since he moved here.

Earlier in the dayI shot a promotional appearance for the 5pm Fox 10 news - I’m going to pull that off the TiVo and get that on YouTube shortly. I’ll be back with a post to share that with you.

And don’t forget! “The Long Shot” plays tonight as part of Arizona Shorts “A” at 5:40 pm! See you there!

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