Gold Run

Run Time: 120 minutes

Reception and Opening Night Screening:
Thursday, October 19 at 7:00pm

Directed by: Hallvard Bræin

Cast: Jon Øigarden, Thorbjørn Harr, Anatole Taubman, Lars Berge and Ida Elise Broch

Synopsis: In April 1940, German soldiers descended upon Oslo with three targets: the King, the government and Norway’s gold reserves. Within only a few hours, parliamentary secretary Fredrik Haslund brings together an unlikely team, including his sister, a veteran of the Spanish Civil War, bankers, truck drivers, and a famous poet.

Their mission is to move 40 tons of gold across the country to reach an Allied shipping convoy, outsmarting and evading the approaching Nazi forces

June Zero

Run Time: 105 minutes

Screening Time:
Friday, October 20 at 7:00pm

Directed by: Jake Paltrow

Cast: Noam Ovadia, Tzahi Grad, Yoav Levi, Tom Hagi

Synopsis: The 1961 trial of Adolf Eichmann, a major architect of the Holocaust, is revisited in a gripping and surprising new vision from American filmmaker Jake Paltrow. Based on true accounts, June Zero is told from the unique perspectives of three largely unrelated figures: Eichmann’s Jewish Moroccan prison guard; an Israeli police investigator who also happens to be a Holocaust survivor and a precocious and clever 13-year-old Libyan immigrant. Largely shot on 16mm film, Paltrow’s vividly textured work reminds us that the same histories are often experienced differently by people all over the world, but that shared traumas can also create the strongest of bonds and lead to unexpected moments of triumph and greatness as well.

Tin Cup

Run Time: 135 minutes

Screening Time:
Friday, October 20 at 7:05pm

Directed by: Ron Shelton

Cast: Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Don Johnson, Cheech Marin, Linda Hart

Synopsis: Roy McAvoy was a golf pro with a bright future, but his rebellious nature and bad attitude cost him everything. Now working as a golf instructor, he falls for his newest pupil, Dr. Molly Griswold, a psychiatrist who happens to be the girlfriend of PGA Tour star and Roy's rival, David Simms. After he is humiliated by Simms at a celebrity golf tournament, McAvoy decides to make a run for the PGA Tour, as well as Molly's heart.

Peoria Film Fest Short Films

Run Time: 95 minutes

Screening Time:
Saturday, October 21 at 11:10am

Bench Seat
Directed by: Kaiser Cunningham
Synopsis: Bench Seat is based on a true story of many peoples lives. Faith, Hardship and perspective through our companions.

The UnAmerican: A Soldier's Story
Directed by: Jerry Horton
Synopsis: A homeless veteran battles his inner demons and the streets.

Promises
Directed by: Faye Brenner
Synopsis: Latina single mother of two struggles for custody against abuse, addiction and homelessness in the 1970’s.

Bag Check
Directed by: Matthew Atkins
Synopsis: On their return home, a couple has an unexpected surprise waiting for them at the airport.

Breaking Orbit
Directed by: John Michael Latsko
Synopsis: A spacecraft worker risks everything to return to his family.

Party Favor
Directed by: Yasmine Gomez
Synopsis: A Filipino-American woman grapples with going behind her strict Catholic sister's back to buy condoms for her 14-year-old niece.

Pow Wow
Directed by: Catherine Croteau
Synopsis: A successful creative realizes just how much his family has helped him achieve his goals.

The Funky Latina
Directed by: Ernie Bustamante
Synopsis: Amid the pandemic and BLM movement, a young Afro-Latina creates Arizona's first Latin indie music festival. And a safe space.

Down the Rabbit Hole: the Arts, the Pandemic, & the Curiouser Immersive Project
Directed by: Phil Wilson
Synopsis: Chris Hamby rallies a team of artists to build an immersive theater production in the midst of a global pandemic.

Sparkle: A Unicorn Tale

Presented by KIDS FIRST!

Run Time: 85 minutes

Screening Time:
Saturday, October 21 at 11:30am

Directed by: Jamie Lokoff

Cast: Molly Jackson, Sean Faris, Jessica Green

Synopsis: When 15-year-old Annabelle runs away from an orphanage with two other kids to rescue the animals on her family's farm, they discover a magical unicorn has taken up residence and try to determine the mythical beast's purpose.

The Last Movie Ever Made

Run Time: 95 minutes

Screening Time:
Saturday, October 21 at 1:30pm

Directed by: Nathan Blackwell

Cast: Adam Rini, Megan Hughes Rini, Craig Curtis, Dallas Teat, Logan Blackwell, James Hoenscheidt, Chris Hoenscheidt, Ryan Gaumont, Grace Rini

Synopsis: With the world about to end, Marshall convinces a group of friends and strangers to help finish the sci-fi movie he abandoned in high school.

You don’t want to miss this comedic gem! Not only is it the winner of the 2023 Phoenix Film Festival Best Arizona Feature award but it’s written and directed by Nathan Blackwell - who also took home the 2023 Arizona Filmmaker of the Year award!

Critic

Run Time: 80 minutes

Screening Time:
Saturday, October 21 at 1:40pm

Directed by: Michael Allen Hennesy

Cast: Brennen Cowart, Edward Hightower

Synopsis: After savaging a reclusive Director’s new film, a disenchanted Film Critic is surprised to find himself invited to dinner with them, where their match of wits soon turns into something far more sinister.

Family Short Films

Presented by KIDS FIRST!

Run Time: 75 minutes

Screening Time:
Saturday, October 21 at 1:45pm

Bloom In (animated)
Directed by: Avery Robinson Rouda
Synopsis: An awkward cactus learns to bloom in her own divine timing.

D.A.D. (live action)
Directed by: James A. Sims
Synopsis: A workaholic father comes home to discover his twin daughters have built a digital android doppelgänger that they lovingly call D.A.D

Kind of Fishy (animated)
Directed by: Aleksander L. Nordaas
Synopsis: A unique fishtale - made with driftwood

Bike Lane Ends (live action)
Directed by: Noah Glenn
Synopsis: Anxious eight-year-old Iris is constantly worried about her wild BFF Tilly. Her instincts to practice telepathy just may pay off.

Kris the Cat (animated)
Directed by: Ross G. Hewitt
Synopsis: Kris the Cat tells the story of the beloved and pampered Queen's cat.

Peculiar and Strange (animated)
Directed by: Hanna Kin
Synopsis: Peculiar And Strange is the playful but profound story of two eccentric girls who discover the power of finding a friend as peculiar as you.

The Lesson (live action documentary)
Directed by: Jeffrey N. Johnson
Synopsis: An invaluable lesson on the impact and importance of music.

Robots Don’t Tell Jokes (animated)
Directed by: Kelli Caldwell
Synopsis:.Robot thinks he has a wonderful joke, so he keeps trying to tell it, but none of the other robots ever laugh.

My Super Power (live action)
Directed by: Maxwell Andrews
Synopsis: In his search for his superpower, nine year old Maxwell discovers that his words have the power to help and to harm.

The Right One (live action)
Directed by: Anthony Deptula
Synopsis: A young girl is forced to pick between a violin and a cello only to discover the right instrument for her is something entirely out of the ordinary.

FREE EVENT!

The Peoria Film Fest is excited to offer these films as part of our FREE Family Friendly programming presented by KIDS FIRST!
Just click the button below to reserve your tickets.

A Still Small Voice

Run Time: 95 minutes

Screening Time:
Saturday, October 21 at 3:45pm

Directed by: Luke Lorentzen

Cast: Mati Engel, David Fleenor

Synopsis: An aspiring chaplain begins a residency in the spiritual care department of a major New York City hospital, only to discover that to successfully care for her patients, she must look deep within herself.

A League of Their Own

Run Time: 130 minutes

Screening Time:
Saturday, October 21 at 4:00pm

Directed by: Penny Marshall

Cast: Geena Davis, Lori Petty, Tom Hanks, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell, Garry Marshall, Jon Lovitz, David Strathairn, Bill Pullman

Synopsis: As America's stock of athletic young men is depleted during World War II, a professional all-female baseball league springs up in the Midwest, funded by publicity-hungry candy maker Walter Harvey. Competitive sisters Dottie Hinson and Kit Keller spar with each other, scout Ernie Capadino and grumpy has-been coach Jimmy Dugan on their way to fame.

Mister Organ

Run Time: 100 minutes

Screening Time:
Saturday, October 21 at 4:30pm

Directed by: David Farrier

Synopsis: Intrepid journalist and filmmaker David Farrier, whose previous film Tickled became a global sensation for exposing the dark underbelly of competitive endurance tickling, faces off against his greatest foe yet in MISTER ORGAN, an enthralling and bizarre tale that finds Farrier in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a mysterious con man who is wreaking havoc on his New Zealand town.

Hey, Viktor!

Run Time: 105 minutes

Screening Time:
Saturday, October 21 at 6:30pm

Directed by: Cody Lightning

Cast: Cody Lightning, Hannah Cheesman, Simon Baker

Synopsis: Twenty years removed from childhood fame as Little Viktor in 1998’s Smoke Signals, Cody Lightning has been forced to move home to his reserve in northern Alberta. He still believes himself to be famous— even though the only parts he gets these days are adult films & fracking commercials.

But when Cody learns his wife and kids are leaving him for a younger, more successful actor, he decides it’s time to quit screwing around and make his masterpiece— writing, directing, & starring in Smoke Signals 2: Still Smoking.

Hoosiers

Run Time: 115 minutes

Screening Time:
Saturday, October 21 at 7:00pm

Directed by: David Anspaugh

Cast: Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper

Synopsis: Failed college coach Norman Dale gets a chance at redemption when he is hired to direct the basketball program at a high school in a tiny Indiana town. After a teacher persuades star player Jimmy Chitwood to quit and focus on his long-neglected studies, Dale struggles to develop a winning team in the face of community criticism for his temper and his unconventional choice of assistant coach: Shooter, a notorious alcoholic.

IFP Phoenix 240 to Glory
Screening and Awards Event

Run Time: 115 minutes

Screening Time:
Saturday, October 21 at 7:00pm

Description:
Films from the IFP Phoenix 240 to Glory Film Challenge.

What can local filmmakers create in 240 hours? The IFP Phoenix 240 to Glory Challenge gives teams 10 days to write, film, and edit a short film and compete for prizes and Glory!

Join us for the screening and awards ceremony at the Harkins Theatre as part of the Peoria Film Festival to celebrate local films and vote for your favorite for the Audience Award!

Hey, Viktor!

Run Time: 105 minutes

Screening Time:
Sunday, October 22 at 11:30am

Directed by: Cody Lightning

Cast: Cody Lightning, Hannah Cheesman, Simon Baker

Synopsis: Twenty years removed from childhood fame as Little Viktor in 1998’s Smoke Signals, Cody Lightning has been forced to move home to his reserve in northern Alberta. He still believes himself to be famous— even though the only parts he gets these days are adult films & fracking commercials.

But when Cody learns his wife and kids are leaving him for a younger, more successful actor, he decides it’s time to quit screwing around and make his masterpiece— writing, directing, & starring in Smoke Signals 2: Still Smoking.

Family Short Films

Presented by KIDS FIRST!

Run Time: 75 minutes

Screening Time:
Sunday, October 22 at 11:35am

Bloom In (animated)
Directed by: Avery Robinson Rouda
Synopsis: An awkward cactus learns to bloom in her own divine timing.

D.A.D. (live action)
Directed by: James A. Sims
Synopsis: A workaholic father comes home to discover his twin daughters have built a digital android doppelgänger that they lovingly call D.A.D

Kind of Fishy (animated)
Directed by: Aleksander L. Nordaas
Synopsis: A unique fishtale - made with driftwood

Bike Lane Ends (live action)
Directed by: Noah Glenn
Synopsis: Anxious eight-year-old Iris is constantly worried about her wild BFF Tilly. Her instincts to practice telepathy just may pay off.

Kris the Cat (animated)
Directed by: Ross G. Hewitt
Synopsis: Kris the Cat tells the story of the beloved and pampered Queen's cat.

Peculiar and Strange (animated)
Directed by: Hanna Kin
Synopsis: Peculiar And Strange is the playful but profound story of two eccentric girls who discover the power of finding a friend as peculiar as you.

The Lesson (live action documentary)
Directed by: Jeffrey N. Johnson
Synopsis: An invaluable lesson on the impact and importance of music.

Robots Don’t Tell Jokes (animated)
Directed by: Kelli Caldwell
Synopsis:.Robot thinks he has a wonderful joke, so he keeps trying to tell it, but none of the other robots ever laugh.

My Super Power (live action)
Directed by: Maxwell Andrews
Synopsis: In his search for his superpower, nine year old Maxwell discovers that his words have the power to help and to harm.

The Right One (live action)
Directed by: Anthony Deptula
Synopsis: A young girl is forced to pick between a violin and a cello only to discover the right instrument for her is something entirely out of the ordinary.

FREE EVENT!

The Peoria Film Fest is excited to offer these films as part of our FREE Family Friendly programming presented by KIDS FIRST!
Just click the button below to reserve your tickets.

Mister Organ

Run Time: 100 minutes

Screening Time:
Sunday, October 22 at 1:30pm

Directed by: David Farrier

Synopsis: Intrepid journalist and filmmaker David Farrier, whose previous film Tickled became a global sensation for exposing the dark underbelly of competitive endurance tickling, faces off against his greatest foe yet in MISTER ORGAN, an enthralling and bizarre tale that finds Farrier in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a mysterious con man who is wreaking havoc on his New Zealand town.

Sparkle: A Unicorn Tale

Presented by KIDS FIRST!

Run Time: 85 minutes

Screening Time:
Sunday, October 22 at 1:45pm

Directed by: Jamie Lokoff

Cast: Molly Jackson,Sean Faris,Jessica Green

Synopsis: When 15-year-old Annabelle runs away from an orphanage with two other kids to rescue the animals on her family's farm, they discover a magical unicorn has taken up residence and try to determine the mythical beast's purpose.

FREE EVENT!

The Peoria Film Fest is excited to offer this film as part of our FREE Family Friendly programming presented by KIDS FIRST! Just click the button below to reserve your tickets.

A Still Small Voice

Run Time: 95 minutes

Screening Time:
Sunday, October 22 at 2:00pm

Directed by: Luke Lorentzen

Cast: Mati Engel, David Fleenor

Synopsis: An aspiring chaplain begins a residency in the spiritual care department of a major New York City hospital, only to discover that to successfully care for her patients, she must look deep within herself.

Rudy

Run Time: 115 minutes

Screening Time:
Sunday, October 22 at 4:00pm

Directed by: David Anspaugh

Cast: Sean Astin, Ned Beaty, Jon Favreau, Charles S. Dutton, Robert Prosky, Lili Taylor

Synopsis: Rudy Ruettiger wants to play football at the University of Notre Dame, but has neither the money for tuition nor the grades to qualify for a scholarship. Rudy redoubles his efforts to get out of the steel mill where his father works when his best friend dies in an accident there. Overcoming his dyslexia thanks to his friend and tutor, D-Bob, Rudy gains admission to Notre Dame and begins to fight his way onto the school's fabled football team.

Critic

Run Time: 80 minutes

Screening Time:
Sunday, October 22 at 4:30pm

Directed by: Michael Allen Hennesy

Cast: Brennen Cowart, Edward Hightower

Synopsis: After savaging a reclusive Director’s new film, a disenchanted Film Critic is surprised to find himself invited to dinner with them, where their match of wits soon turns into something far more sinister.

Peoria Film Fest Short Films

Run Time: 95 minutes

Screening Time:
Sunday, October 22 at 4:50pm

Bench Seat
Directed by: Kaiser Cunningham
Synopsis: Bench Seat is based on a true story of many peoples lives. Faith, Hardship and perspective through our companions.

The UnAmerican: A Soldier's Story
Directed by: Jerry Horton
Synopsis: A homeless veteran battles his inner demons and the streets.

Promises
Directed by: Faye Brenner
Synopsis: Latina single mother of two struggles for custody against abuse, addiction and homelessness in the 1970’s.

Bag Check
Directed by: Matthew Atkins
Synopsis: On their return home, a couple has an unexpected surprise waiting for them at the airport.

Breaking Orbit
Directed by: John Michael Latsko
Synopsis: A spacecraft worker risks everything to return to his family.

Party Favor
Directed by: Yasmine Gomez
Synopsis: A Filipino-American woman grapples with going behind her strict Catholic sister's back to buy condoms for her 14-year-old niece.

Pow Wow
Directed by: Catherine Croteau
Synopsis: A successful creative realizes just how much his family has helped him achieve his goals.

The Funky Latina
Directed by: Ernie Bustamante
Synopsis: Amid the pandemic and BLM movement, a young Afro-Latina creates Arizona's first Latin indie music festival. And a safe space.

Down the Rabbit Hole: the Arts, the Pandemic, & the Curiouser Immersive Project
Directed by: Phil Wilson
Synopsis: Chris Hamby rallies a team of artists to build an immersive theater production in the midst of a global pandemic.

Closing Night Film - Peak Season

Run Time: 85 minutes

Screening Time:
Sunday, October 22 at 7:00pm

Directed by: Steven Kanter & Henry Loevner

Cast: Claudia Restrepo, Derrick DeBlasis, Ben Coleman, Fred Melamed, Stephanie Courtney

Synopsis: New York yuppies Amy & Max arrive in the wealthy resort town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming for a summer vacation. Amy wants to enjoy a romantic getaway with her fiancé. But Max neglects Amy to spend the week working, leaving her to wander town alone. Amy finds a friend in Loren, a local wilderness guide, who takes her fly fishing. She’s immediately drawn to this magnetic, free spirited stranger. Both lonely and lost in their own lives, Amy & Loren share an instant connection. When Max is called away on business, Amy & Loren spend the week together exploring the Tetons. As her bond with Loren grows into something more than friendship, Amy questions whether she’ll return to NYC with Max after all.