The historic mining town of Prescott transforms into a cinematic destination during the 15th Annual Prescott Film Festival, where independent filmmakers and movie enthusiasts gather in Arizona’s cool mountain pines to celebrate the art of storytelling through film. This five-day celebration showcases exceptional independent cinema in world-class venues while providing intimate opportunities for audiences to connect directly with the creative minds behind the camera. The festival’s commitment to filmmaker-friendly programming and engaged audiences has established it as one of the Southwest’s most respected film events, drawing participants from across the nation to experience movies in an authentic Western setting.
Perfect Mountain Setting
Prescott’s elevation at 5,400 feet provides welcome relief from summer heat, creating ideal conditions for indoor screenings and outdoor social events that extend well into comfortable evenings. The festival’s “home base” at Yavapai College’s state-of-the-art Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center offers exceptional projection and sound quality that rivals major metropolitan venues. This year marks a special return to the festival’s downtown roots, with select short film programs and special presentations screening at the historic Hendrix Theatre on Granite Street, creating an intimate atmosphere that reflects Prescott’s small-town charm and cinematic heritage.
Diverse Programming
Programming diversity defines this festival’s appeal, featuring narrative and documentary films in both feature-length and short formats. Festival programmers actively seek comedies, adventures, mysteries, science fiction, and thrillers, while maintaining special emphasis on family-friendly content that welcomes viewers of all ages. The festival particularly celebrates films exploring environmental themes, agriculture, horses, music, history, art, and architecture—subjects that resonate deeply with Arizona audiences and reflect the region’s cultural interests.
Special Presentations
The 2025 festival promises exceptional special presentations, including a live-accompanied silent film screening at the beautifully restored historic Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center. Tom Mix’s “Sky High” will feature live musical accompaniment by the Monte Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, creating a magical connection between early cinema history and Prescott’s Wild West heritage. An interactive sing-along screening of “The Wizard of Oz” at the Hendrix Theatre provides family entertainment that bridges generations through shared movie memories.
Event Details
Dates: July 16-20, 2025 (Wednesday through Sunday)
Primary Venue: Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center, Yavapai College
Address: 1100 E Sheldon Street, Prescott, AZ 86301
Additional Venues: Hendrix Theatre (300 S. Granite St.), Elks Theatre, Hazeltine Theater
Festival Opening: Wednesday, July 16 at 1:00 PM
Individual Screening Admission: $14 general admission
Student/YC Employee/OLLI Discount: 50% off regular admission
Contact Information
Festival Phone: (928) 717-7777
Website: prescottfilmfestival.com
Tickets: Available online at YCPAC.com or at the Performing Arts Center box office
Box Office Hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Festival Director: Helen Stephenson
Executive Assistant: Ellen Harp
Social Media: @prescottfilmfestival (Instagram), Facebook @prescottfilmfestival
Ticket Packages
Platinum Pass Experience: $229 (early bird pricing until June 18) – includes reserved seating and VIP Director’s Loft access
All-Film Pass: $141 – admission to all festival screenings
Individual Screenings: $14 general admission
Professional Development Opportunities
Professional development opportunities enhance the festival experience through workshops led by industry veterans. Hollywood stuntman Gary Montana shares expertise in staging and filming fight scenes, while survivalist Cody Lundin discusses reality television production. Actor Sean Dillingham demonstrates successful camera acting techniques, and screenwriter Derek Chase leads sessions on visual storytelling. These educational components, held in the Community Room adjacent to the performing arts center, provide valuable insights for aspiring filmmakers and entertainment industry professionals.
Showcasing Arizona Talent
The festival’s commitment to showcasing Arizona talent includes the “Arizona Shorts” program, featuring locally-produced films from students at Yavapai College’s Film & Media Arts program alongside works by regional filmmakers. This dedication to local cinema creates opportunities for emerging artists to share screen time with established filmmakers while building connections within Arizona’s growing film community.
Authentic Western Experience
Prescott’s historic downtown district provides an authentic Western backdrop that enhances the festival experience. The proximity of venues allows easy walking between screenings, while the town’s numerous restaurants, breweries, and hotels ensure visitors can fully immerse themselves in both cinema and local culture. The festival’s timing in mid-July coincides with Prescott’s peak summer season, when cool mountain evenings create perfect conditions for post-screening discussions and social gatherings that extend the cinematic experience beyond the theater.
