Celebrating its fourteenth year, the Loft Film Fest showcases some of the best independent, foreign, and classic films, as well as celebrating the work of established and emerging directors, writers, producers, and actors.
From Wednesday, October 16 to Thursday, October 24, The Loft Cinema is hosting the annual event at 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.
Opening night will showcase the Arizona Debut of the new drama from Amazon/MGM, “Unstoppable,“ starring Jennifer Lopez, Jharrel Jerome, Don Cheadle, Michael Peña, and Bobby Cannavale, following its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
“Unstoppable,” partially filmed in Tempe, tells the inspiring true story of Arizona’s-own Anthony Robles, who was born with one leg but whose indomitable spirit and unbreakable resolve empowered him to defy the odds and pursue his dreams of becoming a champion wrestler at Arizona State University after graduating from Mesa High School.
Two actors from “Unstoppable,” Chimechi Oparanozie and Parker Sack, will be in attendance for a post-film Q&A.
“Real-fake biopic”
Loft Film Fest closes with the Tucson Premiere of the wild new comedy “Daaaaaali!” — a “real-fake biopic” about famed surrealist artist Salvador Dali, directed by award-winning French filmmaker Quentin Dupieux (Rubber, Deerskin).
This celebration of Salvador Dali’s 120th birthday and the 100th anniversary of the Surrealist Movement will include a screening of Luis Buñuel and Salvadore Dali’s infamous 1929 surrealist short film, “Un Chien Andalou,” Dali-themed desserts, and free fake mustaches for attendees, while supplies last.
This year, the Dali-themed desserts will be cupcakes made by Cakes for Causes, which supplies The Loft’s movie-themed cupcakes for Kids Fest each year. The cupcakes have yet to be made, but to get an idea, keep scrolling to see Dali-themed cakes from Loft Film Fest in 2010.
Check out the full schedule of films online.
Badges to Loft Film Fest, which get you into multiple screenings, are sold out, but individual tickets are still available to purchase.
For the full schedule of events, please visit loftfilmfest.org.
Check out our May 2024 article, “A Haven For Local Snacks, Beer & Film Buffs.”
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
