As we creep into the fall season and further away from summer blockbusters, our so-called mental palates are cleansed with more meaningful movies at Film Fest Tucson. Sure, I really enjoy all of the impossible missions Ethan Hunt is faced with but there’s just something special about independent, non-mainstream films.
Film Fest Tucson 2023, happening on Thursday, October 12 – Saturday, October 14, is not only a place where moviegoers can meet filmmakers and experience their works of art — it’s an opportunity for the local food scene to shine.
Like prior years, the films are shown in multiple locations in and around downtown like at the Scottish Rite, AC Hotel, Main Gate Square, and even a few outdoor screenings on the north lawn at Children’s Museum Tucson.
Food & Film 520
This year, on Thursday, the Food & Film 520 event is taking place at 5:30 p.m. on the rooftop of downtown’s Playground. Synopsis: an unforgettable dining adventure where local food meets captivating short films.
Five local chefs, five courses, and five short films for $125. During each course, the five talented chefs will present a short film that inspired them. Courses are paired with wine and cocktails, too.
Keep in mind that this event is for those 21 years and older and seating is limited to 80 (grab your tickets before it’s too late).
Local Chefs
- Janet Balderas – Executive Chef
- Ben Caballero – Executive Chef at Playground Bar & Lounge
- Gary Hickey – Executive Chef/Partner at Flores Concepts
- Obadiah “Obie” Hindman – Executive Chef at Mountain Oyster Club
- Gina Skelton – Pastry Chef/Owner at Sugar Momma Cakery
Short Films
- “Meet Los Parents” – Directed by Joey Medina
- “They Grow Up So Fast” – Directed by John Beach
- “Photo Op” – Directed by Dava Whisenant
- “The Art of Crossing” – Directed by Tobiasz Walkiewicz
- “The Captain” – Directed by Nash Edgerton
For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit filmfesttucson.org.
Other Food-Related Films at This Year’s Festival
Aside from the Food & Film 520 dinner and screenings, there are a few food-related films to feast your eyes on. Pay attention to the dates and locations and start planning now!
The Taste of Things
Saturday, October 14, 6 p.m.
Location: Scottish Rite Red Room
“The relationship between Eugenie, an esteemed cook, and Dodin, the gourmet she has been working for over the last 20 years. Growing fonder of one another, their bond turns into a romance and gives rise to delicious dishes that impress even the world’s most illustrious chefs. When Dodin is faced with Eugenie’s reluctance to commit to him, he decides to start cooking for her. Juliette Binoche stars in this love letter to food and the art of cooking.”
Directed by: Anh Hung Tran
Rachel’s Farm
Friday, October 13, 8 p.m.
Location: Scottish Rite Red Room
“Besieged by drought, brushfires, and ecological despair in the soil beneath her feet, an Australian farmer begins a journey of discovery to regenerate the land on her farm. Starring and directed by Rachel Ward, who will be present at the screening for a post-film discussion about regenerative farming.”
Directed by Rachel Ward
For more information on all of the films at this year’s Film Fest Tucson, visit filmfesttucson.org.
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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.
