There are so many talented people in my hometown, but in my opinion, it can be a bit of a challenge for actors, filmmakers, and film lovers to get the "community feel" that you can find in other places with an industry presence. Everyone pretty much works on projects in silos, and stay in their designated bubbles when promoting their events.

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So, I decided that this festival would be an opportunity for me to cultivate that feeling for people of all backgrounds - maintaining a tradition that is most important, now more than ever with the rise of technology, separation, and social isolation which surfaced during the global pandemic in 2020. 

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This year's festival features projects that tell their own "Phoenix" story of trial, tribulation, and rebirth. Each selection contributes to a diverse showcase of cultural experiences that will give viewers different perspectives of a recurring theme: how everyday people rise from the ashes.

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An added layer to this event is the gravity of the call for unity that this festival charges to the film community, in lieu of today's current political climate. Not only do the films inspire us to persevere through life's challenges, but there are "Phoenix" stories behind the scenes, too! Some filmmakers outside of the U.S. have strict limitations to participate in the festival due to recent international politics. Further, one film is a biopic of a real life Phoenix that has been a trailblazer for criminal justice reform since the 1990s; however, past conversations are still relevant today due to the reoccurring systemic themes. The "back story" of the art presented should ignite a social and moral responsibility within viewers to find a cause and work tirelessly to make radical change within their own community, and in alliance with others - both locally and abroad.

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It is my hope that the festival grows to become a platform which liaises people of all races, ethnicities, and places of origin, to lift their voices, spark dialogue, and come together for peace and unity. 

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I hope that you join us!

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Best Regards,

Brittney A. Tennyson