Phoenix Film Festival Celebrates Music and Architecture

The annual event features films about power ballads, piano tuners, and the influence of Africans and Creoles on Louisiana architecture.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist, abstract illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes in red, white, and black, conceptually representing the diverse programming and energy of the 2026 Phoenix Film Festival.The 2026 Phoenix Film Festival promises a dynamic celebration of independent cinema, music, and the built environment.Phoenix Today

The 2026 Phoenix Film Festival is set to run from April 9-19, showcasing a diverse lineup of films, including the opening night comedy 'Power Ballad' starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, the crime drama 'Carolina Caroline' featuring Samara Weaving, and the caper film 'Tuner' with Leo Woodall, Dustin Hoffman, and Jean Reno. The festival will also feature a kid's day, singalongs, and other events, running concurrently with the International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival. Additionally, the 2026 Architectural Film Showcase will highlight the influence of Africans and Creoles on Louisiana architecture, as well as a work-in-progress screening of 'Remembering the Future' about architect Herb Greene.

Why it matters

The Phoenix Film Festival has been a staple of the city's cultural landscape for over 50 years, providing a platform for independent and diverse filmmaking. This year's lineup showcases the festival's commitment to celebrating music, storytelling, and the built environment, offering something for a wide range of cinephiles and art enthusiasts.

The details

The festival's executive director, Jason Carney, is particularly excited about the opening night selection 'Power Ballad,' a comedy directed by John Carney (no relation) and starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas. Other highlights include the crime drama 'Carolina Caroline' with Samara Weaving, the caper film 'Tuner' featuring Leo Woodall, Dustin Hoffman, and Jean Reno, and the classical music-themed 'On the String' starring a stand-up comedian. The festival will also feature a kid's day, singalongs, a VHS swap, and film trivia competitions, in addition to the concurrent International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival.

  • The Phoenix Film Festival will run from April 9-19, 2026.
  • The Architectural Film Showcase will take place on April 16, April 18, and April 21, 2026.

The players

Jason Carney

The executive director of the Phoenix Film Festival.

John Carney

The director and co-writer of the opening night film 'Power Ballad.'

Samara Weaving

The lead actress in the crime drama 'Carolina Caroline.'

Leo Woodall

The lead actor in the caper film 'Tuner.'

Dustin Hoffman

An actor in the film 'Tuner.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was one I really wanted. I love films about music. It's so charming. Also, I'm a huge fan of [director/co-writer] John Carney. No relation.”

— Jason Carney, Executive Director, Phoenix Film Festival

“There's a really cool film called Carolina Caroline. Very Bonnie & Clyde. Samara Weaving falls for a conman, and they leave a path of crime. Very well done; she's great.”

— Jason Carney, Executive Director, Phoenix Film Festival

“Leo Woodall plays the lead, and Dustin Hoffman and Jean Reno are also in it.”

— Jason Carney, Executive Director, Phoenix Film Festival

What’s next

The Phoenix Film Festival will continue to announce additional programming and events leading up to the festival dates in April 2026.

The takeaway

The Phoenix Film Festival remains a vibrant and diverse celebration of independent cinema, showcasing a range of stories and perspectives that reflect the cultural richness of the city and the broader film industry.