Filmmaker Panels at the 2025 Phoenix Film Festival

IFP Phoenix presents free filmmaker panels at the 2025 Phoenix Film Festival!

Our free filmmaker panels are back in the theatre again this year! It’s the perfect place to take a break between screenings and get even more insight into the exciting world of filmmaking from our amazing festival filmmakers! We have four panels each weekend.

Be a part of the conversation! There is something for everyone to learn as filmmakers from all over the world join us for discussions about pressing issues in the world of film and filmmaking. We invite filmmakers, aspiring filmmakers and film lovers alike to join the conversation!

***NOTE: Attending these exciting and informative talks is FREE, but you will still need to obtain a ticket from the festival office and then proceed to the theatre to select your reserved seat.***

Tickets will be released according to the schedule below:

Tickets for Weekend 1 Panels will be available in person at our ticketing center starting Friday, March 28th.

Tickets for Weekend 2 Panels will be available in person at our ticketing center starting Friday, April 4th.

***Filmmaker Panel tickets will not be available for reservation online or prior to the above listed dates.***

Saturday, March 29th

Self Tape Success - 11am - Theatre 5 - Recording self tape auditions can be frustrating. We aim to make it easier by talking to some actors and experts on the subject to help prepare you to nail your next audition.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions - 3pm - Theatre 5 - Working as a director is all about making choices. How can you get to know your film from every angle, that way you can make the choices that make the most sense for your story?

Sunday, March 30th

Stretching Your Shoestring Budget - 11am - Theatre 5 - Indie filmmaking is fueled by creatives who can make little to no money work. Let's chat about ways to save money, stretch what little you have further, and ultimately make a great film.

Unsung Heroes - 3pm - Theatre 5 - We talk with the real MVPs of a set. Script supervisors, PAs, ADs, and grips. Brought to you by the APA, a champion of all crew members in Arizona.

Saturday, April 5th

GenXX Presents: In It for the Long Haul - 11:30am - Theatre 5 - This special panel is brought to you through a partnership with GenXX. Gen X women filmmakers discuss strategies for artistic longevity. We'll cover perseverance, financing films (and lives!), finding your audience, legacy, and more!

Working with Actors - 3:30pm - Theatre 5 - Directors share their approach to working with actors. What do they do to support their actors? How do they help give them space to be creative while getting what they need?

Sunday, April 6th

Crowdfunding Can Still Work - 11:30am - Theatre 5 - There is no silver bullet when it comes to funding your films. But crowdfunding still has a place and works for lots of filmmakers. Let's discuss some success stories.

Level Up Your Screenwriting - 3:30pm - Theatre 5 - For those who've written things they're happy with but know it's time to level up. We'll chat about getting there through finding your own voice, crafting stories that resonate, and adding depth to your words.