On Friday, May 24, Sedona is turning Blue once again for the “Blues in the Red Rocks” at the Mary Fisher Theater at 7 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by the Northern Arizona Blues Alliance (NAZBA). The intimate Friday night concert features two premier blues acts: Kyle Rowland and Big Daddy D and the Dynamites. Kyle Rowland “Blues harmonica player of the year” and “Blues New Artist of The Year” in 2009 from the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame, Kyle Rowland, has been dominating the stage since the tender age of 10 years old. Beginning his career, sitting in and receiving lessons from the hit Sacramento band, Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers. For 7 years, Kyle quickly and naturally developed his own sound. With help from a few of his heroes such as James Cotton, Hubert Sumlin, Matt “Guitar” Murphy and many others, Kyle learned specific techniques of stage presence, the music business, and several highly revered harmonica secrets.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Monday Movies on Main” on Monday, May 20 with the Cottonwood premiere of “Hysteria” at 7 p.m. at Old Town Center for the Arts. “Hysteria” is a romantic comedy with an accomplished cast led by Maggie Gyllenhaal, Rupert Everett, Hugh Dancy, Jonathan Pryce and Felicity Jones. The film tells an untold tale of discovery — the surprising story of the birth of the electro-mechanical vibrator at the very peak of Victorian prudishness. London, 1880: Mortimer Granville (Hugh Dancy) — a dedicated and forward-thinking young doctor — is struggling to establish his career. While Granville preaches sanitation and germ theory, the old guard of doctors clings to leeches and hacksaws, scoff at his upstart ideas, and show him the door.

The National Theatre of London continues its season with its acclaimed new production of “Dear England” showing in Sedona on Sunday and Wednesday, May 19 and 22. The Sedona International Film Festival hosts the big screen premiere at its Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Nominated for nine Olivier awards, Joseph Fiennes plays Gareth Southgate in James Graham’s spectacular hit play of nation and game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t England’s men win at their own game? With the worst track record for penalties in the world, Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt, to take team and country back to the promised land. Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Rupert Goold directs this spectacular new play. “Joseph Fiennes mezmerises as Gareth Southgate.” — Telegraph “A brilliant fusion of sport and art.” — Evening Standard

There’s another side to the national debt. An intrepid group of economists is on a mission to instigate a paradigm shift by flipping our understanding of the national debt — and the nature of money — upside down. “Finding the Money” follows American economist Stephanie Kelton on a journey through Modern Money Theory or “MMT”. Kelton provocatively asserts the National Debt Clock that ticks ominously upwards in New York City is not actually a debt for us taxpayers at all, nor a burden for our grandchildren to pay back. Instead, Kelton describes the national debt as simply a historical record of the number of dollars created by the US federal government currently being held in pockets, as assets, by the rest of us. MMT bursts into the mainstream media, with journalists asking, “Have we been thinking about how the government spends money, all wrong?”

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with Theatrikos Theatre Company to bring movies to Downtown Flagstaff! This series continues on Monday, May 20 with the Flagstaff premiere of “Remembering Gene Wilder” at 7:00 p.m. at Theatrikos Theatre Company. This loving tribute to Gene Wilder celebrates his life and legacy as the comic genius behind an extraordinary string of film roles, from his first collaboration with Mel Brooks in “The Producers”, to the enigmatic title role in the original “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”, to his inspired on-screen partnership with Richard Pryor in movies like “Silver Streak”. It is illustrated by a bevy of touching and hilarious clips and outtakes, never-before-seen home movies, narration from Wilder’s audiobook memoir, and interviews with a roster of brilliant friends and collaborators like Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, and Carol Kane.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with Theatrikos Theatre Company to bring movies to Downtown Flagstaff! This series continues on Wednesday, May 22 with the Flagstaff premiere of “Robert Shields: My Life as a Robot” at 7:00 p.m. at Theatrikos Theatre Company. Robert Shields — who has lived in the Verde Valley for many years — will be in attendance at the premiere and will host a Q&A discussion following the film. “Robert Shields: My Life as a Robot” was the top award-winning film at the recent Sedona International Film Festival, garnering both the Audience Choice Best of Fest Award and the Marion Herrman Award for Excellence in Filmmaking. "No words" can describe him — literally. Robert Shields is one of the most unique performers of the 20th century. He has earned proclamations and awards; has performed for two Presidents and a Queen; gained the admiration of many of Hollywood's greats — and he has done it all without saying a word!

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with Theatrikos Theatre Company to bring movies to Downtown Flagstaff! This series continues on Wednesday, May 29 with the Flagstaff premiere of “The Taste of Things” at 7:00 p.m. at Theatrikos Theatre Company. “The Taste of Things” — starring Juliette Binoche — was shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best International Feature (France). Set in France in 1889, the film follows the life of Dodin Bouffant as a chef living with his personal cook and lover Eugénie. They share a long history of gastronomy and love but Eugénie refuses to marry Dodin, so the food lover decides to do something he has never done before: cook for her. “A feast for the senses. Juliette Binoche is luminous. Food is a gift of love here — and romance courses through this delightful film.” — Time Out “Lusciously tender.” — Variety "A celebration of people’s desire for everything that’s beautiful and fleeting in life.” — Slant Magazine

“Housekeeping for Beginners” was North Macedonia’s official submission to the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. Home is where you belong. From acclaimed filmmaker Goran Stolevski comes a story exploring the universal truths of family, both the ones we’re born into and the ones we find for ourselves. Dita never wanted to be a mother, but circumstances force her to raise her girlfriend’s two daughters — tiny troublemaker Mia and rebellious teen Vanesa. A battle of wills ensues as the three continue to butt heads and become an unlikely family that has to fight to stay together.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theaters around the world to present the global premiere of “Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist” showing June 4-6 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Deep within each human soul, there exists an intense craving for connection, purpose, and love — a thirst that only God can satisfy. Yet, the question remains: How does one fulfill this yearning? The Catholic Church teaches that the Eucharist is the most profound means by which God shares Himself with humanity. However, a 2019 Pew Research Study unveiled a concerning reality: only one-third of practicing U.S. Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. In “Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist”, we embark on a global journey to rediscover and revive the transformative power of the Eucharist.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present comedian Melinda Hill performing her live “S.L.A.Y. Tour” at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Sunday, June 2 at 7 p.m. You’re not a hot mess; you’re a hot Mess-terpiece. Melinda Hill (seen in the comedy special Melinda Hill: Inappropriate and Love, Weddings and Other Disasters opposite Diane Keaton and Jeremy Irons) is known for HEAL-arity: Humor that’s Healing. Melinda Marie Kondo’d her life and all her stuff and hit the road to explore the true meaning of Self Love and following the inner YES. This empowering show is a master class in healing heartbreak; or a MESS-terclass — and will inspire you to not wait on anyone or anything to live your best life now. It’s a modern day Eat, Pray, Love Addict. Melinda Hill is an award-winning comedian whose comedy special “Melinda Hill: Inappropriate” is streaming on Amazon and Spotify. Her stand-up has been featured on Late Show, Bonnie Hunt Show, BBC’s World Stands Up

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with Theatrikos Theatre Company to present “Men on Boats” live on stage at Old Town Center for the Arts in Cottonwood on Sunday, June 9 at 2 p.m. “Men on Boats” is a nationally produced show about JW Powell’s first trip through the Grand Canyon. The play was written by Jacklyn Backhaus, and this production is directed by Sara Bendel Ryan. No men. No boats. One canyon. John Wesley Powell’s first trip down the Colorado. Highlighting underrepresented voices and inspired by Powell’s actual travel logs, this whitewater comedy is history as you’ve never seen it before — infusing America’s historic myths with a sly blast of satire. Join us for some laughs and an afternoon of fun enjoying live theatre! “Men on Boats” will take the stage live at Old Town Center for the Arts in Cottonwood on Sunday, June 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $24 general admission, $22 for members and seniors and $18 for students. For tickets and more information,

“Miranda’s Victim” features an all-star ensemble cast, including Abigail Breslin, Ryan Phillippe, Luke Wilson, Emily VanCamp, Donald Sutherland and Andy Garcia. Based on true events, this drama follows eighteen-year-old Trish Weir (Abigail Breslin) who in 1963 was kidnapped and sexually assaulted. After a voluntary confession, her assailant, Ernesto Miranda (Sebastian Quinn), is convicted but the verdict is later overturned by the US Supreme Court since his confession was made without an attorney present. In the resulting retrial, a determined prosecutor (Luke Wilson) seeks to hold Miranda fully accountable notwithstanding defense attorney's (Ryan Phillippe) rigorous defense. What follows is a legal proceeding that will forever change the nation's justice system.

Sedona International Film Festival presents the Exhibition on Screen series with “My National Gallery, London”. The film will premiere in Sedona on Tuesday and Sunday, June 4 and 9 at the festival’s Alice Gill-Sheldon Sheldon Theatre. The National Gallery of London is one of the world’s greatest art galleries. It is full of masterpieces, an endless resource of history, an endless source of stories. But whose stories are told? Which art has the most impact and on whom? The power of great art lies in its ability to communicate with anyone, no matter their art historical knowledge, their background, their beliefs. “My National Gallery, London” gives voice to those whose lives have been touched by the Gallery – from security guard to director, everyday visitor to celebrities and members of the royal family. Claudia Winkleman, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Jacqueline Wilson and HRH Princess Eugenie all let us in to their deeply personal connection with the National Gallery.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theaters around the world to present the global encore of “North by Northwest” — celebrating its 65th Anniversary — showing May 19 and 22 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. An advertising executive finds himself in a lethal cross-country chase after being mistaken for a spy in “North by Northwest” — directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards — including one for screenwriter Ernest Lehman — and features iconic performances by Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint and James Mason. This classic suspense film finds New York City ad executive Roger O. Thornhill (Cary Grant) pursued by ruthless spy Phillip Vandamm (James Mason) after Thornhill is mistaken for a government agent. Hunted relentlessly by Vandamm's associates, the harried Thornhill ends up on a cross-country journey, meeting the beautiful and mysterious Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint) along the way.

“Our Son” features an all-star ensemble cast, including Luke Evans, Billy Porter, Christopher Woodley, Robin Weigert, Kate Burton and Phylicia Rashad. “Our Son” paints a touching portrait of love, loss, and the complexities of family in modern times. Nicky and Gabriel, a once-joyful couple united by their shared dream of fatherhood, face the bittersweet unraveling of their marriage. Eight years after welcoming their son into their loving arms, the spark in their relationship has faded, leaving them lost in a sea of unspoken hurts and evolving desires. During the emotional turbulence, their son, caught in the crossfire of their dissolving union, becomes a silent witness to their fracturing connection. As the legal battle for custody unfolds, Nicky and Gabriel grapple with their personal demons and the conflicting emotions that come with letting go.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the encore of “Robert Shields: My Life as a Robot” showing May 17-23 at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres. Robert Shields — who has lived in the Verde Valley for many years — will be in attendance at each screening and will host a Q&A discussion following the film. “Robert Shields: My Life as a Robot” was the top award-winning film at the recent Sedona International Film Festival, garnering both the Audience Choice Best of Fest Award and the Marion Herrman Award for Excellence in Filmmaking. "No words" can describe him — literally. Robert Shields is one of the most unique performers of the 20th century. He has earned proclamations and awards; has performed for two Presidents and a Queen; gained the admiration of many of Hollywood's greats — and he has done it all without saying a word!

The father/son duo of Robin and Eric Miller will be performing their live in concert on Saturday, June 1 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. There is a certain and undeniable magic that is experienced by audiences when attending a musical performance by the father/son duo of Robin and Eric Miller. With shining vocals, and beautiful harmonies, these two seasoned performers transport their audiences into deeper levels of inspiration and fun. Both Father and Son are remarkable songwriters with numerous CD’s as well as extremely accomplished guitarists. Both have an innate talent of working together and feeling intuitively musical movements and changes as they create new and exciting variations in their musical styles. Robin’s background is in the Rock, Pop and Folk genres. He has recorded albums with MCA Records and a host of other major labels, doing many recording sessions in Detroit and Los Angeles over the years.

Joy happens here. “Summer Qamp” is an award-winning documentary following a group of LGBTQ+ youth at an idyllic lakeside camp in Alberta. The campers enjoy the traditional summer camp experience in a safe, affirming environment. Buried within the woods of Alberta, Canada sits camp fYrefly, a haven for LGBTQIA2S+ teens, far away from the fierce political battle currently being waged against queer expression and gender identity. “Summer Qamp” invites audiences into the innocence and joy of a summer away with friends, while never losing sight of the bravery of these young protagonists whose very existence is challenged in their normal lives.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theaters around the world to present the global premiere of “The Commandant’s Shadow” showing May 29 and 30 at the Mary D. Fisher and Theatre. “The Commandant’s Shadow” follows Hans Jürgen Höss, the 87-year-old son of Rudolf Höss, as he faces his father’s terrible legacy for the first time. His father was the Camp Commandant of Auschwitz and masterminded the murder of over a million Jews; the life of Höss and his family was recently fictionalized in the Academy Award-winning “The Zone of Interest.” Now, “The Commandant’s Shadow” tells the story of the real people who lived on site at Höss’s death camp. While Hans Jurgen Höss enjoyed a happy childhood in the family villa at Auschwitz, Jewish prisoner Anita Lasker-Wallfisch was trying to survive the notorious concentration camp. At the heart of this film is the historic and inspiring moment – eight decades later – when the two come face-to-face.