The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to welcome back GRAMMY-nominated recording artist David Arkenstone for a very special holiday performance — “A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone & Friends” — live on stage at the Sedona Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. Join Multi-GRAMMY Award Nominee David Arkenstone and six-piece band of virtuoso musicians as he proudly returns to Sedona with his enchanting holiday concert “A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone & Friends”. This lively winter celebration of beloved holiday classics “reimagined” joyfully blends world music, Celtic, cinematic, new age, and neo-classical crossover. David’s concerts captivate audiences each year with seasonal tunes from his treasured holiday albums Celtic Christmas and Christmas Lounge. Experience fan favorites of this magical season to delight and dazzle your holiday senses.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theaters around the world for a global theatrical premiere event: “André Rieu’s 2025 Christmas Concert: Merry Christmas” showing Dec. 7 and 10 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. This holiday season, the magic begins on the big screen. Join André Rieu for his 2025 Christmas Concert – “Merry Christmas” — and experience joyful carols, beautiful waltzes, and plenty of surprises. It’s the ultimate Christmas cinema event! With his fabulous Johann Strauss Orchestra, and special guests including the sensational Emma Kok and over 400 brass players bringing the majestic sound of Christmas, André’s concert is bursting with warmth, laughter, and holiday cheer. Christmas is André’s favorite time of year – and he can’t wait to share this spectacular concert with you, only in cinemas!

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Sedona premiere of “Bill W. Conscious Contact” on Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. There will be two shows that day at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. The film’s producer and Sedona resident Jay Stinnett will be here in person to host the film and conduct a Q&A session after both screenings. Winner of numerous awards at festivals around the world, “Bill W. Conscious Contact” is a new discovery about the man who started it all. “Bill W. Conscious Contact” provides an intimate portrait of Bill Wilson — the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, and one of the great healers of the 20th century — by focusing on his personal quest as a spiritual seeker rather than on his more widely known public persona. The film reveals Bill Wilson’s exploration of transcendental meditation at the end of his life. It includes an interview with Lincoln Norton, the man who taught Wilson transcendental meditation.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theaters around the world for a global theatrical premiere event: “Christina Aguilera: Christmas in Paris” showing Dec. 14 and 21 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Christina Aguilera: Christmas in Paris” — a dazzling live celebration marking the 25th anniversary of global superstar Christina Aguilera’s beloved holiday album My Kind of Christmas — culminates in an unforgettable visual spectacular; channeling fantasy, grandeur, and theatrical wonder. Directed by Emmy Award-winning Sam Wrench (Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, Billie Eilish: Live at the O2) and shot in Paris before an intimate audience of 250 guests, “Christmas in Paris” transports viewers to a winter-garden terrace high above the Musée du Quai Branly. Against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower — fashioned into a shimmering Christmas tree — Aguilera delivers an immersive performance with the city skyline as both stage and witness.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Monday Movies on Main” on Monday, Dec. 15 with the Cottonwood premiere of “Granite Rapids Moon” at 7 p.m. at Old Town Center for the Arts. A happily married father of two, shaken by a message written in a birthday card for his daughter, abruptly leaves his family for a week-long trek through the Grand Canyon. As we follow his solo hike, we see his memories of an earlier trip through the Grand Canyon with a different woman. Shot with only the equipment that a cast and crew of eight could carry on two 41-mile hikes (one in 20-degree December and the other in 95-degree June), this family-friendly romantic drama is the first narrative feature to shoot the majority of its footage inside the rim of the Grand Canyon.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present David K’s Tribute to Buddy Holly on stage at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Sunday, Jan. 4 at 2:00 p.m. Rock to endless hits as David K portrays Buddy Holly! Peggy Sue, Maybe Baby, It’s So Easy, That’ll Be the Day, Words of Love, Everyday, Not Fade Away and many more — hits that inspired rock stars like the Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Kick off your New Year with nationally-renowned tribute artist David K as he brings his band and high-energy performance to Sedona on a special tour through the Southwest. David’s tributes have been performed all over the nation, don't miss these shows!

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present David K’s Tribute to Elton John on stage at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Friday, Jan. 2 at 7:00 p.m. David K rocks Elton John's iconic piano style and costumes, using his multi-octave vocal range, from sweet ballads to Elton’s rockin' hits. This show shares the legendary history of Elton’s music. Rock along to Rocketman, Tiny Dancer, Levon, Daniel, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me and many more! Kick off your New Year with nationally-renowned tribute artist David K as he brings his band and high-energy performance to Sedona on a special tour through the Southwest. David’s tributes have been performed all over the nation, don't miss these shows!

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present David K’s Tribute to Roy Orbison on stage at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 7:00 p.m. David K sings Roy Orbison’s multi-octave range beautifully. Enjoy the legendary history of Orbison’s music, his famous friends Johnny Cash, George Harrison, Bob Dylan — tragedies and resurgence. Late 50s early 60s hits, to 70s, 80s to The Traveling Wilburys. Kick off your New Year with nationally-renowned tribute artist David K as he brings his band and high-energy performance to Sedona on a special tour through the Southwest. David’s tributes have been performed all over the nation, don't miss these shows!

With an uncanny resemblance to the icon himself, Charles Graves chases his dream of becoming a professional Deaf Santa Claus. Filmmakers chronicle Charles and his family as he attends Santa school and enlists the support of others in an attempt to better provide for his loved ones. Directed by Ben Shelton and Anthony Mowl, the film offers unique perspectives on navigating Deaf and hearing worlds in a story about family, fatherhood, and creating new traditions. “An uplifting look at passion and representation.” — Awards Buzz This film isn't just a movie — it's a magical sleigh ride of emotions. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll feel the heartwarming joy that only Deaf Santa Claus can bring. “Deaf Santa Claus” is truly a must-see!

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theaters around the world for a global theatrical premiere event: “Dick Van Dyke 100th Celebration” showing Dec. 13 and 14 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Join Dick Van Dyke for his unforgettable 100th birthday celebration. This feature-length film is a joyous tribute to one of the most beloved entertainers of all time: actor, comedian, singer, and dancer extraordinaire. With rare behind-the-scenes stories, never-before-seen moments, and classic clips from The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and many more, Dick Van Dyke takes us on a heartfelt journey through his legendary career. Beloved co-stars and friends share personal memories and hilarious anecdotes, including Mary Tyler Moore, Carl Reiner, Chita Rivera, Michele Lee, Tim Conway, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Betty White, and Derek Hough. And Dick Van Dyke himself offers stories he’s waited 100 years to tell.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “EleMenTrio: A Three Tenors Christmas” live on stage at the Sedona Performing Arts Center on Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with the internationally acclaimed EleMenTrio! Hailed as “a modern three tenors,” Terry Barber, Victor Valdez, and Vincent Connor bring their extraordinary voices to a festive performance that will warm your heart. After earning standing ovations in Vienna, Canada and across the United States, EleMenTrio is proud to present their beloved International Christmas program, which first debuted in 2023. Experience the magic as these gifted singers perform traditional Christmas classics, carols, and holiday favorites, as well as original material, with their signature blend of powerful vocals and heartfelt emotion. This is more than just a concert — it's a holiday experience that will leave you enchanted and uplifted.

The Mary D. Fisher Theatre is thrilled to announce that internationally renowned guitarist Esteban has been named Artist-in-Residence for 2025. Esteban and his acclaimed band will perform live at the theatre every third Saturday of the month throughout the year, bringing a regular series of world-class performances to Sedona’s premier venue for arts and culture. Known for his passionate blend of classical and flamenco-inspired guitar, Esteban has captivated audiences around the world with his extraordinary technique and deeply emotional performances. A student of the legendary Andrés Segovia, Esteban has topped the Billboard charts, played to sold-out venues like Red Rocks, and reached millions through his iconic appearances on QVC and HSN. Joining him on stage is his brilliant daughter, Teresa Joy, whose electrifying violin performances have become a signature part of their unforgettable live shows.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with Theatrikos Theatre Company to bring movies to Downtown Flagstaff! This series continues on Wednesday, Dec. 17 with the Flagstaff premiere of “Granite Rapids Moon” at 7:00 p.m. at Theatrikos Theatre Company. The film’s writer/director Kenneth Cran and producer/actor John Charles Meyer will be here in person at Theatrikos to host the film and conduct a Q&A session after the screening. A happily married father of two, shaken by a message written in a birthday card for his daughter, abruptly leaves his family for a week-long trek through the Grand Canyon. As we follow his solo hike, we see his memories of an earlier trip through the Grand Canyon with a different woman.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Sedona premiere of “Granite Rapids Moon” on Thursday, Dec. 18 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. There will be two shows that day at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. The film’s writer/director Kenneth Cran and producer/actor John Charles Meyer will be here in person to host the film and conduct a Q&A session after both screenings. A happily married father of two, shaken by a message written in a birthday card for his daughter, abruptly leaves his family for a week-long trek through the Grand Canyon. As we follow his solo hike, we see his memories of an earlier trip through the Grand Canyon with a different woman. Shot with only the equipment that a cast and crew of eight could carry on two 41-mile hikes (one in 20-degree December and the other in 95-degree June), this family-friendly romantic drama is the first narrative feature to shoot the majority of its footage inside the rim of the Grand Canyon.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Holiday Magic with Paul Vigil” on Saturday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Magician Paul Vigil comes direct from his full-time home in Las Vegas, where for many years he performed a highly acclaimed one-man magic show at the Mirage Resort. Paul has appeared regularly on TV, including Penn & Teller Fool Us, performances at every major Las Vegas casino, full house shows at the famous Hollywood Magic Castle, corporate events for fortune 500 CEOs, and private performances for Nobel Laureates. Paul’s specialty is crafting incredibly fooling magic that is not only unique but regularly fools fellow performers. Paul now travels the globe performing his passionately powerful style of magic and mentalism, leaving audiences in a state of complete disbelief.

Ring in the holidays and celebrate the sounds of the season with “In the Christmas Mood: A Holiday Music Spectacular” on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. This special celebration is presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. Liven up the holidays with audiences’ favorite holiday tradition: “In the Christmas Mood: A Holiday Music Spectacular”. The show features timeless treasures and soon-to-be-classics, guaranteed to make the season merry and bright. “In the Christmas Mood” sparkles with holiday cheer and pays homage to the classic Andy Williams and Bing Crosby Christmas specials. Starring Katherine Byrnes, Nick Gallardo, Janée Page, and Chach Snook, it’s an afternoon of non-stop singing, dancing, comedy, and holiday magic sure to brighten up your yuletide and leave you full of holiday spirit!

Spanning two decades, “Merrily We Roll Along” traces the complex, often heartbreaking unravelling of a once-unbreakable friendship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two closest friends — playwright-lyricist Charley and writer Mary. But this is no ordinary story. Told in reverse, the film winds backwards through time, beginning in fractured adulthood and journeying back to the bright-eyed optimism of youth — when everything still seemed possible. Long considered a cult classic ahead of its time, “Merrily We Roll Along” features some of Stephen Sondheim’s most personal and piercing songs. Now, in a bold new cinematic interpretation of the Tony Award-winning musical, the film invites audiences into the heart of the story — not just watching it unfold, but inhabiting it. Shot with intimacy and immediacy, it places viewers on stage and inside the action, offering a deeply immersive experience that reveals the emotional truth of the piece in a way no theatre seat ever could.

Giordano’s passionate tragedy stars tenor Piotr Beczala as the virtuous poet who falls victim to the intrigue and violence of the French Revolution. Following their celebrated recent partnership in Giordano’s “Fedora” in the 2022–23 Live in HD season, Beczala reunites with soprano Sonya Yoncheva as Chénier’s aristocratic lover, Maddalena di Coigny, with baritone Igor Golovatenko as Carlo Gérard, the agent of the Reign of Terror who seals their fates. Met Principal Guest Conductor Daniele Rustioni takes the podium to lead Nicolas Joël’s gripping staging.

The Metropolitan Opera’s 2025–26 Live in HD season comes to a close with a live transmission of American composer Gabriela Lena Frank’s first opera, a magical-realist portrait of Mexico’s painterly power couple Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, with libretto by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Nilo Cruz. Fashioned as a reversal of the Orpheus and Euridice myth, the story depicts Frida, sung by leading mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, leaving the underworld on the Day of the Dead and reuniting with Diego, portrayed by baritone Carlos Álvarez. The famously feuding pair briefly relive their tumultuous love, embracing both the passion and the pain before bidding the land of the living a final farewell. Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the Met-premiere staging of Frank’s opera, a “confident, richly imagined score” (The New Yorker) that “bursts with color and fresh individuality” (Los Angeles Times).

Following her acclaimed 2024 company debut in Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly”, soprano Asmik Grigorian returns to the Met as Tatiana, the lovestruck young heroine in this ardent operatic adaptation of Pushkin.. Baritone Igor Golovatenko reprises his portrayal of the urbane Onegin, who realizes his affection for her all too late. The Met’s evocative production, directed by Tony Award–winner Deborah Warner, “offers a beautifully detailed reading of … Tchaikovsky’s lyrical romance” (The Telegraph).

For gorgeous melody, spellbinding coloratura, and virtuoso vocal fireworks, “I Puritani” has few equals. On January 10, the first new Met production of Bellini’s final masterpiece in nearly 50 years — a striking staging by Charles Edwards, who makes his company directorial debut after many successes as a set designer — arrives in cinemas worldwide. The Met has assembled a world-beating quartet of stars, conducted by Marco Armiliato, for the demanding principal roles. Soprano Lisette Oropesa and tenor Lawrence Brownlee are Elvira and Arturo, brought together by love and torn apart by the political rifts of the English Civil War, with baritone Artur Rucinski as Riccardo, betrothed to Elvira against her will, and bass-baritone Christian Van Horn as Elvira’s sympathetic uncle, Giorgio.

After years of anticipation, a truly unmissable event arrives in cinemas worldwide on March 21 as the electrifying Lise Davidsen tackles one of the ultimate roles for dramatic soprano: the Irish princess Isolde in Wagner’s transcendent meditation on love and death. Heroic tenor Michael Spyres stars opposite Davidsen as the love-drunk Tristan. The momentous occasion also marks the advent of a new, Met-debut staging by Yuval Sharon — hailed by The New York Times as “the most visionary opera director of his generation” and the first American to direct an opera at the famed Wagner festival in Bayreuth — as well as Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s first time leading “Tristan und Isolde” at the Met. Mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Gubanova reprises her portrayal of Brangäne, alongside bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny, who sings Kurwenal after celebrated Met appearances in Wagner’s Der Fliegende Holländer and Ring cycle. Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green makes an important role debut as King Marke.

The photographer Peter Hujar, whose images exist in an important lineage and dialogue with the work of groundbreaking artists such as Robert Mapplethorpe and David Wojnarowicz, forms the center of the latest movie by fearless independent American filmmaker Ira Sachs. Sachs’ new film, “Peter Hujar’s Day”, stars Ben Wishaw and Rebecca Hall in a richly cinematic rendering of a conversation recorded in 1974 between photographer Peter Hujar and writer Linda Rosenkrantz. Their talk that day focused on a single 24 hours in the life of Hujar, the brilliant and famously uncompromising artist who was one of the most important figures in downtown New York’s legendary cultural scene of the 70s and 80s. Set entirely in Linda’s Manhattan apartment, the film freely and imaginatively recreates that long-ago afternoon and the wonderfully discursive exchange between these two singular individuals.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with the International Raptor and Falconry Center and Mile High Falcons to present “Predators of the Sky: Owls by Night, Eagles by Day” at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Prepare to be eye-to-eye with the top of the food chain. This extraordinary program brings together some of the world’s most commanding birds of prey: the Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Eurasian Eagle Owl —representing the most formidable aerial hunters of both day and night. In a rare in-person collaboration, the International Raptor & Falconry Center (IRFC) and Mile High Falcons join forces to offer Sedona audiences a one-of-a-kind experience. Although these two respected organizations frequently work together behind the scenes, this event marks a special opportunity to see both teams live, on stage, with members of their Flying Teams—sharing expert insights, personal stories, and real-time interact

Theatre will be closed for a private event.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Psychic Standup Comedy Night with Karen Rontowski” on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “Psychic Standup” is a show unlike any other. Karen Rontowski combines her 35 years as a standup comic with her 25 years of tarot reading, and the results are predictably hilarious! Karen has two DryBar Comedy Specials that currently have over 28 million views and has been seen on the Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central, Comics Unleashed, ComedyDotCom as well as Sirius XM Radio. The show consists of 25-30 minutes of standup and then Karen pulls out the Tarot Cards and takes questions from the crowd. Her incredible improv skills keep the crowd entertained whether they are believers or not. There is something for the serious psychic patron as well as the serious skeptic. Every show is unique, and the future never looked so funny.

The Sedona Poetry Slam will take the stage for the third slam of its 17th year on Dec. 13. Performance poets bring high-energy, competitive spoken word to the Mary D. Fisher Theatre starting at 7:30 p.m. A poetry slam is like a series of high-energy, three-minute one-person plays, judged by the audience. Anyone can sign up to compete in the slam for the $100 grand prize, $50 second-place prize and $25 third-place prize. Open Slam To compete in the slam, poets will need three original poems, each lasting no longer than three minutes. The poets are judged Olympics-style by five members of the audience selected at random at the beginning of the slam. Slam poetry is an art form that allows written page poets to share their work alongside theatrical performers, hip-hop artists and lyricists.

Enjoy music anytime, anywhere with Music Platforms! This Tech Savvy workshop on music will show you how to search for songs, make playlists, and even identify music on the go. Get ready to make music part of your everyday life! You will learn the basics of today’s most popular music apps: Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music. From finding your favorite artists to creating playlists you can enjoy at home, in the car, or on the trail. We’ll also explore Shazam, the magical app that instantly gives you the music you want to know about and listen to. What you will learn: • Search for songs, albums, or podcasts • Build and share playlists • Listen for free or explore premium options • Save songs to enjoy offline • Use Shazam to capture and save music on the go Bring your fully charged phone, tablet, or laptop, and leave with the confidence to make music part of every moment.

Lee Strobel was an atheist. A thriving legal editor at The Chicago Tribune, he set out to investigate the resurrection of Jesus. His confident disbelief was turned on its head. His findings? Faith. Decades later, Strobel continues his investigations as he builds “The Case for Miracles” and asks: Do miracles still happen today? From awe-inspiring wonders to God’s silence in times of suffering, this documentary takes audiences on a remarkable journey. Through stories of people who claim have experienced the impossible, and experts who cross-examine the evidence, the film challenges skeptics, inspires seekers, and shows that the search for answers can transform us. Follow Lee Strobel and director Mani Sandoval on a cinematic journey into the miraculous.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theaters around the world for a global theatrical event: “The Doors: When You’re Strange”, showing Dec. 4 and 6 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. The chemistry of four artists made The Doors one of America’s most influential rock bands. With rare footage shot from their formation in 1965 to Jim Morrison’s death in 1971, “When You’re Strange” — Tom DiCillo’s Grammy Award-Winning film narrated by Johnny Depp — follows the band through their career, providing insight into the revolutionary impact of their music. On the occasion of the band's 60th anniversary, the film will be presented in cinemas in 4K for the first time ever and will feature a newly recorded performance of "Riders on the Storm" featuring John Densmore, Robby Krieger, and special guests performing the song in exotic locations around the world in partnership with Playing For Change.

“Tinsel Town” is a new holiday comedy starring Kiefer Sutherland, Alice Eve, Rebel Wilson, James Lance, Derek Jacobi, Danny Dyer and Lucien Laviscount. A washed-up Hollywood action hero takes a role in a small English village's quirky Christmas pantomime, where he finds unexpected inspiration through the show's straight-talking dance instructor. With help from the choreographer and cast, he embraces the holiday spirit and reconnects with his estranged daughter.

Daniel Craig returns as Detective Benoit Blanc for another rousing, all-star mystery from the mind of Rian Johnson. This time, Johnson brings a gothic atmosphere to the proceedings, where only hidden clues can help to solve the mystery when a monsignor turns up dead. A rollicking good time, the film returns to the scene of the crime (The Wellmont) with new twists and turns that will leave you guessing whodunnit? The award-winning, all-star cast also includes Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington and Andrew Scott.