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.

On the cusp of the 20th century, a widowed Eastern European immigrant and his young son journey westward with an American cowboy and his family, forging a lasting bond on the Western frontier. Igor struggles to raise his two-year old son in the mountains. Duncan, a cowboy who brings occasional provisions, offers Igor the chance to join his family’s horse business and move out West. After a series of encounters with both friend and foe on their journey, Duncan is left with a decision that will affect the families' future forever. “A gorgeous Western that traverses the grand vistas, and crippling tragedies, that defined a burgeoning America.” — Billings Gazette (Montana) “The sister directing team of Biliana and Marina Grozdanova create a beautiful, majestic portrait of the untamed West.” — Local News Matters (Bay Area)

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with award-winning surround sound composer and producer Koz Mraz for “Elton John in Surround Sound” on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. You will be blown away by this dark room 5.1 Surround Sound Music Experience in Sedona’s best sound system, the Mary D. Fisher Theater — the kick-off to Season 3. This surround sound event will feature songs from Elton John’s Madman Across the Water, Eltons 4th of 31 albums, and Captain Fantastic, his 9th album. Captain Fantastic is an autobiographical album telling the story of how Bernie Taupin met and strived for success in the late 60s. It made history as the first album ever to debut at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 chart and stayed there for seven weeks — featuring "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" and the iconic Alan Aldridge artwork. Elton says it’s one of the albums he is most proud of.

This holiday season, fans of world-class guitar music are in for a rare and unforgettable experience. Legendary guitarist Esteban will return to the Mary D. Fisher Theatre in Sedona on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7:00 p.m. for a festive concert filled with the warmth, joy, and passion that have defined his extraordinary career. Performing alongside his full band, including his brilliant violinist daughter Teresa Joy, Esteban will present a special holiday program featuring timeless Christmas classics, audience favorites, and emotionally charged originals—all performed with the dazzling virtuosity that has captivated audiences across the globe. Esteban, who studied with the iconic Andrés Segovia and rose to fame through QVC and HSN appearances, has earned eight #1 Billboard albums, performed at prestigious venues like Red Rocks, and starred in a Geico Super Bowl commercial that further cemented his place in pop culture.

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.

Award-winning director Agnieszka Holland is embarking on her most ambitious project to date, a biopic of the iconic 20th-century Czech writer Franz Kafka. Conceived as a kaleidoscopic mosaic, the film follows the imprint Kafka left on the world from his birth in 19th-century Prague to his death in post-WW1 Vienna. “Franz” will give the audience a brand new perspective on the life of the man behind the literary giant.

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!

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 Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theaters around the world for a global theatrical event: “Othello”, showing March 8 and 12 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. Shakespeare’s “Othello” rages to life like never before in a compelling new production starring David Harewood, Toby Jones, Caitlin FitzGerald, Vinette Robinson and Luke Treadaway. Directed by Tony Award-winner Tom Morris with music by PJ Harvey, this epic story of manipulation, jealousy and toxic masculinity explores the darker side of power, rage and desire. Filmed live at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London especially for the big screen, this is an electrifying star-studded Othello.

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.

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.

A successful music video director and expectant father pushes his work/life balance to the extreme when he can't pass up the job of a lifetime and hires a doppelgänger to work in his stead. “Serious People” is a fresh and authentic comedy that explores what it means to be a "director" and a parent — and the replaceability of people in clout-heavy Los Angeles. “Wildly funny.” — Los Angeles Times “Charming as hell … seriously funny.” — Cinapse “Hilarious feature debut.” — Entertainment Weekly

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Steve Schapiro: Being Everywhere” showing Dec. 26-30 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. The film’s director Maura Smith and producer Dick Hansen will be here in person to host the film on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27 and 28, and will conduct a Q&A sessions after both screenings. “Steve Schapiro: Being Everywhere” documents the firsthand stories of photographer Steve Schapiro along with his vast archive of iconic images. Over six decades, Schapiro bore witness to some of the most significant social and cultural moments in modern American history. Schapiro began his photojournalism career by documenting addiction in East Harlem and then traveling on his own to Arkansas to photograph migrant workers in 1961. His photo series on migrants was published in the Catholic magazine Jubilee. The New York Times saw the article and used one of Schapiro’s photos for the cover of their magazine.

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 present “The Way Home: Adventure Travel Series” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 4 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “The Way Home: Adventure Travel Series” began as a journey to rarely seen mysterious places on roads less travelled. From the highest monastery in the world in Tibet, to the world's largest Buddhist temple located in Java, Indonesia. In this episode we visit Sacred Temples, amazing piers, and ride with Easy Rider. Visit the forgotten Amargosa Opera House in Death Valley Junction, Salvation Mountain and lawless Slab City. Koz Mraz has published over 7 books including Temple Tours: The Himalayas and other Sacred Sites, Piers of the West Coast (chronicling 65 piers from Mexico to Canada) and Motorcycle Mysteries, the “Best of” his 200 travel stories.

“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.