Unauthorized Happiness is excited to announce their December 19th show on National Emo Day. Nothing says the Spirit of Christmas more than donning your favorite early 2000’s screamo band t-shirt, putting on your black eyeliner and then refusing to take part in anything holiday- related. All are invited! Warm and fuzzy Christmas spirits. The troupe will ask for a few drama-inspired suggestions to come laugh at the emo-inspired holiday jokes. Unauthorized Happiness team members include: Jonathan Bonner, Chuck Tyler, Bekah Hinds, Alissa Tyler and Carlo Habash. The Troupe offers an unconventional and entertaining night out and suggests you pair the show with dinner at one of Sedona's amazing restaurants. Folks who have never been to an improv show are encouraged to attend, as well as improv audience veterans. Mary D. Fisher Theater is Sedona’s premier arthouse theatre venue located at 2030 W. State Route 89A in West Sedona, next to the Coffee Pot Restaurant. Showtime is 7 p.m. Shows ar

Unauthorized Happiness is excited to announce their show on Nov. 21 on National False Confession Day. In honor of this absurd day, the improv team has reluctantly agreed to play a new game, “Two Truths and a Lie”. It will be up to the audience to determine who is telling the truth, and who is giving a false confession. It’s a game that might have been played with close friends in childhood, but now can be seen live on stage performed in front of strangers. And that’s no lie. Unauthorized Happiness is an improv comedy troupe based in Sedona, Arizona. They believe in sharing their passion for getting together and increasing the amount of fun experienced on weekdays in town. Unauthorized Happiness team members include: Carlo Habash, Jonathan Bonner, Chuck Tyler, Alissa Tyler, and Bekah Hinds. The troupe offers an unconventional and entertaining night out and suggests you pair the show with dinner at one of Sedona's wonderful restaurants. Grab a coworker and decompress after work.

Unauthorized Happiness Improv is excited to announce Special Guest, Steve Wilder, to play with the troupe in a one night only show on Tuesday, Oct. 17. Wilder is Chuck Tyler’s original improv mentor from Denver, Colorado. He has performed over 200 musical improv shows with his troupe, Hit and Run, and is excited to get on stage with the Sedona-based troupe in their own special brand of wackiness. Steve may even splash some of his musical experience into their show together. The troupe is excited to have him join them for this very special edition of Unauthorized Happiness. Unauthorized Happiness team members include: Chuck Tyler, Alissa Tyler, Bekah Hinds, Jonathan Bonner, and Carlo Habash. At the show, the audience has all the power, because the entire subject of the show is up to them! All you have to do is sit back and wait for one of the troupe members to ask the audience for a suggestion.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theaters around the globe to present the worldwide premiere of “After Death” showing Oct. 27-Nov. 2 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “After Death” is a captivating and thought-provoking documentary that delves into the enigmatic question that has fascinated humanity for centuries: What happens when we die? Through a combination of personal accounts, scientific research, philosophical discussions, and exploration of best-selling stories of near-death experiences, the film takes viewers on a profound journey of discovery. The film examines both the spiritual and scientific dimensions of near-death experiences, inviting viewers to contemplate the possibilities and engage in their own reflections. Based on real near-death experiences, “After Death” explores the afterlife with the guidance of New York Times bestselling authors, medical experts, scientists, and survivors that shed a light on what awaits us.

Based on the book by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, set in 1987 El Paso, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” is the tale of two teenage Mexican-American loners as they explore their friendship and the difficult road to self-discovery. Resentful at the world, 15-year-old Aristotle Mendoza wants to blend in and be left alone, but the summer he meets free spirit Dante Quintana at the local swimming pool, everything changes. Dante is everything Ari isn't, and his wanderlust for life and artistic spirit shake something loose in Ari; finally, he has a friend. A near magical being, Dante disrupts Aristotle's world, introducing him to music, poetry, and lessons about the sky. Dante gives Aristotle permission to live in an ever-expansive universe, making it harder and harder for him to maintain the façade of isolation that has protected him for so long.

This special one-time-only screening of “Bad Press” is presented in honor and observation of Indigenous People's Day. When the Muscogee Nation suddenly begins censoring their free press, a rogue reporter fights to expose her government’s corruption in a historic battle that will have ramifications for all of Indian Country. In 2015, the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma became one of only five federally-recognized tribes to legislate free press protections by transferring oversight of Mvskoke Media from the executive branch to an independent editorial board. But three years after the election of a new Principal Chief, a small faction of legislators conspired via a secretive “emergency session” to repeal the Free Press Act, turning control back over to the chief and his cabinet. Censorship came swiftly, as reporters were ordered to take down a story covering the repeal that same night. Tribal citizens erupted with shock and anger, and the battle to restore free press began.

Sedona International Film Festival presents the Great Art on Screen series with “Borromini and Bernini: The Challenge for Perfection”. The film will premiere in Sedona on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 4 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Great Art on Screen is a series of documentaries featuring an in-depth look at the most extraordinary and groundbreaking art masters of their time. “Borromini and Bernini: The Challenge for Perfection” is a journey into the great beauty of Baroque Rome, when the city was the center of western art and where every ambitious painter, sculptor and architect had to be. This is the story of the most famous artistic rivalry of all time, the one between Borromini and Bernini, but also the story of Borromini’s rivalry with himself: a genius so absorbed by his art that he turns it into a demon that devours him from the inside forcing him to choose death to reach eternity.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Love and Laughter” Comedy Night live onstage at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. What do you get when you take two national stand-up comedy headliners with material that deals with relationships, kids and has 90 minutes of hilarity? You get the nation's most requested comedy show, “Love and Laughter”. The show stars Barry Neal, aka The Counselor of Love. Barry has been seen on NBC, Comedy Central, MTV, and has toured the world with his brand of comedy that is enjoyed by everyone from 18 to 80. Comedienne Christie Campagna will open the show. BARRY NEAL Barry’s beginnings were unusual. After graduating from Northwestern University and completing a successful run in the famous Mee-Ow show (who’s celebrity members have included Julia Louis Dreyfus, Dermot Mulroney, George Newborn, Craig Bierko, Seth Meyers, and Ana Gasteyer), his brother dared him to go onstage at an open mic to do a routine.

Big Picture Ranch and Area 23a present “Common Ground”, a hopeful and uplifting story of the pioneers of the “Regenerative Movement” who produce tremendous quantities of nutritionally dense food and are working to balance the climate — all while bringing our entire ecosystem back to life. The film explores how Americans from different walks of life, different political backgrounds, and different parts of the country share one thing in common — the very soil beneath their feet. The film investigates the power of “regenerative” farming systems— from large to small-scale farmers who are the champions of soil health as the key to unlocking more (and healthier) food to feed America and the world. “Common Ground” is the highly anticipated sequel to the juggernaut success documentary, “Kiss the Ground”, which touched over 1 billion people globally and inspired the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to put $20 billion toward soil health.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with Old Town Center for the Arts to bring movies to Cottonwood! “Monday Movies on Main” returns on Monday, Oct. 16 with the Cottonwood premiere of “Joan Baez: I Am A Noise” at 7 p.m. at Old Town Center for the Arts. Facing the end of a 60-year musical career, legendary singer and activist Joan Baez takes an honest look back and a deep look inward as she tries to make sense of her large, history-making life and reveals, for the first time, personal struggles she’s kept private. “Joan Baez: I Am A Noise” is an unusually intimate psychological portrait of legendary folk singer and activist Joan Baez. Neither a conventional biopic nor a traditional concert film, this immersive documentary shifts back and forth through time as it follows Joan on her final tour and delves into her extraordinary archive, including newly discovered home movies, diaries, artwork, therapy tapes, and audio recordings.

1964 was a critical year in Beatles history. After being ignored by Capitol Records in America, the Beatles finally broke through, releasing several hit singles and albums and making a triumphant debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. Later that year, they created the groundbreaking film, A Hard Day’s Night, for which Lennon and McCartney wrote some of their best songs to date. In Deconstructing A Hard Day’s Night, Scott will share the stories behind the 1964 Beatles along with a track-by-track look at the songs of A Hard Day’s Night, including “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “And I Love Her,” and the title track. As usual, Scott will be sharing rare audio, video, and photos of the Beatles.

In the Fall of 1969, people all across the United States and beyond were completely obsessed with a rumor that Paul McCartney was dead, an imposter had joined the Beatles, and the group was leaving clues in their music, album art, and lyrics. Some believed the story completely. Some thought it was a hoax. Everyone dissected their Beatles albums, scrutinizing the cover art and lyrics, and playing songs forwards, backwards, and at different speeds until they wore out their phonograph needles. By the end of 1969, the Paul Is Dead rumor had died down. But that has never stopped many who still believe that the Paul McCartney we know and love died back in 1966. Join Scott Freiman as he explores the true history of the ‘Paul Is Dead’ myth. Find out how the rumor really started, and what the manager of Grand Funk had to do with it.

In late 1964, the Beatles begin to move from the early, heady days of Beatlemania into the beginnings of more mature influences – both musically and otherwise! In Deconstructing Help!, Scott will share the stories behind the making of Beatles for Sale and the “I Feel Fine”/”She’s A Woman” single. The presentation continues with a look at the making of Help!, diving deep into the songs from that film and album, including “Help!” “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away,” and “Yesterday.” The presentation ends with the story of the Beatles’ groundbreaking Shea Stadium concert.

1964 was a critical year in Beatles history. After being ignored by Capitol Records in America, the Beatles finally broke through, releasing several hit singles and albums and making a triumphant debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. Later that year, they created the groundbreaking film, A Hard Day’s Night, for which Lennon and McCartney wrote some of their best songs to date. In Deconstructing A Hard Day’s Night, Scott will share the stories behind the 1964 Beatles along with a track-by-track look at the songs of A Hard Day’s Night, including “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “And I Love Her,” and the title track. As usual, Scott will be sharing rare audio, video, and photos of the Beatles.

In the Fall of 1969, people all across the United States and beyond were completely obsessed with a rumor that Paul McCartney was dead, an imposter had joined the Beatles, and the group was leaving clues in their music, album art, and lyrics. Some believed the story completely. Some thought it was a hoax. Everyone dissected their Beatles albums, scrutinizing the cover art and lyrics, and playing songs forwards, backwards, and at different speeds until they wore out their phonograph needles. By the end of 1969, the Paul Is Dead rumor had died down. But that has never stopped many who still believe that the Paul McCartney we know and love died back in 1966. Join Scott Freiman as he explores the true history of the ‘Paul Is Dead’ myth. Find out how the rumor really started, and what the manager of Grand Funk had to do with it.

In late 1964, the Beatles begin to move from the early, heady days of Beatlemania into the beginnings of more mature influences – both musically and otherwise! In Deconstructing Help!, Scott will share the stories behind the making of Beatles for Sale and the “I Feel Fine”/”She’s A Woman” single. The presentation continues with a look at the making of Help!, diving deep into the songs from that film and album, including “Help!” “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away,” and “Yesterday.” The presentation ends with the story of the Beatles’ groundbreaking Shea Stadium concert.

Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Deconstructing the 1963 Beatles” on Monday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. This popular 9-show series — featuring composer/producer and The Beatles historian Scott Freiman — is returning to Sedona in September in preparation for Freiman coming in person. In late 1962, the Beatles stepped into EMI studios for the first time, meeting producer George Martin and beginning an unparalleled and remarkable recording career. Over the next eighteen months, they would release four number one singles (including “She Loves You” and “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and two number one albums while becoming worldwide superstars. In “Deconstructing the 1963 Beatles”, historian and composer Scott Freiman explores the music that helped launch Beatlemania. Freiman combines his love of The Beatles with his experience as a composer, producer and engineer to deliver unique educational lectures about the creative process of The Beatles.

Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Deconstructing The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour” on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. This popular 9-show series — featuring composer/producer and The Beatles historian Scott Freiman — is returning to Sedona in September in preparation for Freiman coming in person in early October. “Deconstructing The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour” explores the music written for the Magical Mystery Tour TV show, as well as the additional songs that appeared on the 1967 LP. In 1967, The Beatles embarked on an ambitious project, writing and directing a one-hour film, Magical Mystery Tour. The music written for the film is some of The Beatles' psychedelic best. In “Deconstructing The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour”, music historian, composter and Beatles enthusiast Scott Freiman delves into the creative process behind “The Fool On The Hill,” “Blue Jay Way,” “I Am The Walrus,” and other selections.

Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Deconstructing The Beatles: Abbey Road, Side 2” on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. This popular 9-show series — featuring composer/producer and The Beatles historian Scott Freiman — is returning to Sedona in September in preparation for Freiman coming in person in early October to present three brand new Deconstructing The Beatles programs LIVE at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. The Beatles’ Abbey Road, Side 2 is a masterpiece filled with classic Beatles songs, such as “Come Together,” “Something,” and “Here Comes the Sun.” George Martin told the Beatles to think “symphonically,” and they responded by creating the remarkable side two song suite. Abbey Road was the last time that the Beatles recorded together at EMI Studios — soon-to-be-christened Abbey Road Studios after the album’s release.

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with Theatrikos Theatre Company to bring movies to Downtown Flagstaff! This series continues on Wednesday, Oct. 18 with the Flagstaff premiere of “The Last Station” at 7:00 p.m. at Theatrikos Theatre Company. “The Last Station” features an award-winning all-star cast, including Christopher Plummer, Helen Mirren, James McAvoy, Paul Giamatti and Kerry Condon. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Actress for Helen Mirren and Best Supporting Actor for Christopher Plummer. The film was a major audience hit and critical sensation when it premiered in the Sedona International Film Festival’s cinema series.