Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) is proud to present the 26th Annual International Film Festival (IFF) – the longest-running, continuous event in the history of the college. Since its debut in spring 1999, the IFF has become a beloved tradition for students, faculty, and the greater Phoenix community, offering audiences a cinematic passport to cultures and stories from across the globe. Whether a lifelong lover of international cinema or brand new to foreign films, PVCC’s International Film Festival offers attendees an extraordinary opportunity to explore diverse cultures, connect with fellow film enthusiasts, and experience the world, one film at a time.
For the third year in a row, the IFF will present eight remarkable films from eight different countries. In past years, the festival often centered around a specific theme or focused on films from a single country. However, post-pandemic shifts in film production and distribution have made the ‘eight countries’ approach both practical and exciting, offering a diverse cinematic journey across continents.
Film Schedule
- Wednesday, August 27, 2025 – The Man Who Sold His Skin (Tunisia; 2002, NR, 102 min.)
- Wednesday, September 3, 2025 – Alone With Her Dreams (Italy; 2019, NR, 92 min.)
- Wednesday, September 10, 2025 – Going to Brazil (France/Brazil; 2016, R, 94 min.)
- Wednesday, September 17, 2025 – Shoplifters (Japan; 2018, R, 118 min.)
- Wednesday, January 21, 2026 – The Night of the 12th (France; 2022, NR, 112 min.)
- Wednesday, January 28, 2026 – Lion (Australia/India; 2016, PG-13, 115 min.)
- Wednesday, February 4, 2026 – Mellow Mud (Latvia; 2016, NR, 103 min.)
- Wednesday, February 11, 2026 – All Shall Be Well (Hong Kong; 2024, NR, 90 min.)
All films will be screened at 6:30 PM in PVCC’s Center for the Performing Arts on PVCC’s Union Hills Campus.
History of the IFF
The IFF was originally called the New Horizons Film Festival; over the past 26 years, PVCC has screened films from 48 different countries, creating an immersive cultural exchange that extends far beyond the screen. Many attendees are natives of the countries featured, offering invaluable cultural and historical perspectives during post-film discussions. These conversations, paired with pre-film introductions, create an experience that is both entertaining and enlightening.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival never missed a beat, transitioning to live streaming while maintaining the signature pre- and post-film discussions that keep audiences engaged.
Ten years ago, PVCC expanded the festival to the Desert Foothills Library in Cave Creek, where it quickly became one of the library’s most popular programs. This partnership has grown to include a Summer IFF and the Little Known Stories of World War II series, further strengthening the college’s community outreach.
The impact of the festival reaches far beyond its screenings.Students regularly attend for class extra credit or Honors Program credit, often discovering international cinema for the first time. Many leave inspired, eager to watch more foreign films, and some continue attending the festival long after they graduate. The IFF has also become a favorite pastime for local residents and winter visitors, many of whom have woven the event into their annual entertainment calendar. And perhaps best of all – the festival is free to attend.
For more information about PVCC and the CPA, visit our website.