Sedona News – Join the Sedona International Film Festival for a special Grand Opening Ceremony of its Alice Gill-Sheldon Theater – the festival’s new 43-seat state-of-the-art theater – on Sunday, June 19 at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The Alice Gill-Sheldon Theater joins the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theater, which has become the “cultural heart of Sedona” since it opened 10 years ago. Support from the community, festival members and patrons and sponsors has given the organization the opportunity to create a second, smaller theater which will create greater flexibility for additional independent film and live entertainment options. .

The new location, adjacent to the Mary D. Fisher Theater, will allow members and supporters to watch other films in a place they have come to know and love. The Alice Gill-Sheldon Theater will allow the festival to present DOUBLE the number of independent films and special events throughout the year, as well as additional shows, ballets and theatrical events on screen, Met Live Opera and much more!

“We are so grateful to the dozens of donors, supporters and philanthropists who have made our dream of this second theater a reality,” said Patrick Schweiss, Executive Director of the Sedona International Film Festival. “We look forward to expanding our film and cultural offerings and creating a community gathering place for all residents and visitors to Sedona and Verde Valley.”

The special opening event will begin with a wine and cheese reception and a courtyard concert featuring musician and composer Jim Buchanan.

There will also be raffles with special prizes and your chance to win unlimited movies for a year at the new Alice Gill-Sheldon Theater for a year. You just have to find the “Golden Ticket” in our Gayle’s chocolate bars!

Next, guests will be taken into the theater to tour the new venue and renovations to the concession stand and wine bar.

The highlight of the evening will be a special “surprise screening” of a brand new film from an award-winning filmmaker – our audience will be able to see the film before it hits theaters in September for that special grand opening celebration! A selection of short films and other surprises will highlight the capabilities of both venues with state-of-the-art sound and projection technology.

Places are limited for this very special event on Sunday June 19th. Opening celebrations will be at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Your $10 ticket includes the wine and cheese reception, backyard concert, surprise movie screening, theater tour and more! Call the Sedona International Film Festival at 928-282-1177 for tickets and more information. You can also visit www.SedonaFilmFestival.org .