One of Arizona’s most celebrated events, the Phoenix Film Festival, will close out its ninth year tonight after a week of independent films, live music and guest appearances by the stars.

As the largest film festival in the state, the event focuses on independent, foreign and art films while drawing in industry leaders and
movie lovers alike.

Attending the Phoenix Film Festival can be a bit more expensive than the typical “night at the movies” — a student-priced festival pass, which allowed admittance into any showing during the weeklong festival cost $120.

For the more economical movie watcher, the Flex Pass could be purchased at a student price of $20.

The Flex Pass allowed the viewer to see four screenings, while individual screenings without the pass cost $10.

As viewers are frequently reminded at the festival to “never miss out on the parties,” the Phoenix Film Festival Party Lounge located across the parking lot from the theater allows festival patrons to hang out, drink and listen to live music from bands and disc jockeys.

Musical acts included Brad Perry, Runaway Phoenix and Sunday Morning Drive.

Tonight’s act, rockabilly/blues band One Kitty Gone, will close out the festival. The party lounge will be open until midnight.

ASU School of Theatre and Film faculty associate, Chris LaMont featured his film, “My Apocalypse,” at the festival.

This disturbing film, which LaMont described as potentially enjoyable only if you are “inebriated or on something” is about a troubled young serial killer surrounded by a wholesome fantasy world that he lives out in his head.

The visual effects in this film are comparable to that of director David Lynch (“Mulholland Dr.”) or “Requiem for a Dream.”

It’s not difficult to rub shoulders with celebrities at the Phoenix Film Festival.

Yeardley Smith, the voice of Lisa on “The Simpsons” made an appearance at the screening of her new film, “Waiting for Ophelia.”

Bill Engvall (of the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour”) discussed with attendees his life and career prior to a screening of his new independent short film, “Cowboy Dreams.”

In the film, Engvall’s character, Wild Bill Crum, tells tales of a haunting past that inhabits his dreams.

Other celebrity guests included Billy Zane (“Titanic”) to promote his 2008 role in “Love N’ Dancing,” and Virginia Madsen for a screening of her documentary, “I Know a Woman Like That.”

Madsen produced and starred in the film, a documentary that features interviews with women 60 and older, focusing on their successful careers and attitudes.

This year’s Phoenix Film Festival’s Best Screenplay award went to Kevin Sheridan’s “Leaving Barstow.”

This must-see film, directed by Peter Paige and starring writer Kevin Sheridan, tells a story of a high-school senior living in the small town of Barstow, Calif.

After the teen’s father kills himself, he is left in a home with an irresponsible and promiscuous mother who leaves most of the parenting responsibilities up to him.

Tonight’s closing event of the Phoenix Film Festival starts at 7:30 p.m. with one final film screening, which will be followed by a late-night party at the Party Lounge.

The event will be held at the Harkins Scottsdale/101 Theatre at 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. in Phoenix.

Reach the reporter at bryan.brougham@asu.edu.