IFP Phoenix has been a part of my life for a decade. In 2012 I was named Co-Program Director of IFP Phoenix, along with my friend TJ Houle. We worked side by side for a few years, and in 2015 I took on the role myself when she moved on. It’s been a long, amazing journey, and now it’s time for me to move on as well.
I’m extremely proud of what I’ve accomplished in my time here. As a team, we have offered many new programs, grown existing ones, and helped connect people in the community. But the people are the reason I kept going for ten years. I got choked up on the phone when I had to tell Jason (our Executive Director at the Phoenix Film Foundation) I was moving away. He, our team, and all the people I’ve met in the film community have meant the world to me. This will forever be one of the greatest things I’ve done with my life. I am eternally thankful.
As IFP Phoenix returns to live events now that the pandemic has gotten more manageable, we are at a transition point. But I think I leave the organization in a good place. We will announce our new program director next week, and we found a fantastic person to help grow our community. Hopefully you’ll be seeing them at events really soon.
I hope to visit AZ and perhaps pop up at the festival when able. But my family and I are excited to build our life in Cincinnati, our new home. I will miss the community terribly, and I will forever root you all on. I’m excited to see what you all do. Thank you for everything.
– Aaron Kes
Recommended Acting Books
September 3, 2020 0 Comments Commentary, Filmmaker Challenges, Filmmaker Fusion, News by Aaron Kes
We recently we had a panel on acting for our Filmmaker Fusion Challenge. The panelists had a list of books on acting they liked so we wanted to pass those along to everyone.
These links go to Amazon Smile, a part of Amazon that helps out local charities. When you shop online at SMILE.AMAZON.COM/CH/86-1012666, Amazon Smile donates to the Phoenix Film Foundation. You can even shop Amazon Smile directly from the app. Go to your app settings and click on Amazon Smile! (Here is a little bit more about how to set this up and other ways you can help us and the Phoenix Film Foundation at this time!)
Fine On Acting: A Vision for the Craft by Howard Fine
50 African American Audition Monologues by Gus Edwards
Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen