Don’t Miss Out! The Tombstone Film Festival Returns to Arizona

The Tombstone Film Festival is Coming!

Nothing says Old West quite like Tombstone, Arizona. The legends who walked through The Town Too Tough To Die have been captured on film as for nearly a century, ever since the original Gunfight at the OK Corral. If you love movies about the Old West, make plans to attend the Second Annual Tombstone Film Festival.

The event is happening on January 25th through the 28th, in Tombstone, Arizona. This festival is dedicated to showcasing the best Western features and short films from around the world, and it's all happening in the most iconic Western setting imaginable.

What to Expect if You Go to The Tombstone Film Festival

The Tombstone Film Festival is presented by Running Wild Films, which produced the 12 Films, a project by filmmakers John Marrs and Travis Mills. Back in 2020, the pair had the ambitious idea to produce 12 Westerns in 12 Months.

Of course, in 2020 the COVID pandemic hit, which altered the trajectory of the best-laid plans of everyone, including the film industry. Born out of this idea, though, was the idea for the Tombstone Film Festival.

The first event took place in 2023. The event was so successful that this year's festival has become an international sensation. Filmmakers from around the world submitted 38 independent films for consideration. Of those, 14 were selected as features for this year's festival.

Seeing the Films

Submissions have come in from around the globe. Countries like Sweden, Norway, Spain, and Kazakhstan have entries this year. The festival will feature screenings of the selected films. Attendees can watch the movies at historic Schieffelin Hall beginning Thursday, January 25th at 7pm.

You can also catch panel discussions with filmmakers and industry experts. The festivities wrap up on Sunday, January 28th with an awards ceremony. Twelve awards will be presented to the best films and filmmakers in a variety of categories.

The Crystal Palace and the Oriental Saloon will host afterparties each night, and many of the businesses in Tombstone will offer discounts if you show your festival badge.

Getting Tickets to the Tombstone Film Festival

Buy your tickets on their website. The VIP Full Festival Pass is only $50, but for Cochise County Residents it's only $30. Don't miss this growing local event!

Special thanks to John Marrs and The Tombstone Film Festival for the information and photos used in this article.