CHANDLER, Ariz. – The Chandler International Film Festival (CIFF) will begin on Saturday, January 21 and run through Sunday, January 29 at LOOK Dine-In Cinema (1 W. Chandler Blvd). This year’s festival will feature a diverse range of international films and industry workshops. In addition, CIFF will offer a variety of programming throughout the week including an opening night red carpet, award ceremony, Q&As with film makers and actors, nightly after parties and celebrity guest appearances by Rob Schneider starring in “Daddy Daughter Trip,” Tom Proctor starring in “Guilt,” Renata Manterola starring in “De Vuelta a Casa,” Armando Gutierrez starring in “Bezos,” Flagstaff-native actor Bubba Ganter and Lovinder Gill who will be hosting various workshops.

Known as one of the fastest growing film festivals in Arizona, CIFF will feature over 120 films from more than 35 countries. The film “Bezos” will kick-off the festival on Saturday, January 21 with a Hollywood-style red carpet prior to the premiere at 6 p.m. The film which is based off the book “Zero to Hero,” chronicles the true-life story of Jeff Bezos, a humble yet awkward entrepreneur on his mission to create Amazon, the world’s largest e-commerce company. Opening night will conclude with an after party at Recreo (28 S San Marcos Pl, Chandler, AZ 85225).

On Sunday, January 22, guests will have the special opportunity to meet Rob Schneider during a red carpet event prior to the screening of his recent film “Daddy Daughter Trip.” The festivities will begin at 2 p.m. where fans can meet the Emmy-nominated actor and take photos to commemorate the fun-filled day.

A special Arizona-focused workshop hosted by Ramsay Wharton, program manager for the Arizona Commerce Authority’s Film & Digital Media program, will take place on Friday, January 27. Film industry professionals can learn about filming in Arizona and learn about the resources offered by the Arizona Film Commission.

CIFF will be partnering with Night of Hope as the official nonprofit of the festival. Additionally, the festival will be donating 50 tickets to Recreation and Athletics for Individuals with Disabilities students for the screening of “Daddy Daughter Trip” on Sunday.

Each of these featured movies will be making its Arizona premiere, including “Last Film Show” directed by Pan Nalin which has been selected as India’s official entry to The Oscars this year, “The Beast Below” also known as “LEIO” directed by Chalit Krileadmongkon, “Neon Bleed” directed by John Capone, “Dying to Sleep” directed by Paris Dylan, “It’s Spring” by Roman Musheghyan, “Bobcat Moretti” directed by Rob Margolies, “Peacemaker” directed by Maximilian Osterholz, “De Vuelta a Casa” directed by Darius Stevens Wilhere and “Guilt” directed by Tom Proctor.

Local Arizona selected films include “Reflect” shot in Sedona and directed by Dana Beth Kippel, “ID” directed by Kiran Kondamadugula based in Chandler, “The Monster Inside Me” directed by Tony C. Silva based in Phoenix, “Walkout” directed by Rob Smat based in Phoenix and “Eyes Upon Waking” directed by Timothy Zwica based in Tucson.

Tickets for CIFF begin at $15 for a single show and $220 for an entire festival event pass. To view the event schedule and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.chandlerfilmfestival.com or check the Facebook page @ChandlerFilmFest.

About Chandler International Film Festival
The Chandler International Film Festival (CIFF) is a nonprofit (501c3) diversified and pioneering film festival located in Chandler, Ariz. With a passion for the art of filmmaking, the Chandler International Film Festival aims to support independent filmmakers from all over the world and their filmmaking. CIFF provides a platform through which projects are reviewed, judged, and honored for their uniqueness, creativity, and storytelling ability.