If you love movies, old and new, this is the film festival for you! Taking place in and around the historic Plaza Theatre in downtown El Paso, the Plaza Classic Film Festival celebrates its 16th year as the world’s largest classic film festival. More than 500,000 people have attended the first 15 Plaza Classics, with about 15 percent of its audience coming from outside of the El Paso/Juárez/Las Cruces radius. The El Paso Community Foundation’s Plaza Classic Film Festival returns to the Plaza Theatre, July 20 – 30, 2023.
The Plaza Classic Film Festival also has become a major showcase for regional filmmakers through its Local Flavor series, sponsored by the Texas Film Commission. It screens features, shorts, documentaries and other projects, and its audience has tripled in recent years. Last year, Local Flavor handed out $1,750 in cash prizes to local filmmakers in the third annual Local Flavor Awards, sponsored by the Public Relations Association of the Southwest.
Transform the Plaza Classic Film Festival into an unforgettable family outing. This year’s extensive lineup includes family-friendly movies that are guaranteed to bring joy to all ages. Included are beloved classics such as Ponyo, Finding Nemo, and School of Rock, as well as children’s movies at the Philanthropy Theatre, including Anastasia, The Muppet Movie, Babe, and Willow. Nestled upstairs within the historic Plaza Theatre, this intimate 200-seat venue adds a touch of elegance and charm for your viewing pleasure.
Among the many familiar classics presented at this year’s screening are The Silence of the Lambs, Batman (1989), the original theatrical version of Psycho, and When Harry Met Sally. Free outdoor screenings also return, including Mamma Mia!, and the 15th annual showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Special guests for this year’s production are legendary actor Edward James Olmos; Academy Award and Emmy Award-winner Helen Hunt; producer and director Isaac Artenstein; writer, director and actor Austin Savage; senior director of original programming for Turner Classic Movies Scott McGee; and digital content editor for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Laura Emerick, among others. For a complete schedule of events for this year’s Plaza Classic Film Festival, visit the schedule page.
Ticket Information
Festival Pass | $200
The Festival Pass is a great way to take in all the sights, sounds and stars of the Plaza Classic Film Festival. A Festival Pass includes access to all ticketed festival movies, a jump-the-line express lane, reservations for Philanthropy Theatre movies, special events, and more. And it’s transferable!
Movies Only Festival Pass | $100
The Movies Only Festival Pass is like a regular Festival Pass, only it’s half the price and doesn’t include discounts at local eateries and invitations to special events. The Movies Only Festival Pass allows admission to all of the ticketed movies in the Plaza Classic Film Festival. Like the Festival Pass, it’s transferable.
For more information visit their website.
Posted by LasCruces.com
