ARIZONA FILM INSIDER - SEPTEMBER 2025

ARIZONA PRODUCTION UPDATE

One of the first films to earn an Arizona film tax credit under the new incentive was The War Between. A film based on the story of the only Civil War battle waged in Arizona. While an early cut showed at the Phoenix Film Festival, the world premier of the finished film will be this Friday at Harkins Shea 14.

Going to the theater in support of films like The War Between and recently released local film Star People, another film that earned an incentive, is a powerful way to support the Arizona film industry. The success of films made here encourages local, and out-of-town filmmakers, to make their films here in Arizona.

Friday’s screenings are incredibly important for The War Between, as Harkins will do a wider release if we pack these screenings.

Like Star People, this is a really good film and a true Arizona film. Mostly local crew and actors, shot in Arizona, and based around Arizona history.

Here are is a link for the trailer and links for Friday’s screening:

Location:Harkins Shea 147354 East Shea Blvd.Scottsdale, AZ

Trailer: https://youtu.be/qN4z5t4Oe_M

9.26 Q&A Screenings (1pm, 7pm): https://www.harkins.com/movies/the-war-between-with-qa/2025-09-26?recentTheatre=12

9.26 Regular Screenings (4pm, 9pm): https://www.harkins.com/movies/the-war-between/2025-09-26?recentTheatre=12

INSIDE THE ARIZONA LEGISLATURE

Goldwater Lawsuit Update

On September 12th, oral arguments were heard in the ongoing Goldwater Institute v. Arizona Commerce Authority case.

It’s important to note that this hearing was not about the lawsuit in its entirety. Instead, it focused narrowly on two specific issues:

1. The ACA’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit

2. Goldwater’s request for an injunction to prevent the Department of Revenue from paying out production incentives while the case is in litigation

The hearing was relatively brief, lasting less than an hour. After hearing the arguments, the judge took the matter “under advisement.” At this time, no ruling has been issued on either matter. The Coalition will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as soon as a decision is handed down.

Looking Ahead at the Legislature

The second year of a legislative term often brings heightened political activity, and sometimes drama, as every lawmaker prepares for re-election. With all 90 seats in the Arizona Legislature up in 2026, next year is expected to be active as members seek to make their mark with voters back home.

This is frequently reflected in “statement legislation,” bills introduced as political positioning rather than with the expectation of becoming law. It’s important to remember that in the legislative process it is exceedingly more difficult to pass legislation than to kill it. This is a feature of the system, not a bug.

In the First Regular Session of the Fifty-Sixth Legislature, not including budget bills, 1,724 bills were introduced. Of those, the Legislature approved 439, while the Governor signed 265 into law. Governor Hobbs vetoed 174 measures, breaking her own prior veto record.

As legislators gear up for 2026, new bills will begin to be introduced in November, when the legislative “hopper” opens for the next session.

The Arizona Film Coalition will be actively monitoring all introduced legislation for any impacts to the film industry. Our focus remains on protecting the state’s incentive program and ensuring Arizona continues to build a strong, sustainable film economy.

INSIDE FILM TUCSON

Every September, Film Tucson markets our region to dozens of filmmakers who fly into Tucson to showcase their work at one of Tucson’s many local film festivals.

Over this last weekend, we mingled with several filmmakers who attended the AZ Underground Film Festival, which screened September 17 - 21 at The Screening Room downtown.

Next in our fall line-up is HorrOrigins (which this year has been merged with another brand new festival titled Legendary Fest) taking place September 24 - 29 at Galaxy Theatres.

The new 2025-26 season for Cinema Tucson--a monthly series of films showcasing the best in contemporary Mexican cinema--also begins this month, and we couldn’t be happier: many of the screenings give us an opportunity to market directly to directors who fly in from Mexico City.

The final film event for September will be Film Fest Tucson's September 28th screening (in collaboration with Arizona Arts) of Capturing Kennedy, the new documentary which focuses on the professional and artistic relationship between President John F. Kennedy and Jacques Lowe, his 28-year-old personal photographer. Tickets can be purchased through the Arizona Arts website.