Robot & Frank will have its Arizona Premiere on March 29 as this year’s Opening Night film at the 12th Annual Phoenix Film Festival. On opening night Bob Oldfather, the founder of Bookman’s Entertainment Exchange, and Macerich, the owners, operators, and developers of over 65 diverse retail properties including the home of the Phoenix Film Festival, Scottsdale 101 will be presented with the festival’s annual Visionary Award. Both are being honored for their continued community service and their support of film in Arizona.
Set sometime in the future, Robot & Frank is a delightful dramatic comedy, a buddy picture, and, for good measure, a heist film. Curmudgeonly old Frank lives by himself. His routine involves daily visits to his local library, where he has a twinkle in his eye for the librarian. His grown children are concerned about their father’s well-being and buy him a caretaker robot. Initially resistant to the idea, Frank soon appreciates the benefits of robotic support—like nutritious meals and a clean house—and eventually begins to treat his robot like a true companion. With his robot’s assistance, Frank’s passion for his old, unlawful profession is reignited, for better or worse. Frank Langella makes acting—and acting with a robot, no less—look effortless, and his relationship with the machine is filled with poignant exchanges and amusing adventures. First-time director Jake Schreier creates a lush world with futuristic flourishes and tells a beautiful story about family and the implications of humankind’s ever-changing relationship with technology. Schreier will be on hand to introduce the film and also participate in a post screening Q&A session.
The 12th Annual Phoenix Film Festival kicks off with the Premiere event and will screen over 100 short and feature films from all over the world before concludes on April 5th. The Festival will be held once again at Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theaters located at 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85054.
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