11 Feb TIO AZ: Sedona Film Fest – Amy Irving & “Crossing Delancey”!
Helmed by Executive Director Patrick Schweiss for 22 years of its 32 years, the Sedona Film Festival, (SFF), 2/21 – 3/1, has become world-renowned for bringing award-winning films and meaningful conversations to its growing community through filmmaker Q & As, workshops and seminars.
Scroll down to listen to a podcast featuring Amy Irvine. Also check out her co-star Peter Riegert’s story and podcast for more on their star turns in the classic rom-com “Crossing Delancey.” The screening takes place Saturday, 2/22, 4 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
Go here to check out the full festival schedule.
Scroll down to listen to a podcast featuring Amy Irving and to learn more about long-time festival director Patrick Schweiss.
Great acting is all about mining the paradoxes that exist within we the people: Amy Irving in one of the believable celluloid romances namely “Crossing Delancey. “ The film is being honored with a flashback at the upcoming Sedona Film Festival. Irving’s co-star, Peter Riegert, will also be on hand.
To that paradox point Irving built Isabelle or Izzy from inherent contradictions that often coexist at the exact same moment, as. follows:
Her character is sophisticated, yet emotionally unsure and uncertain in love.
Izzy an independent woman, but vulnerable to status signals and peer judgment.
She is warm, but seemingly unwilling to commit.
Izzy projects autonomy, while being emotionally tethered to family tradition and cultural continuity.
Hers is a case of mind (a good one) over the matter of a rock solid connection.
So in “Delancey” Irving’s character serves up plot complexity. Having her Izzy be guarded, while appearing open, shapes the arc of the story. Riegert’s performance gives the arc of the story its street cred. He grounds the beautiful bird who is always ready to fly.
In the end, paradox still on display, Irving’s Izzy looks like the obvious romantic lead – but resists romance. While Riegert’s Sam is an unlikely romantic lead – but is the one in the story who embodies romance.
That inversion is one of the things that gives “Crossing Delancey” its emotional credibility and its staying power, a rom-com that is well worth watching again as the sweet story is a balm against today’s headlines.
Image courtesy Sedona Film Fest & Irving’s team.
Irving’s career has toggled between screen and stage, a career that has included Golden Globe nominations and an Obie win for “The Road to Mecca.”
Her recent public-adjacent work has leaned heavily into music and live performance such as a debut album “Born in a Trunk,” 2023. A work built around songs connected to moments across her life and career. A second album, “Always Will Be,” is framed as a Willie Nelson-songbook/tribute projected.
Irving has also turned up at benefits tied to reproductive rights.
Whatever the context, directors learned over time they could rely on Irving to suggest a robust inner life without grandstanding. A glance, a moment of hesitation, a Mona Lisa half-smile roll up into suggesting doubt along with desire.
In short, over the years Amy Irving has mastered the fine art of making interiority visible without histrionics.
To learn more about Amy Irving, check out her podcast.
Patrick Schweiss, more:
Patrick Schweiss, courtesy SFF.
Patrick Schweiss is executive director of the Sedona International Film Festival and theaters.
He took the helm at the festival 22 years ago and has overseen its growth from a 3-day festival to a 9-day celebration of independent film.
In 2012, Schweiss initiated and oversaw the festival organization as it built its own arthouse theatre venue – The Mary D. Fisher Theatre – where it presents year-round independent films, theatrical and ballet productions on screen from around the world, live simulcasts and live theatrical events, as well as other arts and cultural events.
In June 2022, the festival opened its newest addition: the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. Now the event has two theatre venues that operate daily all year long!
Through the theatres, Schweiss has been able to bring cultural events to Sedona that may not otherwise have been seen by residents and tourists, including the Met Live Opera, Bolshoi and Royal Ballet productions, National Theatre of London, Broadway on Screen productions, Exhibition on Screen and Great Art on Screen exhibits, The Globe and Royal Shakespeare Company productions, live simulcasts and events as well as live theatrical and musical concerts.
Not to mention the main offerings at the theatre: the best independent films from around the word.
In addition, Schweiss has spearheaded collaborations with several other non-profit organizations in Sedona to co-produce and present events at the theatre.
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