On March 28, the weather was sunny and bright, but spending hours inside Harkins Theatre was well worth it ,as the films showcased were brilliant examples of artistic vision.  

Films aren't simply about the talent you see on screen; most of the work happens in the long hours spent before a computer screen, meticulously editing video and audio, planning shots and dialogue and even writing the script. It seems like a lot of work to do by yourself. However, that is exactly what Matthew Eli Judd did.

Matthew Eli Judd, Stephen Buchness and Carlos Jiminez are the founders of the production company Ghostwright Media. Judd is also the director, actor and writer behind their film "After Life Crisis," a feature film about a ghost who wants to quit his job of scaring the living. What makes this plot particularly touching is that it bloomed out of a particularly hard time in Judd's life when he quit his job and didn't know where to go next.

"I ended up quitting that job at the [acting] academy because of drama," Judd said. "I tell people, I sort of blew up my life, and the day I quit, I actually called Carlos, who's one of my business partners, and he would  eventually become the cinematographer and film editor for 'After Life Crisis' as well."

It takes an amazing crew to make an amazing movie. Every shot, scene and line delivered on screen results from countless hours of collaboration, dedication and sheer hard work from a team of creatives who bring their unique expertise to the table. Not everyone in the film industry is lucky enough to work with a great team. Judd sympathizes with the people who have horror stories about working with their film crews because for him, he lucked out.

"You find the people when you find the people," Judd said. "Carlos, Stephen, and Brandon are such a huge part of who I am now and where I am now."

The unique take on film at this festival is the kind of creativity that isn't born out of a lust for money; it's a genuine connection and love for the art. Filmmaker Brian Jervay shares this sentiment deeply.

"Most artists struggle between being original and making a living," Jervay said. "Plus, with AI advancing, filmmakers face new challenges, but challenges also bring opportunities. The key to originality is authenticity. Each artist's unique experiences is the thing that makes our work original."

Similarly to Judd, Jervay is also the actor, writer, director and editor behind his film, "Some Kind of Justice," following the character Gerald Owens as he navigates the senseless murder of his only child with the help of another grieving father of another murder victim.

"Staying true to my characters and vision ensures originality because no one else thinks exactly like I do," Jervay said.

Staying true to your story also means staying true to humanity for Judd. Like Jervay, Judd believes the film industry needs to give jobs back to humans and away from AI. Art is the very thing that keeps humans human, so why give it away?

“Don't take it away from the creatives who are trying to create justification for our human existence, who are trying to create things that can help make life worthwhile,” Judd said.

The originality Hollywood desperately needs to bring back to their movies is alive and well in creative hubs like the Phoenix Film Festival. These creatives will stop at nothing to bring their visions to life.

"The more I create, the less I care about critics and the more determined I am to do things my way," Jervay said. "I also have no patience for nonsense—if you're on my team, you need to be fully invested in the vision or at least committed to supporting me in getting there."

Jervay's creative philosophy is grounded in an unwavering commitment to bringing the visions in his head to life. Prioritizing growth as an artist helps him maintain his authenticity over external validation. This mindset shapes how he navigates challenges and doesn't let them distract him from his goals.

"I don't see myself as someone to give advice—I'm still learning like everyone else," Jervay said. "But what works for me is tuning out the noise. If you believe in your vision, act on it."