Amberlight Valley Favorites: Show Low Film Festival
In Amberlight Valley, community and creativity often meet in the most magical ways. One of my very favorite events each autumn is the Show Low Film Festival, a celebration of storytelling that brings filmmakers from around the world right here to our mountain town.
Each October, our theaters fill with new voices, fresh perspectives, and stories you won’t find on streaming platforms. And what makes it even more special? This festival is born out of love… love for film, for connection, and for our White Mountain community.
Dalea Faulkner, Martina Webster, the late Darlene Webster, & Daren Webster.
I thought I’d share a little behind-the-scenes look at the festival, along with reasons you’ll want to join us, whether you’re a filmmaker or simply a lover of good stories.
What inspired you to start the Show Low Film Festival?
I love working with my mom, and when she told me she wanted to start a film festival, I was instantly game. We’ve been putting on events together for as long as I can remember, so creating a space to celebrate film and creativity in a new way felt like the perfect next step.
How has the festival grown or evolved since its beginning?
It’s wild to realize this is our 8th year already! Each year, the festival evolves, shaped by feedback from our filmmakers and our ongoing commitment to improvement. What started as a spark has grown into a full weekend of connection, storytelling, and community.
What makes the Show Low Film Festival different?
Several things set us apart:
Winning Selections Only: If your film is screened here, you already know you’re a winner—you just don’t know which award until the closing ceremony.
Filmmaker Attendance: We require a representative from each film to attend the full festival. That means audiences get to meet the creatives behind the work.
Q&As After Every Block: With four theaters running each day, filmmakers answer questions right after their screenings. It makes the experience interactive and unforgettable.
Collaboration Over Competition: We call ourselves “the fest for the best.” The competitive walls come down, and the energy shifts toward networking, mentoring, and connecting.
What’s your role during the festival weekend?
My mom and I produce the festival together year-round—watching submissions, voting, creating the program book, securing sponsors, and spreading the word. During the actual festival, I’m on my feet most of the day making sure everything runs smoothly. One of my favorite behind-the-scenes tasks is lining up the awards in the exact order before the ceremony… It’s a ritual that always brings a smile to my face and ensures we give the right awards to the winners.
What does it mean to bring filmmakers from around the world here?
It means everything. I love celebrating the beauty of the White Mountains while also showcasing new stories in film. Our filmmakers don’t just show up for the screenings—they go on scavenger hunts through town, visit local businesses, and pour back into our community. It’s this beautiful exchange of art and hospitality.
How does the festival connect to your own work as an author and filmmaker?
It reminds me why we create at all—why we tell stories. Connecting with other artists, celebrating their visions, and seeing audiences light up refills my own creative well.
Why Locals Should Come
You might be wondering: “But I’m not a filmmaker… why should I go?” Here’s why:
If you love watching movies, this is the place to be. You never know which film might be the next big thing.
You get to meet the filmmakers. Imagine watching a film and then asking the director about their creative choices right after—it’s an experience streaming at home just can’t replicate.
It’s an adventure. With a festival pass, you can pick and choose which blocks to attend, explore different genres, and make it your own.
The atmosphere is unbeatable. There’s nothing like watching something in a theater, surrounded by people who love story just as much as you do.
(Quick note for parents: films are unrated. Some screening blocks are family-friendly, but others aren’t meant for kids. You can always ask us about which blocks work best for your family.)
My pitch to anyone still on the fence:
Yes, you should come! Every year brings a brand-new wave of creativity in motion. It’s a weekend unlike any other in the White Mountains, and one you’ll never forget.
The Details
📅 When: The third weekend in October
📍 Where: WME Theaters Village 8, Pinetop, AZ
🎟 Tickets:
In person at the theater
Arizona Mountain Coffee Co. in Pinetop
🎬 What you’ll see: Shorts, features, documentaries, horror, faith-based, inspirational, drama, family-friendly selections, and student films.
Why It’s an Amberlight Valley Favorite
The Show Low Film Festival is one of those events that makes our mountain town glow even brighter. It’s not just about watching films. It’s about meeting storytellers, supporting local businesses, and celebrating creativity right where we live.
That’s why it will always be one of my Amberlight Valley Favorites.
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