This year the Sedona International Film Festival will once more be presentencing several free workshops designed for everyone “from the beginning filmmaker to the seasoned professional, to the film lover who wants a glimpse behind the scenes.”

The workshops will be hosted by SIFF’s new board member, Academy® and Emmy® Award-winning Producer Kathleen Glynn (Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11, Sicko, Capitalism: A Love Story,) All workshops will be held at the festival’s brand new venue, the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. The 135-seat theatre is adjacent to the Sedona Film Festival offices at 2030 W. State Route 89A, near the Coffee Pot Restaurant.

Workshops start this Tuesday, February 21st, 9am – 11:30am with Screenwriting: From Page to Pitch to Production. Workshop presenters will be Bobby Moresco and Sterling Anderson. “Whether it’s a Hollywood blockbuster, adocumentary, or a short film, it all begins with the story. From concept to pitch, to finished script, we will discuss what goes in to getting your story green lit. Studio or independent: What is best for your screenplay? Oscar®-winning screenwriter Bobby Moresco (Crash) and Emmy®-nominated screenwriter SterlingAnderson will cover what it takes to get your idea from concept to page to screen.”

Wednesday February 22nd 9am – 11:30am, Storytelling Through the Eyes of the Production Designer and Cinematographer. The fest brings in some heavy-hitters on this one! Workshop presenters will be Steven Poster, ASC, (Director of Photography for Stuart Little 2, Daddy Day Care, Rocky V and Testament among others.) Thomas A. Walsh, (President of the Art Directors Guild and Emmy® award winner for Buddy Faro’s production design) John Toll, ASC, (Won Oscars® for Legends of the Fall and Braveheart) Jeannine Oppewall (Academy Awards® nominations (Production Design) for L.A. Confidential, Pleasantville, Seabiscuit and The Good Shepherd.

The workshop will be moderated by Rick Markovitz, (President of the Entertainment Marketing and PR agency Weissman/Markovitz.)

Thursday February 23rd 9am – 11:30pm the fest presents Women Documentary Filmmakers. Some of the documentaries from these filmmakers will be shown during the festival. This workshop is designed “to get the behind-the-scenes secrets” of the success these women documentary filmmakers have made “in this riveting, informative and entertaining workshop.” Featured award-winning panelists include: Gini Reticker (Pray the Devil Back to Hell), Connie Marks (Being Elmo), Margaret Betts (The Carrier), Joanne Diroshow (Hot Coffee) and Kathleen Glynn herself (Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11).

Friday February 24th 9am to 11:30pm will bring the final free workshop of this year’s SIFF; Music and Lyrics in the movies with Don Black. Mr. Black won the Oscar® for Best Music, Original Song for Born Free in 1967. He has been nominated for four other Academy Awards® and various other honors. His workshop will be how “music really makes a movie.” His discussion will be about the role of music in films and how lyrics and songs can help bring stories to life.