FILMAPALOOZA
2025
Hosted by Phoenix Film Revival
Saturday, April 12th - 10 AM til 2 PM
WHERE
Phoenix Film Revival
1023 Grand Ave Studio E, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
On-street parking is available, and ride-sharing is highly encouraged.
Join us for an afternoon dedicated to film photography — a gathering by film photographers, for film photographers. From analog-themed contests and giveaways to community connection and creative inspiration, Filmapalooza is where competition meets camaraderie. Come hang out, trade photography, shoot the breeze (and maybe some film), and celebrate the art of analog with your fellow photo nerds.
REGISTRATION INFO
Make sure to register everyone who plans to attend through the link at the end of this page — space is limited, and this is an adults-only event. Please leave the kids at home, and maybe don’t bring Uncle Bob, who hates photography and is just looking for somewhere to sit for a few hours. We’d rather have the space for folks who actually want to be here. While this is a film photography meetup, digital shooters are welcome too… but like, maybe start making better life choices.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’ve got a bunch of things happening throughout the day — something for everyone, whether you’re deep in the darkroom life or just getting your feet wet. Competitions, Giveaways, Print Exchange and Group Photo.
COMPETITIONS!
(Sign-ups 11 AM-11:30 AM – Competitions 11:30 AM – 1 PM)
We’re adding a fun twist to Filmapalooza this year with a handful of photo-based competitions. Now, with over 100 people expected, running competitions for everyone would be chaos — so spots will be limited. Do you think you’ve got what it takes to crush one of the challenges? Be sure to head to the lab early — sign-ups open at 11:00 AM and are first-come, first-served. Each person can sign up for one competition, and depending on attendance, not everyone will get a spot — so don’t snooze on it. Winners will be announced during the Awards & Giveaways ceremony at the end of the day and will receive special prizes.
#1 - REEL DARK CHAMPIONSHIP (11:30 AM)
Can you load film in total darkness… with a crowd watching? Step into the shadows with REEL DARK, the ultimate test of analog skill and nerves of steel. Eight brave souls will face off in a blindfolded film-loading battle — racing to load a roll of film onto a reel and into a developing tank as fast (and clean) as possible.
8 Competitors
7 Head-To-Head Rounds
1 Crowned Reel Dark Champion
It’s all about speed, accuracy, and calm under pressure.
Do you think you’ve got the muscle memory to win in the dark?
#2 - BLIND LOADING BATTLE (12:00 PM)
No light. No peeking. No pressure… just your pride on the line. Think you know a camera like the back of your hand? Prove it in BLIND LOADING BATTLE, where eight contestants go head-to-head to see who can load a roll of 35mm film into a camera the fastest — blindfolded.
8 Contestants
Bracket-style Showdown
1 Ultimate Champion
This challenge will test your speed, skill, and calm under pressure. Also.. You won’t know the type of camera until the beginning of the competition. In the darkness, only one can emerge victorious. Could it be you?
#3 - FRAME OF MIND: (12:30 PM)
The Ultimate Film Trivia Showdown. No phones. No mercy. All film. Think you know your stuff? Put your analog brain to the test in FRAME OF MIND, a rapid-fire film photography trivia battle designed to separate the casual shooters from the true film nerds.
10 Contestants
Brutal Questions
No Phones, No Lifelines
Only One Trivia Titan
#4 - INK & EMULSION
(This one will happen during the Awards and Giveaways)
Show us the tattoos that prove your love for photography runs skin-deep. Got a tiny camera tucked behind your ear? A vintage lens etched on your arm? Maybe a deep-cut reference only true photo nerds would recognize. This one’s for you. INK & EMULSION is a crowd-judged contest open to anyone rocking a photography- themed tattoo. Whether it’s bold, beautiful, bizarre, or just deeply nerdy — we want to see it.
BRING A PRINT /
TAKE A PRINT
(All Day)
Bring one of your prints — no larger than 8x10 — to share with another film lover. It can be a silver gelatin print, inkjet, alternative process... anything that feels uniquely you. When you arrive, clip your print to the hallway display (we’ll have rope and clips ready). It’s ideal to bring it in a bag or sleeve for protection, but it’s not required. Be sure to include your contact info on the back or inside the bag — someone might want to connect with you afterward! Before you leave, pick a print from the wall to take home — just make sure you only take one if you brought one.
GROUP PHOTO @ 1:00 PM
What’s a celebration without proof we were all here making magic happen? We’re planning an epic group photo to capture everyone who came out to make Filmapalooza unforgettable. Depending on the turnout, we’ll either set up in the parking lot behind the lab or across the street in front of the building. The meet-up spot will be announced day-of, so keep your ears open — and whatever you do, don’t miss it. This is your chance to be immortalized in analog history.
AWARDS AND GIVEAWAYS
(Immediately after the group photo – 2:00 PM)
Some of the items we will be giving away:
Vintage Kodak merch
A suspicious amount of Kodak/NASCAR crossover items
Film
Cameras
And even an SX-70 with film!
We will also have the Awards for the winners of the competitions and the Ink & Emulsion tattoo competition will happen as well.
But here’s the deal — we’re switching up the raffle system this year.
To get a free raffle ticket, you must:
Arrive between 10–11 AM
Bring a real camera (not your phone — come on now)
If you show up 5 minutes before raffle time with no camera… let’s be honest, you didn’t really earn it.
PHOTO WALK
We won’t be hosting a guided or independent photowalk this year, but you’re absolutely encouraged to wander Grand Ave at your own pace. It’s a great chance to connect with fellow attendees, explore together, and maybe even discover parts of the area you haven’t felt comfortable checking out solo before.
(Make sure to be back for that group photo at 1pm!)