The 5th annual International Wild Bunch Film Festival
The 5th annual Wild Bunch Film Festival is set to take place next month in Willcox, Arizona. The festival dates will take place on October 2 – 4. The Wild Bunch Film Festival is an international film festival which describes itself as “a competitive event for emerging filmmakers, screenwriters, authors and more!”
Their event page also states, “We hope to inspire and encourage them to pursue courageous and bold artistic visions in the western genre. This festival is known for embracing western and western sub-genres.”
While many festivals this year have opted for digital and online events the Wild Bunch Film Festival has made the decision to go forward with an in-person event, assuring attendees that the Willcox Theater will be adhering to CDC guidelines & implementing safety measures.
Here are some of the exciting events, meet & greets, and screenings attendees can look forward to participating in.
Sheree J. Wilson
Actress Sheree J. Wilson will be at the festival on Saturday and Sunday. She’s known for her role as April Stevens Ewing in the original version of the television show Dallas, as well as her role as Alex Cahill-Walker in the show Walker, Texas Ranger.
Fans can find Wilson inside the theater lobby for signings on Saturday at 12:30pm – 2pm as well as 6pm – 7pm. On Sunday fans can find her in the same location, but with slightly different time slots: 1pm – 2pm and 5:30pm – 6pm.
Duke Wimberly
Duke Wimberly from the television show Cowgirls – also nominated for the Jerry Vance Award for Best Stunt / Stunt Coordinator for the film Hung Up – will have signing times on Saturday.
You can find Wimberly in the theater lobby from 1pm – 2pm and 6pm – 7pm on Saturday. On Sunday you can watch Wimberly ride a bull at the Rex Allen Days Rodeo on Sunday.
Indie western screenings
On Sunday, October 4, there will be indie film screenings at the Willcox Historic Theater from 10am to 3pm. This will include a special 40th anniversary screening of Urban Cowboy at 3pm.
Jessie Mapes, an actress from the film will be present from the screening and participate in a Q&A session afterwards as well as an autograph signing session.
Award show
The award show for the festival will be hosted by Bobbi Jeen Olson, Jim Olson, and Rowdy Olson. The day before the festival begins you can also watch them on the Tucson Morning Blend television show on October 1 on the CW.
After-party
The film festival’s after-party is free to attend on Sunday evening and will be hosted by the Cattlerest RV Park and Saloon. The party begins at 10:30pm and will end at 12:30am.
The event will include a free concert featuring Eric Hamilton and Sweepy Walker, as well as a special performance by Jessie Mapes.
There will also be food and beverages available for purchase.
More information
Ticket prices are extremely affordable ranging from $12 to $50 depending on the type of pass purchased.
The event is a jam packed weekend filled with western genre fun that allows attendees to get to know many wonderful and talented western filmmakers. If you’d like to keep up-to-date with the festival be sure to follow them on their social media pages. You can find the Wild Bunch Film Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
