On April 16, day eight of the Phoenix Film Festival officially took place. With over 20,000 attendees and over 250 films being showcased, fans alike joined together to discover their new favorite movie.

“The Alter Boys” is a Polish film that follows a group of teenage boys who decide to steal money back from the church that was meant to go to the poor. By using a hidden wiretap to secretly monitor people’s confessions, the boys become judges on who needs the funds the most. Their mission begins to blur the lines between justice and rebellion.

Michelle Morgan, a VIP member, shared her thoughts on the portrayal of the church community and the issues that can come with it.

“I enjoyed it because it was kind of a coming of age movie in terms of where this… young group of men saw the warts in some of the things that they had,” Morgan said. “They saw the underbelly… that was a maturing experience that was eye opening for them.”

In a heartbreaking scene, Filip (Tobiasz Wajda) learns that the money he gave to a poor man was used for alcohol instead of food. In an act of desperation, he throws a rock at the window of an abusive father. As the father beats Filip, a Eucharistic Procession taking place catches them.

Sam Kirkland, a staff volunteer, shared how the climax of the film stood out the most, showcasing defiance through a revolution.

“It was at that point he had the bravery, or the courage to go, you know, you can see who I am and this is how I feel about it,” Kirkland said.

“The Alter Boys” tackles the idea of hypocrisy and fairness in the face of what is right and just. Life isn’t fair, and this film doesn’t shy away from revealing those harsh realities.

“The Last Viking” is a dark comedy, Danish film that follows Anker (Nikolaj Lie Kaas), a man who was released from prison after a 15-year sentence for robbery. Only Anker’s brother, Manfred (Mads Mikkelsen), knows where the money from the heist was hidden. Unfortunately, Manfred developed a mental disorder, forgetting all about it. Together, the brothers embark on a journey to find the money and discover their buried past.

Justin Sowinski, a VIP member, expressed his appreciative feelings that were felt throughout the duration of the film.

“It was just such an emotional rollercoaster, from start to finish, it kind of just kept me guessing,” Sowinski said. “One second it’s like, oh, they’re being funny… the next second it’s really serious.”

In a heartpounding scene, Manfred is taking the main antagonist, Flemming (Nicolas Bro), to find the buried money. With a gun pressed against his head, Manfred begins speeding up faster, scaring Flemming. Before Flemming could stop him, Manfred jumps out of the truck and crashes it. Manfred watches Flemming bleed to death as he comedically states, “There is something wrong with your family.”

“There’s more to people than you can assume,” Sowinski said. “Even people you are close with, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes that you might not even know about.”

“The Last Viking” reveals how family dynamics and trauma can lead to differences in growing up with the use of comedic timing and violence.

“Babybacks” is a horror film that follows Zoe (Viridana Marquez) and Mateo (Ryan Rathbun), a couple that crosses the Mexico/U.S. border in search for a better life. Once they enter, Mateo is injured and Zoe finds shelter in an elderly couple’s home. Hospitality slowly begins to spiral into madness once the couple is reunited in the house. Together, they must survive the night where kindness covers something far more sinister.

Director Geno Marx described what he hoped would correspond to the audience within the film during a Q&A session.

“The social metaphor, in today's time, is what's happening in the country to a very specific group of people, and we all know what I’m talking about,” Marx said. “I don’t think it’s just specific to Latin Americans in the country. I think part of my metaphor might be just how our country uses and abuses and cannibalizes immigrants in general.”

In an intense scene, the elderly wife, Carol (Melissa Chambers), goes upstairs to a nursery home and tries to breastfeed a baby. She angrily yells and weeps that the baby isn’t eating correctly. The audience soon learns that Carol was trying to breastfeed a deceased baby, showcasing the decrescent and unpredictability within the two elderly couples.

Actor Alfred Gonzales conveyed how the film stands as a stepping stone for Latinx actors in gaining opportunities in various genres.

“I hate to say stereotype, but if that’s where I have to take it, I’ll take it just to get my foot in the door,” Gonzales said. “I do hope that the Latino culture does see this and say, ‘Hey, they’re doing it, I can do it.’”

With bloody violence and terrifying situations, “Babyback” delivered a horror film that challenges the stereotypes faced with immigrants in a time where it’s experienced the most.

All the films featured in this article were either foreign or featured other cultures. Through justice, brotherhood or violence, these films established the importance of standing up for each other through loyalty.