Sedona, AZ — Prepare to be transported to a world of imagination and cinematic wonder with The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal, a must-see documentary that celebrates the life and legacy of one of Hollywood’s greatest pioneers in science fiction and fantasy.
Join us on Wednesday, December 4, at 4:00 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre in Sedona, AZ for an exclusive screening sponsored by the Sedona International Film Festival, hosted by filmmaker Arnold Leibovit, followed by an insightful discussion.
This event is more than just a movie screening; it’s a tribute to a visionary who inspired generations of filmmakers, including legends like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.
Imagine a time before E.T. and Star Wars, when George Pal was captivating audiences with stories that were ahead of their time.
His Puppetoon movies set the stage for the animations that would follow in movie making history.
George Pal revolutionized film with groundbreaking works like The War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, and Destination Moon, combining vivid imagination with unparalleled technical skill.
Arnold Liebovit’s three-year labor of love takes you through Pal’s remarkable five-decade career. Through intimate interviews, unforgettable movie scenes, rare archival footage, and original artwork, the documentary captures the magic of Pal’s legacy and the artists whose lives he touched.
Produced, written and directed by Arnold Leibovit with chief advisor Mrs. George Pal The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal features Charlton Heston, Rod Taylor, Alan Young, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Russ Tamblyn, Barbara Eden, Tony Randall, Ann Robinson, Gene Roddenberry, Roy E. Disney, Ray Bradbury, Ray Harryhausen, Robert Wise, Joe Dante, Walter Lantz, Robert Bloch, Chesley Bonestell, Wah Chang, Gene Warren Sr., Jim Danforth, William Tuttle, Duke Goldstone, Gae Griffith, Albert Nozaki, George Pal, Mrs. George Pal and Paul Frees (narrator).
This special event is more than a look back at classic films; it’s an invitation to experience the magic that Pal infused into every project he touched.
Leibovit, a lifelong custodian of Pal’s legacy, will share rare insights and fascinating stories from behind the scenes. His dedication to preserving Pal’s vision has earned him numerous awards, including the George Pal Memorial Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror.
Leibovit also produced the DVD re-release of The Great Rupert (2000), George Pal’s first feature film, by Image Entertainment and the Blu-ray version (2013) on The Puppetoon Movie release.
Leibovit served as associate director/editor of King World Productions Rascal Dazzle, featuring Hal Roach’s Our Gangcomedies, which was narrated by Jerry Lewis and scored by Nelson Riddle; and directed three award winning short subjects: Penny Lane (1975) renowned film on toy mechanical banks, Judgment: An Essay on War (1974) widely televised and “The Fatherland (1973) selected by The Whitney Museum of Art as part of The New American Filmmakers Series.
If you’ve ever been captivated by the limitless potential of cinema, or if you long for the days of classic storytelling with heart, then this event is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to relive the magic of George Pal’s worlds and witness the influence he continues to have on today’s filmmakers. Purchase your tickets now and be part of this unforgettable tribute to the father of modern science fiction and fantasy cinema.
This special event will also feature two Academy Award-winning Puppetoons restored in Technicolor: Good Night Rusty and Dr. Seuss’ The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins.
Click HERE to purchase tickets.
