Member Events   

OLLI at ASU Member Exclusive Event

Led by Dr. Kevin Sandler, ASU Associate Professor of

Film and Media Studies

5th Annual Sedona International Film Festival

Thursday, February 25 through Sunday, February 28, 2027

**Must be a current OLLI Member to Attend**

**We must have a minimum of 20 participants to offer event**

Join Dr. Kevin Sandler for a four-day, three night OLLI event at The 33rd Sedona International Film Festival.  The film festival is a nine-day event that features more than 150 independent films from around the world. From narrative features to documentaries, animation to feature films, the Festival includes Q&A discussions with filmmakers, free workshops, seminars and panel discussions, and much more.

The registration fee is $445.00. The registration fee includes the items listed below and will cover the stipend paid to Dr. Sandler for his planning, expertise, facilitation, and behind-the-scenes access. The fee will be paid at time of registration with OLLI.  It will become non-refundable on November 25, 2026. 

1. Morning discussion (catered breakfast buffet included) led by Dr. Kevin Sandler in private meeting room
2. Advanced selection of movies before general public (some films are not available at early release)
3. Exclusive overview of the festival from the festival director
4. 4 tickets for each registrant (1 for each of the 4 movies Dr. Sandler picks for discussion)

Additional items included with the event but the cost is in addition to the OLLI registration fee are:

1. NEW HOTEL - Courtyard by Marriott | 4105 W State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ | $289 (King) & $309 (Double Queen) | Parking is $25+ tax, per vehicle, per night. If the group reserves more than 22 rooms, then there will be an additional discount on the room rate and parking rate. Each room will be reserved by the member themselves. The member is responsible to confirm the room cancellation policy directly with hotel. You will want to reserve your room as soon as possible. The link will be in 'My Class List' under 'meeting link' after the payment is completed for the OLLI registration fee.
   • Must book minimum of 2 nights to qualify for the group rate. Guests wishing to book 1 night only can book directly at Marriott.com/FLGCS at the prevailing rate. Group rate is not available for 1-night reservations. 
   • Cancellation Policy: One night will be charged for cancellations made 30 - 8 days prior to arrival. Higher rate may also apply. All nights booked will be charged for cancellations made within 7 days of arrival. 
2. Members can request additional film tickets at a discounted price of $12 instead of $18 per ticket per film (price subject to change). There is a maximum of four additional tickets and the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre is not available for pre-selection. Once the film schedule is released each registered member will be sent a list to request any additional ticket.
3. Access to at least one festival party(cost TBD).

Join us each month for a lunchtime conversation with an ASU-affiliated author at Hayden Library on ASU’s Tempe campus OR on Zoom! Each gathering features an engaging Q&A with the author about their work, writing process, research, and the ideas behind their books. Authors will participate in person, while OLLI members can join either in person or remotely. Come discover the fascinating work of ASU’s authors and enjoy an opportunity to ask questions and connect with the university’s vibrant literary community.

Please note: This class can be in person at the ASU Hayden Library.

Upcoming Book Group Meetings:

Sep. 24 - MeXicana Roots and Routes
Edited by Vanessa Fonseca-Chávez and OLLI Faculty, Anita Huizar-Hernández
Register and more info - https://asuevents.asu.edu/event/asu-book-group-mexicana-roots-and-routes-edited-vanessa-fonseca-chavez-and-anita-huizar 

Nov. 18 - Channeling Emily Dickinson 
By OLLI Faculty, Rosemarie Dombrowski
Register and more info - https://asuevents.asu.edu/event/asu-book-group-channeling-emily-dickinson-rosemarie-dombrowski

Feb. 25 - Tumbleweed Underworld
By OLLI Faculty, Eduardo Pagán
Register and more info - https://asuevents.asu.edu/event/asu-book-group-tumbleweed-underworld-eduardo-pagan

LDNS Masterclasses are free, live, interactive professional development sessions led by former U.S. ambassadors, military and national security leaders, and other distinguished practitioners. Participants gain practical leadership and global affairs knowledge through discussion, Q&A, and real-world insights from experts.

Masterclasses can be taken individually for professional development or completed as part of pathways toward the Global Literacy and Impact Certificate or Practical Diplomacy and International Leadership Certificate. Participants who complete the required masterclasses may purchase the corresponding ASU professional certificate.

The program is designed for a broad audience, including students, professionals, government and military personnel, nonprofit leaders, and lifelong learners such as OLLI members. 

Click here to view the full 2026 - 2027 schedule and register! 

In this encouraging and craft-focused class, Patricia L. Brooks will help writers move beyond simply recounting life events and begin shaping memory into compelling memoir. A caring and insightful teacher with years of experience as both a published memoirist and writing instructor, Patricia will guide participants through key elements of creative nonfiction, including structure, scene, reflection, emotional truth, and vivid detail. Writers will learn how to deepen the meaning of their experiences, engage readers more powerfully, and transform the raw material of memory into a polished and resonant narrative.

What to expect at a glance:

• Understanding of how to shape personal memories into compelling memoir

• Core tools for creative nonfiction

• Ways to deepen the meaning of your experiences

Click here for more information and to sign up!