About Prescott Film Society

The story of the Prescott Film Society begins in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on April’s Fool day 1984. On this day, Randy Rogers opened the Show Business Video Library. Randy and his video rental store were central to the small town entertainment scene until 1994 when he and the store moved to Prescott Arizona. For the next 30 years, Show Business Video Library served the Prescott community and grew from the contributions of it patrons; Randy was soon well known for having a diverse and eclectic collection of films. Through the switch from VHS to DVD to BLU-RAY, all the way through the COVID-19 pandemic, Randy kept the store (and himself) running. That is, until 2023 when the pressures of streaming and loss of revenue forced Randy to consider retiring.

The question then arose of what to do with the extensive film collection Randy had accrued over his long and storied tenure at the video store. Enter the Prescott Film Society, a rag-tag fugitive fleet of film fanatics and community members bent on helping Randy transition out of his work life and into blissful retirement. 501(c)(3) non-profit status was established and the film library then entered into Film Society stewardship. Day-to-day operation of the video store was handed over to the Executive Director, Keaton Snyder. For two years Keaton struggled valiantly to resurrect the video store and build a non-profit organization from the ground up. In spring of 2025 the Show Business Video Library closed its doors and entered into a new era as a community supported film library. Currently in an office lodged deep in the rectory at the historic Hazeltine Theater in downtown Prescott.

From this hallowed artistic ground, PFS is poised to build alliances with other local organizations, artists, and educators to enhance its impact. By positioning Prescott as a creative hub, they can galvanize support for the arts, drawing on shared interests in film, storytelling, and community engagement. With the reinstatement of the state tax credit for film production, PFS is strategically positioned to catalyze a resurgence in local filmmaking. Their vision of creating a supportive environment for artists and storytellers can drive economic and cultural revitalization in the area, benefiting the broader community.

The Prescott Film Society embodies the principles of grassroots organizing and community engagement that Randy established in Jackson Hole. By becoming a member, you will be investing in a passionate organization dedicated to revitalizing Prescott's film culture and empowering its residents. This will not only help preserve a cherished local institution but also inspire a new generation of filmmakers and film lovers, ultimately contributing to greater social and cultural equity in the region.