By BARRY BARBE, Across the Street Columnist

Imagine you were in a “Skiffle” band, named the Quarry Men, with John Lennon in the early 1950s. Things are going great as you perform rather folksy / bluesy tunes on rather rustic instruments. Then there is a differing of opinions as to the direction of the group and what style of music you would both like to perform. And so, you end up leaving the group.

Colin Hanton was the bandmate who left the group later to be known as The Beatles.

Pre Fab!, directed by Todd Thompson closes out the 14th Prescott Film Festival telling Colin’s story, and subsequently the story of how The Beatles began. Colin will be attending the Prescott premier of the film and sit for a Q&A afterward.

Throughout the four-day festival, Helen Stephenson, director of PFF, and her small, yet dedicated team offer a total of 53 films in a variety of genres.

“We have 100 volunteers that screen and review films over the year and also go to other festivals to curate a really diverse collection of films,” Helen said. “The Prescott Film Festival is unique in some ways in that we do not show films that are available through streaming programs or have already been released.”

While the selections are diverse, there are several films that are in the western or equine theme.

“The Cowboy and the Queen,” directed by Andrea Nevins, tells the unlikely friendship of a horse trainer, Monty Roberts, and the late Queen Elizabeth who invited Monty to England to experience his training techniques first hand.

“Cowboy Poets,” directed by Mike Day, follows the story of cowboy poets as they gather for their national gathering in Las Vegas. Included in the documentary are Gail Steiger, Amy Hale and Mary Matli.

And East meets West in “Tokyo Cowboy,” following the challenges of a Japanese investor as he makes an earnest effort to turn a Montana ranch into a profitable endeavor, changing himself along the way.

Usually held in the fall, the festival runs this year from July 17-20 at Yavapai College in the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center.

“Prescott is beginning to see a resurgence and interest in the film industry and the variety of employment opportunities that exist. And some of the interest is evident in our short films, which include student entries from (Prescott Unified School District) and the YC Film & Media Arts Program.

“Yavapai College recently received a Quest Grant that is open to students looking to earn a certificate in film and media production, writing for the screen, media editing and post production, and script supervision. It’s a great opportunity for students to explore the industry,” Helen said.

Along with the films, the festival also offers free workshops Wednesday and Thursday mornings. How to stage and film a fight scene, presented by Prescott-area resident Gary Montana gives advice on how to choreograph various fight scenes. He is also in the process of opening a stunt school in Dewey.

Another local, Cody Lundin, tells the highs, lows and challenges of producing your own TV production outside the major networks.

With over 50 films to view, some may be a little less obscure than others. “My Life as a Robot” follows the career of Robert Shields as he goes from run away, to circus performer, TV and cultural icon of the ’70s, and how his performances continue to inspire street performers and mainstream dance even today.

“While all the films are incredible and diverse, ‘Call me Dancer,’ tells the story of perseverance, rebellion, passion as a young Indian boy is convinced to follow his career to become a dancer, left me crying,” Helen said.

“There really is something for everyone.”

VIP festival tickets are $229, which includes the pre-festival and closing receptions as well as access to the VIP loft where guests can enjoy complimentary meals and have the opportunity to meet some of the directors and writers who may be on hand.

Admission to single films is $14 with students receiving a 50% discount. Workshops are free, but you must pre-register as seating is limited.

Regardless of your favorite film genre, the 14th Prescott Film Festival offers something for every film nerd. It could be “Jack and Sam,” “The Convert,” “The Extortion,” “All Choked Up,” or “Body Language,” all offering a view into another’s thoughts, and life through the creative use of film.

For tickets, visit YCPAC.com; and for a full schedule of events go to Prescottfilmfestival.com.

Barry Barbe owns the El Gato Azul and Torme restaurants in Prescott, and is the energy and insight behind the Prescott Palette. He also has a radio show, the Prescott Palette, on KQNA 1130 AM, Saturdays at noon. Email: Prespalette@gmail.com.