Kathy Shayna Shocket has the inside scoop on celebrities and people who make a difference.
How Dan Harkins reels in much, much more than just the blockbusters!
At the world premiere of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” several years ago at Harkins Theaters in Tempe Marketplace, Dan Harkins shared the stage with Hugh Jackman to greet the crowd. (Tempe won 20th Century Fox's online zip code contest for the location of the premiere)
I don’t know if Hugh Jackman realized then that Dan, who doesn’t often take center stage, was important to Arizona for more than just the blockbuster movies. That’s because independent and foreign films are part of the Harkins culture.
Not only is Harkins Camelview 5 in Scottsdale dedicated solely to showing foreign and independent films, but the Harkins circuit now hosts 6 different film festivals in Arizona and 1 in Oklahoma City. The Phoenix Film Festival, for example, is now a blockbuster itself, bringing in big name producers and actors.
Dan Harkins, the giant of movie theater circuits, who I would describe as a “gentle and humble giant” is more often comfortable off stage and running the business. A business, which by the way, he has built into a now Southwest Giant! It’s the fifth largest theatre circuit in North America, with screens in California, Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma as well.
And no surprise , Dan’s definition of showmanship , which he learned from his father is a bit different than you might think. “To my father, (Dwight Harkins) showmanship meant you were a good marketer, a good leader and a good citizen. Being a good showman meant operating with high integrity and giving back to the communities we serve.”
So, indie film lovers mark your calendars . The Scottsdale International Film Festival starts next week Oct 4 through Oct. 8 at Harkins Shea 14. Don’t be surprised if you see Dan and his children Danielle Harkins and James Harkins, quietly enjoying their popcorn and movie!
Thanks Dan! See you at the movies!
Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Writer, Photographer and TV-Field producer based in Phoenix, AZ. She's a former TV Reporter who's written for publications such as TIME Magazine, Money Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter and The NEW YORK TIMES. You can reach her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
