The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Rising: The Art and Life of John Waddell” at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre.

This special encore screening is part of a weekend-long celebration in honor of artists John and Ruth Waddell taking place at Tlaquepaque and the Renee Taylor Gallery and the launching of “Walk Into Beauty” — the Waddell Sculpture Walk at Tlaquepaque.

“Rising: The Art and Life of John Waddell” is the inspiring story of an artist who resists modern trends to stay true to the human form, the painful losses that decision cost him and the immeasurable treasures he gained.

Told by 15 models including the filmmaker, in rarely filmed nude modeling sessions, the film chronicles the moving story of a determined, prolific American sculptor working on the periphery of the contemporary art world for 50 years, shunning commercial success and media attention, enduring enormous personal setbacks and thriving without the help of critics.

“Rising” is a journey into Waddell's unique artistic process that distills the essence of the energetic artist-model exchange into sculpture that champions the human spirit and asserts the beauty of individual differences.

“Rising: The Art and Life of John Waddell” will be shown at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are $12 general admission, or $9 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.