Desert Foothills Land Trust Presents “Cactus Hotel” Movie Night Under the Stars

Inspired by the beloved children’s book “Welcome to the Cactus Hotel” by Brenda Z. Guiberson, this film by director Yann Sochaczewski tells the story of one old saguaro cactus and the desert creatures who depend on it for survival. Throughout the seasons, woodpeckers carve out nesting holes, owls move into abandoned cavities, and countless other species find shelter in what becomes a thriving vertical neighborhood. The saguaro serves as apartment building, restaurant, and refuge. What seems like a solitary plant transforms into a portrait of interdependence, showing how one cactus sustains a surprising web of desert wildlife.

“There have already been plenty of nature documentaries about the Sonoran desert and its inhabitants. But there has never been a film that puts the majestic Saguaro cactus into the center of the story,” says Sochaczewski. “This analogy helped craft an entertaining nature film that makes it fun to watch for the whole family.”

The event takes place at the Carefree Desert Gardens Pavilion, offering families a chance to enjoy cinema under the desert sky while supporting local conservation efforts.