By DiAngelea Millar
Courtesy of Lynne D. Kitei
Dr. Lynne Kitei captured this video in 1997 of what
was to be called the "Phoenix Lights."
In March 1997, many Valley residents witnessed a still-unexplained sight in the night sky -- bright lights moving in formations and hovering low.
Since that time, the story of the "Phoenix Lights,'' as they've come to be known, has captivated countless people.
A screening and discussion marking the 15th anniversary of the sighting will be held in Scottsdale on March 11.
The sighting took place the night of March 13, 1997. A series of bright lights, at times appearing to form a V, moved quietly over the Valley. Sightings also were reported in other parts of the state.
Authorities were swamped with calls, with speculation that the lights were from flares dropped during an Air Force military maneuver in southwestern Arizona. However, no definitive explanation ever has resolved the questions. As a result, speculation has continued among UFO enthusiasts through the years.
One observer, Dr. Lynne Kitei, collected video during that night and several other nights as she continued to experience similar sightings.
Kitei, a Phoenix physician, collected data on the lights for seven years and came forward in 2004 with her information.
She is helping to organize this year's celebration of the anniversary.
"I put my personal and professional life on the line when I came forward," she said. "I couldn't stick all the information I had in a drawer."
Kitei lectures about health issues and knew nothing about UFOs before she started her documentation.
She partnered with producer and filmmaker Steve Lantz to produce the documentary "Phoenix Lights: We Are Not Alone." The film was originally released in 2005 and won several awards including best director at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival.
The pair continues to update the film each year as more information is discovered and people come forward to share their experiences.
"This event put Phoenix on the map," Kitei said. "It's always a positive to be well informed. People leave with a better understanding of what's going on."
The movie will be shown for the seventh year in a row at the Scottsdale Harkins Shea Theater, 7354 E. Shea Blvd., in celebration of the 15-year anniversary. Tickets will be sold at regular price, and the movie starts at 1 p.m. After the screening, a presentation will take place featuring cast members, including former Phoenix Councilwoman Frances Barwood.
For tickets, call 480-948-6555.
For information on the Phoenix lights, visit thephoenixlights.net.
