the Boulder Film Festival has big plans for its 21st year. Credit: Courtesy

A rising tide lifts all boats, and that may just be the case with the film scene in Colorado. Not only is the state’s film community constantly becoming more dynamic and diverse, but people outside the state are catching on. With Boulder’s status as one of the finalists for the Sundance Film Festival, there’s no telling what the future will bring.

But we do know the 21st Boulder Film Festival (BIFF) is here to celebrate another great year in film, with plenty of movies and events to delight cinephiles of all kinds.

“We’re excited about so many aspects of BIFF this year. Our line-up of films is excellent,” wrote Robin Beeck, co-founder and executive director of the festival, in an email interview. “The world can feel chaotic these days, but great film can offer inspiration and escape.”

This year’s festival runs from Thursday, March 13 through Sunday, the 16th at locations all over the Boulder area. Passes for multiple screenings and events are available, or patrons can purchase single tickets for individual films.

This year, BIFF features 68 films from 18 countries and will include around 60 filmmakers—20 0f whom are from Colorado. The event also features three world premiers and six U.S. premieres, according to provided information.

“We have a lot of special guests attending screenings this year, including the world-renowned fashion designer Kenneth Cole, who is featured in a moving documentary about his activism over the years,” wrote Kathy Beeck, co-founder and director of BIFF, in an email interview. “We will also host Eileen Collins, the first female spacecraft commander in history, whose documentary Spacewoman will be featured as our closing night film; Mark Mothersbaugh from the influential 1980s band Devo; and Olympic gold medalist Edwin Moses.”

The festival is particularly well-known for its special events, which include CineCHEF, where award-winning Colorado chefs create dishes inspired by their favorite films and compete against their peers, and The Adventure Film Program, which highlights new adventure films. Audiences can check out adventure shorts, features and discussions with filmmakers and world-class adventurers, plus Call2Action conversations with community groups, according to provided information.

There are also numerous filmmaker Q&As and opening and closing night parties.

When it comes to what films to check out, both Kathy and Robin encourage people to explore and try something new. That’s the best way to embrace the myriad of opportunities BIFF presents and come away with a new perspective.

“We hope that attendees are inspired and entertained by the unique and fascinating stories that are told at BIFF this year,” Kathy wrote. “We hope they enjoy great food, fun parties and good music. We hope they meet some of the 60 filmmakers in attendance and that BIFF 2025 is an experience that they won’t soon forget.”

See the full schedule and purchase tickets at https://biff1.com/.

Parker Celebrates Student Artworks

The Parker Arts, Culture & Events (PACE) Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., is hosting a display of some of the best work by students in the district with the Student Art Exhibit: Bright Futures 2025.

Running through Thursday, March 27, the exhibit includes pieces from local high schools: Denver East, Douglas County, Grandview, Legend, Rock Canyon and Chaparral. All the participating students took place in this year’s Portfolio Day, an enrichment day for high school students to have their portfolios reviewed by industry professionals, according to provided information.

More details available at https://parkerarts.org/event/art-exhibit-bright-futures-2025/.

Denver’s ‘Catalysts’ Honored by DTD

The Denver Theatre District (DTD) announced “Catalysts,” a new exhibit by British-American artist Jann Haworth (co-designer of The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” cover), which will be installed on the side of the Buell Theatre, on Champa Street between 13th Street and 14th Street.

The work features a collage of 34 stenciled portraits of behind-the-scenes individuals, who are integral to the success and vibrancy of Denver arts and culture, as selected by participating arts organizations, according to provided information. The work began in summer 2024 and will be on display on the billboard, which consists of three panels, each 26 feet by 24 feet, until 2027.

For more information, visit www.catalystsproject.com.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Adrian Younge at the Marquis

Adrian Younge is one of the modern musicians keeping jazz alive and thriving. Not only has he worked with some of hip-hop’s best voices and brought a jazz element to their music, but he co-founded the Jazz Is Dead record label with Ali Shaheed Muhammad, of A Tribe Called Quest. The music he produces is always vibrant and dynamic and sounds both classic and contemporary. 

It seems like Younge is always working on some new project, but he’s taking time out to stop by the Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St. in Denver, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 15. Get tickets for the show at www.livenation.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

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